Canglang Pavilion

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List
Type Cultural
Criteria i, ii, iii, iv, v
Reference [whc.unesco.org/en/list/813 813]
UNESCO region Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1997 (21st Session)
Extensions 2000

The Canglang Pavilion (simplified Chinese: 沧浪亭; traditional Chinese: 滄浪亭; pinyin: Cāng Làng Tíng; Suzhou Wu: Tshaon laon din, IPA: [tsʰɑ̃ lɑ̃ din]), variously translated as the Great Wave Pavilion, Surging Wave Pavilion, or Blue Wave Pavilion, is one of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou that are jointly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located at 3 Canglangting Street in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China.

History

The Canglang Pavilion was built in 1044 CE by the Song dynasty poet Su Shunqin (1008–1048), on the site of a pre-existing imperial flower garden c 960 CE. It is the oldest of the UNESCO gardens in Suzhou, keeping its original Song dynasty layout.[1] The name is derived from a verse in the poem Fishermen by Qu Yuan (ca. 340 BCE-278 BCE), a poet from the southern state of Chu during the Warring States period, in his book Songs of the South, "If the Canglang River is dirty I wash my muddy feet; If the Canglang River is clean I wash my ribbon".[2] This verse alludes to an honest official who removes himself from politics rather than act in a corrupt manner. Su Shunqing choose this to express his feelings after his removal from office.

After his death the garden passed through many owners and fell into disuse until 1696 CE when it was restored by Song Luo, the governor of Jiangsu Province. In 1827 ownership was transferred to governor Tao Zhu and again in 1873 ownership was transferred to governor Zhang Shusheng.[2] In 1955 the garden was opened to the public and in 2000 it was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments.

Design

The 1.6 ha garden is divided into two main sections.[1] The garden is sited on a branch of the Fengxi Stream which forms a lotus pond. The garden has 108 windows each one with a unique design.[2]

See also

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 Suzhou, 2009
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Yuan, 2004

Sources

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Coordinates: 31°17′47.57″N 120°37′17.46″E / 31.2965472°N 120.6215167°E / 31.2965472; 120.6215167

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