Suzhou Garden in Jiangsu province was created in the quest to escape the daily pressures of worldly life.

The Chinese garden is held up as the easiest way on earth to attain peace and tranquility. It is a living legacy of gardening artistry that has been continued for 1,500 years.

The gardens were built in line with Taoist philosophy and serve as a perfect retreat, with the symmetry of the hills, brooks, pavilions, trees, halls, fountains, flowers and towers giving off a peaceful aura and creating a tranquil ambience.

China Institute Young Associates will hold a summer gathering in the elegant Suzhou Scholar's Garden at the China Institute in New York.

Suzhou's Scholar's Garden originates from traditional and authentic rock gardens found in the city. Designed and built by Chinese craftsmen, authenticity of the garden was ensured by importing the stone, tiles, windows and Taihu rocks from China. The intimate garden includes a stone-mountain waterfall, a goldfish pond and 100-year-old gingko trees.

Date: Aug 3

Venue: China Institute

Website: ya.chinainstitute.org

(China Daily 08/03/2012 page23)