Suzhou is located on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Taihu Lake in the province of Jiangsu Province, China. Suzhou is renowned for its world famous private gardens – stone bridges, pagodas, lakes, rockeries and traditional architectures and meticulously designed gardens which have contributed to its status as a great tourist attraction. In 1997 and 2000, eight of the finest gardens in Suzhou along with the ancient water town of Tongli were selected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site to represent the art of Suzhou-style classical gardening. Suzhou enjoys great fame internationally for its elegant gardens. It is said that the gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them. Suzhou attracts many visitors both home and abroad every day. When Suzhou is mentioned, naturally, people will think of its abundant classical gardens. The ingenious man-made landscape and the concept of maintaining harmony between mankind and nature have gained a high reputation worldwide. Possessing wonderful gardens, exquisite water towns, charming natural scenery and splendid history and culture, the city is praised as 'a paradise on earth'.