Tinglin Garden is a classical Chinese garden in central Kunshan, named in honour of the 17th-century scholar Gu Yanwu who was born here. It is smaller and less crowded than the famous Suzhou gardens but genuine in its design: the characteristic Jiangnan arrangement of pavilions, ornamental rockeries, ponds, and covered walkways creates the characteristic illusion of spaciousness within a compact area.
The garden forms the heart of Tinglin Park, which is larger and includes a small hill. Kunshan's cultural museum is on the grounds and houses exhibits on Kunqu opera — the classical theatrical form that originated in this county and is inscribed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The combined visit takes about two hours and is a good counterpoint to the more crowded water-town experiences.