Emperor Qianglong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) went to Tianping Mountain many times while on tours of his southern domain. The emperor ordered pavilions and gardens, like Jie Jia Ting and Yu Bei Ting, to be built there. Although many of those structures were destroyed by later warfare, some of the sites have since been rebuilt.

Tianping mountain is dotted with buildings and courtyards, each one interconnected yet still separate from its adjoining counterparts. The structures, with their charming facades, are patterned after traditional temples, though they weren't built for religious purposes. Large doorways lead into simple yet impressive rooms underneath a classic pagoda roof.

It's idyllic to stroll through the rooms and houses, following passageways from one courtyard to another. All of the structures hold a distinct Chinese spirit within them, and many have unique stories to tell.

Suzhou, of course, is famous for its classical Chinese gardens, and that heritage is not lost at Tianping Mountain. The courtyards in traditional Suzhou style are entered by quintessential circular archways. Everywhere, ponds crossed by stone bridges reflect the greenery of the landscape. Stone pillars dot the area. Each garden has distinctive features.

At 201 meters high, Tianping Mountain hardly qualifies as a "mountain" by most standards, though the trail to the top along well-worn stone stairs can be arduous for the unfit. The summit offers a spectacular view of forests, rock formations and rushing streams.

But what the mountain lacks in height, it makes up for in grandeur. It is part of the National Taihu Lake Scenic Area of Suzhou, less than five kilometers from the city. Its clean air, lush foliage and natural serenity make it a popular site for day-trippers.

One of the most impressive images on a day trip there comes when one stands across the Baiyun Spring and views the mountain from a distance. Greenery cascades down its slopes to the side of the lake. In front of the mountain, one of the houses is the ancestral home of one of poet Fan's relatives.

Classic Chinese architecture coupled with an impeccable setting. It's a picture almost untouched by time.

Address: Lingtian Rd, Wuzhong District, Suzhou

Opening hours: 7:30am-5pm

Admission: 30 yuan

If you go

How to get there: It takes 25 minutes from Shanghai to Suzhou by high-speed train. Once upon the Suzhou Railway Station, take Metro Line 1 to Mudu, the terminal station, and walk 20 minutes to the Tianping Mountain Scenic Area.