Global Treasures: Suzhou

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1139

UPC: 879061007385

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The famous discoverer Marco Polo called the Chinese city of Suzhou "The Venice of the East," but Suzhou is more famous for its gardens, pagodas and beautiful stone bridges. The city's more impressive and elegant buildings date back to its long and glorious past, such as the town gate and Pan Men Wall.

Politics for the Simple Man Garden is one of the four most popular gardens in China and was designed according to the wishes of an important Mandarin between the years 1522 and 1566. The Master of the Nets Garden is somewhat smaller; nevertheless it is considered to be a gem of Chinese garden design that dates back to the 12th century.

Founded by Abbot Xu Taishi in the 16th century, The Garden of Rest is also one of the country's most beautiful gardens.

The Chinese garden is full of complex history and art that manifests itself as a sanctuary of simple harmony and peace, and nowhere is this more true than in the gardens of Suzhou.