North Half Garden

North Half Garden

North Half Garden is a Suzhou municipal cultural relics protection unit.

North Half Garden, also known as the Lu Family Half Garden, covers an area of 1,130 square meters and is located at No. 60, East Baita Road. This garden was originally built during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era by Shen Qiyi, and later reconstructed in the Xianfeng era by Lu Jiemei, a provincial governor from Anhui, who named it “Half Garden.” It earned the colloquial name “North Half Garden” due to its location north of the Shi Family Half Garden in Cangmi Lane. In 1982, it was listed as a Suzhou municipal cultural relics protection unit, and opened to the public in 1992.

Constructed in the Xianfeng era by Lu Jiemei, a provincial governor from Anhui, it was named “Half Garden” (and is now commonly called “North Half Garden” because it lies north of the Shi Family Half Garden in Cangmi Lane). After the liberation in 1949, it was used successively by a woodenware and tub cooperative, a ribbon factory, the Dongwu Silk Weaving Mill, and the Third Textile Machinery Factory. The garden is situated to the east of the residence, with a central pond surrounded by huangshi (yellow stone) revetments, and features a boat hall, waterside pavilions, winding corridors, and a half pavilion. Most of the structures highlight the theme of “half.” The two-story, half-eaves tower pavilion in the northeast corner of the garden is unique among Suzhou gardens. The garden is planted with trees and flowers such as white-bark pines, boxwoods, and wisterias.

The garden is laid out around a long and narrow central pond, with huangshi and Taihu stone revetments. Surrounding the pond are structures such as a dry boat, a four-sided hall, waterside pavilions, and half pavilions, all connected intermittently by winding corridors. Many elements in the garden emphasize the concept of “half,” including a half bridge, half pavilion, and half waterside pavilion. In the northeast corner stands a library tower with a distinctive design — a double-eaved, two-and-a-half-story structure that is small yet exquisitely crafted, unique among Suzhou gardens. The garden also features precious plants such as boxwoods and wisterias. Despite its modest size, the layout is compact, the architecture refined, and the environment elegant.

Transportation Guide

Address: No. 60, East Baita Road, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Getting There: In Suzhou, take bus routes 301, 301 Long Route, or 305, and get off at Pingjiang Road Station.