The lotus flowers are in full bloom, with various varieties gradually opening!

🌟 Ancient City of Suzhou: A Millennium Echo in Ink and Color

"Arriving in Gusu, you'll see houses built along the riverbanks," as described in the ancient poem. This city, called the "Venice of the East" by Marco Polo, holds 2,500 years of Wu culture. During the Spring and Autumn period, it was the capital of the Wu Kingdom, where Wu Zixu built the Helu Grand City after careful planning—the moat still retains its original outline today. Strolling along Pingjiang Road, the bluestone slabs beneath your feet tell the story of the well-preserved Song Dynasty street layout recorded in the "Pingjiang Map" stele.

🏯 The Universe Within Gardens
1️⃣ Humble Administrator's Garden
Built by Ming Dynasty censor Wang Xianchen as his "Garden of Retreat and Reflection," it embodies the literati's philosophy of balancing official life with seclusion. The "Pavilion of Whom to Sit With" takes its name from a line by Su Shi, and every pavilion is like a three-dimensional landscape painting. Visit at opening time in the morning to enjoy the magical effect of "scenery changing with every step" in solitude.

2️⃣ Master-of-Nets Garden
Originally the "Hall of Ten Thousand Volumes" by Southern Song official Shi Zhengzhi, it was later transformed by Qing Dynasty scholar Song Zongyuan into a "Fisherman's Retreat." The night tour is exceptional—listening to Pingtan and watching Kunqu opera under moonlight feels like traveling back to an era of "music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and flowers."

3️⃣ Canglang Pavilion
Suzhou's oldest surviving garden, built by exiled official Su Shunqin with inspiration from the Chu Ci poem: "The water of Canglang is clear." The garden's interplay with the surrounding blue water perfectly realizes the concept of "mountain forests within the city."

🍃 Everyday Aesthetics of Pingjiang Road
This 1,200-meter-old street is a living museum of Suzhou's ancient city. Start early to experience the "cultural trifecta": queue for the first batch of Yaba Shengjian (dumplings), write postcards at the Cat Empty Bookstore, and listen to "Three Smiles" at the Pingtan Museum. Around any alley corner, you might encounter an old craftsman drying silk fabrics.

🛶 Moonlight on Shantang Street
Dug during Bai Juyi's tenure as Suzhou's governor, the "Seven-Mile Shantang to Tiger Hill" remains magnificent. The best time for a painted boat ride is at dusk when red lanterns reflect on the water, accompanied by the fragrance of osmanthus and the melodies of Pingtan.

The soul of this city lies in the folds of Taihu rocks in its gardens, the strings of Pingtan pipas, and the steam rising from a bowl of morning noodles. To truly understand this "quintessentially Jiangnan" city, slow down and "incubate" in teahouses like the locals do.

Post by WorldWandererDiaries#11 | Jul 14, 2025