Da Zhu Gan Si, or shredded tofu in soup, is a signature dish of Huaiyang cuisine. CHINA DAILY

Besides bamboo, the rock formations, which have been designed to represent each of the four seasons, are another reason why people visit the garden.

Watching the goldfish swim in the pond while surrounded by plants and rocks standing quietly in the light rain, I felt that I had entered the life of the house's former owner.

My next stop was the Slender West Lake. Featuring bridges, willows, green peach trees, flowers and boats in tranquil waters, the lake made me feel like I was strolling through a painting.

Hidden behind the trees on the other side of the lake is the White Pagoda, which is a replica of the white pagoda in Beijing's Beihai Park. Legend has it that the pagoda was built overnight by a salt merchant who was eager to please emperor Qianlong during his visit to the lake.