Suzhou

Suzhou, located in China's Jiangsu province, has a history spanning over 2,500 years. The city is known for its network of canals, classical gardens, and rich cultural heritage. You can walk through ancient streets, visit UNESCO-recognized gardens like the Humble Administrator's Garden, and take boat rides along the waterways. Other points of interest include the Yunyan Pagoda, which leans to one side, and the Suzhou Museum, designed by architect I.M. Pei.

Classical Gardens of Suzhou

Suzhou has more than 60 classical gardens, with nine recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These gardens date back to the 6th century BCE and represent traditional Chinese garden design principles. The Humble Administrator's Garden, covering 52,000 square meters, is the largest in Suzhou. As you walk through, you'll see carefully arranged ponds, bridges, and pavilions. In the Lingering Garden, you'll notice how the architects used space and structures to create interesting visual effects.

Exploring Suzhou's Canals

Suzhou has an extensive network of canals throughout the city. You can take a 30-minute boat tour to see the city from the water. As you cruise, you'll pass under stone bridges and alongside traditional whitewashed buildings. For a more intimate experience, you can hire a private gondola-style boat in the evening when lanterns light up the waterways.

Traditional Streets

Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street are two historical areas in Suzhou. Pingjiang Road stretches for 1.5 kilometers alongside a canal. As you walk along the cobblestone path, you'll see traditional houses, teahouses, and small shops. You can watch locals going about their daily lives, try local snacks, or buy handmade crafts. Shantang Street is longer at 3.8 kilometers and has similar sights. You'll notice red lanterns hanging along the riverbank.

Tiger Hill and Yunyan Pagoda

Tiger Hill contains several historical sites and natural areas. The hill got its name because it looks like a crouching tiger. At the top of the hill, you'll find the Yunyan Pagoda, also called the "Leaning Tower of China." This seven-story octagonal pagoda was built in 961 AD. Over time, its foundation has shifted, causing it to lean. You can climb to the top for a view of Suzhou.

Suzhou Museum

The Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, houses a collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. The building incorporates elements of traditional Suzhou architecture with modern design. Inside, you'll find exhibits on local history, ancient paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics. The museum's garden has white walls, black-tiled roofs, and carefully placed rocks and water features, reflecting a modern take on classical Suzhou garden design.

Local Cuisine

Suzhou's cuisine typically has light, fresh flavors with an emphasis on seafood and vegetables. You can try Suzhou-style noodles, served in a clear broth with various toppings. Another local dish is squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, where the fish is deep-fried and served with a sweet and sour sauce, creating an interesting visual presentation. Dongpo pork, a braised pork belly dish named after the poet Su Dongpo, is also popular in the area.

Getting There and Around

You can reach Suzhou by high-speed train from Shanghai in about 30 minutes. From Beijing, the train journey takes about 5 hours. Once in Suzhou, you can use the city's metro system to reach most major sites. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the old town areas and ride along the canal paths.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are good times to visit Suzhou. The weather is mild during these seasons. In spring, you'll see blossoms in the gardens. Autumn has comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Summers can be hot and humid with some rain, while winters are cool and damp, occasionally with light snow.