A Must-Visit Destination: Suzhou, Experience the Poetic Jiangnan

Here's a Suzhou travel guide to help you discover its unique charm.

Recommended Attractions

- Gardens
- The Humble Administrator's Garden: An iconic Suzhou garden with exquisite design, featuring pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing water. Every step reveals the beauty of Jiangnan gardens.
- Lion Grove Garden: Famous for its intricate rock formations, resembling a maze, which offer a fun and engaging experience.
- Historical & Cultural Sites
- Suzhou Museum: Designed by I.M. Pei, the new museum features a blend of light, shadow, garden architecture, and cultural relics. Don't miss the museum's prized treasure, the Secret-color Porcelain Lotus Bowl of the Yue Kiln.
- Hanshan Temple: A thousand-year-old temple known for the poem "Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night." The tranquil environment and melodious bell sounds create a strong sense of Zen.
- Ancient Streets & Alleys
- Shantang Street: Known as the "First Ancient Street in China," this charming street stretches along the river.
- Pingjiang Road: This historic street is lined with ancient buildings, with摇橹 boats gliding by. Many unique shops offer a taste of Jiangnan's vibrant atmosphere.
- Modern Scenery
- Jinji Lake: The modern pearl of Suzhou, featuring landmarks such as the Gate of the Orient and musical fountains, showcasing the city's modern landscape.
- Eslite Bookstore: More than just a bookstore, Eslite offers dining, shopping, and a unique architectural design with a rich cultural atmosphere.

Recommended Cuisine

- Suzhou Cuisine
- Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish: This beautifully presented dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a sweet and sour flavor that bursts in your mouth. A classic of Suzhou cuisine.
- Shrimp with River Snails: A dish that blends the aroma of tea with the freshness of shrimp, creating a feast for both taste and smell.
- Local Snacks
- Shengjian Mantou (Pan-fried Buns): Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and golden brown on the bottom. Each bite releases a burst of flavorful soup.
- Plum Blossom Cake: Sweet but not greasy, with a blend of soft and crispy textures. Topped with red dates, nuts, and other ingredients, it leaves a lingering aftertaste.
- Suzhou Noodles
- Yu Xing Ji: A century-old restaurant that uses traditional methods to make various Suzhou noodle toppings, such as Three Shrimp Noodles and Crab Roe Noodles.
- Tong De Xing: A rising star among Suzhou noodle restaurants, offering a wide variety of noodle bases and toppings. The noodles are chewy, and the toppings are plentiful.

Accommodation Recommendations

- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou at No. 88 Siji Road offers a luxurious and private vacation experience; Naked Stables Private Reserve Suzhou at No. 199 Beita Lake Avenue, High-tech Zone, features lake-view villas with stunning views of Taihu Lake.
- Family-friendly: Grand Metropark Hotel Suzhou at No. 1 Shishan Road has a playground and swimming pool; Hotel Indigo Suzhou Grand Canal at No. 16 Wanyue Street, Yangcheng Lake Peninsula Tourist Resort, is perfect for families with children who enjoy cycling and strolling.
- Budget-friendly: JI Hotel Suzhou Guanqian Street is close to many attractions, offers spacious rooms, and features a Suzhou-style garden.