Just got back from Suzhou, and here are my honest thoughts

Baozis!! Suzhou in May is just too amazing!! The weather is perfect, not too cold and not too hot, and the city is filled with the fragrance of flowers 🌸. It's simply a heavenly vacation spot! Today, I'm sharing an unconventional guide to unlock the local's secret, less crowded spots, so you can easily capture the romance of Jiangnan~

🌿 [Recommendations for Niche Check-In Spots]

🍃 BenSe Art Museum

This place is simply a paradise for artsy youths!! Don't miss the once-a-month "BenSe DongXi Bridge Market." There are tons of handmade stalls, delicious snacks 🍡, and traditional intangible cultural heritage performances. You could spend all day here and still not see everything! The market is by the water, so you can sit on a small boat and enjoy the scenery. The atmosphere is amazing~

🏞️ Shigong Mountain

A treasure hidden by Taihu Lake!! In May, Shigong Mountain is lush and green 🌳. Stroll along the lakeside path and enjoy the breeze. It's super pleasant~ You can also climb to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Taihu Lake. The view is incredible! Watch the sunset 🌇 in the evening as the orange sunlight spills onto the lake. It's breathtakingly beautiful!

🎋 Yipu Garden

A super niche garden with few people and beautiful scenery!! Compared to the Humble Administrator's Garden, this place is more tranquil and serene. The ponds, rockeries, and pavilions are well-arranged, and every shot looks like a traditional Chinese ink painting 📸! Sit in the teahouse, order a cup of Biluochun tea 🍵, listen to the birds, and enjoy the peace and quiet~

🍜 [Local's Secret Food Recommendations]

🔥 Zhu Xinnian Dim Sum Shop: You must try their bubble wontons!! The wrappers are as thin as paper, and they float in the soup like little balloons. They're so fresh they'll make your eyebrows fall off! Pair them with freshly made qingtuan, which are soft, glutinous, and sweet~
🔥 Chen Ji Mung Bean Soup: A summer lifesaver!! The minty soup base is topped with glutinous rice, candied fruit, and colorful shredded coconut. It's icy cold and super refreshing 🥤. You'll want to order extra to take away!
🔥 Lao Lu Gao Jian: A century-old shop!! Their braised duck and braised pork ribs are super flavorful, and the meat is tender and juicy. They're perfect with rice 🍚! Remember to buy some vacuum-packed ones as souvenirs~

🚴 [Little Travel Tips]

✔️ It's super convenient to ride shared bikes 🚲 to attractions in the city center, and you can stop to take photos at any time~
✔️ It's recommended to take a taxi or rent a car to go to Taihu Lake. The scenery along the way is gorgeous, perfect for a road trip 🚗!
✔️ Avoid weekends!! Popular attractions are super crowded on weekends. The experience is twice as good on weekdays~

🏠 [Accommodation Guide]

If you want to be close to shopping and food 👉 Choose a place near Guanqian Street, where shopping malls and food streets are clustered~
If you want to experience the Jiangnan style 👉 Stay in a characteristic B&B in Pingjiang Road, where you can see the river when you open the window~
If you're on a budget 👉 Chain hotels near subway stations are super cost-effective and convenient for travel!

⚠️ [Little Tips to Avoid Pitfalls]

1️⃣ Don't impulsively buy silk and pearls around the scenic spots!! It's easy to get ripped off. Stick to reputable stores~
2️⃣ Suzhou cuisine is on the sweet side 🍬. If you don't like it, tell the owner to use less sugar in advance~
3️⃣ Wear light-colored clothes for better photos!! White dresses and light blue shirts go perfectly with Jiangnan~
4️⃣ Protect the environment and don't litter. Let's keep Suzhou beautiful~

Baozis!! Suzhou in May is waiting for you to embark on a romantic journey~ Quickly save this guide and set off with your friends!! Let's go 🚀!!