The Couple's Retreat Garden is one of the less-visited UNESCO-listed gardens in Suzhou, tucked into the canal district east of the old town centre. The name refers to a design concept in which the garden is divided into two complementary sections — the "male" half with bold rock formations and large open spaces, and the "female" half with more delicate plantings and intimate pavilions. Whether you buy the symbolism or not, the contrast between the two sections creates an interesting dynamic as you move through the space.
The garden occupies a former official's residence, and parts of the residential buildings have been restored and are open to visitors. The boat dock on the north side of the garden sits directly on a canal and in the early morning has a particularly peaceful quality — water, old walls, and overhanging trees with almost no other visitors. The Couple's Retreat is one of the best options for avoiding crowds in peak season.