On the southeastern slope of Tiger Hill in Suzhou lies a unique garden known as Wanjing Villa—"Villa of Ten Thousand Landscapes." This place is unlike the classical gardens of Suzhou. Its main treasure is not pavilions or gazebos but a living collection of the ancient art of penjing (bonsai), transformed into a large-scale landscape masterpiece.
History and Philosophy of the Garden
Wanjing Villa was established in 1982 as a specialized garden for preserving and showcasing the art of penjing (bonsai)—the Chinese tradition of cultivating miniature trees. The garden was built on the site of a historical estate from the Qing Dynasty, seamlessly integrated into the natural terrain of the hill. Its name reflects the core idea: even in a limited space, an infinite variety of landscapes can be created, each carrying profound philosophical meaning.
Journey Through the Garden
Through monumental wooden gates, visitors enter a world where nature and art merge into one. Right at the entrance, guests are greeted by an artificial waterfall cascading over rocks.
The center of the garden features a picturesque lake with curved shores, surrounded by artificial hills. Elegant bridges span the water, and stone paths run along the banks. This area embodies the principle of "shanshui" (mountains and waters), where water symbolizes the variability of life and rocks represent its constancy.
Bonsai Terraces
Ascending the steps from the lake, visitors reach a system of terraces housing the garden’s main collection—over 500 bonsai trees. They are spaced widely apart to emphasize the uniqueness of each specimen. Here, you will find:
• Pine trees, symbolizing longevity and resilience.
• Maple trees, changing color with the seasons.
• Bamboo, representing flexibility and wisdom.
• Flowering trees (plum, peach), adding vibrancy to the garden in spring.
The Jewel of the Collection—"Ancient Sageretia"
The main treasure of Wanjing Villa is a bonsai called "Ancient Sageretia." This specimen is known as the "King of Bonsai" not only for its age (over 400 years) but also for its unique artistic form. Its trunk, covered in cracks and burls, resembles the body of an ancient dragon, while its branches form a complex silhouette balancing harmony and tension. Weighing 2,000 kg, it is one of the largest bonsai trees in the world, requiring several people to move it.
The Art of Bonsai in detail
Every tree in the garden is the result of generations of masters’ work. The shapes of the crowns and trunks reflect key bonsai styles:
• Upright style, symbolizing steadfastness.
• Slanting style, demonstrating resistance to the wind.
• Cascade style, imitating trees growing on cliffs.
Here, the finest examples of bonsai from Suzhou—a city where this art has reached its peak—are gathered. Wanjing Villa is an ideal place for photography year-round: flowering trees in spring, crimson maples in autumn, and snow-covered pines in winter.
Visit in the afternoon when the soft sunlight illuminates the terraces, highlighting the texture of the bark and the curves of the branches. Take your time: the art of bonsai requires slow contemplation. Pay attention to the nameplates—many trees have poetic names that reveal their essence, such as "Crane’s Dance" or "Whisper of the Wind."
