Suzhou was the center of learning and
creativity during the Ming dynasty. It
was said, “Everyone’s a scholar and calligrapher
in Suzhou.”15 Suzhou reached
its current size in the 12th century,
when the Song court fl ed south. Picturesque
canals and bridges traversed the
walled city. Suzhou remained a cultural
capital throughout the Qing dynasty.
Wangshi Yuan is an excellent example
of the many scholar gardens that were
built and renovated during the 18th
century