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Suzhou

Suzhou is located in the lower Yangtze River or Changjiang area, precisely on the coast of Lake Taihu, in Jiangsu Province, which is part of the Golden Triangle area. Suzhou has an interesting geography and excellent land, sea, and air transportation. The city is only about 80 kilometers from Shanghai or about an hour's drive by car and 25 minutes using a high-speed train, making Suzhou one of the most visited tourist destinations.

The city is known as one of the cities with a long history of 2,500 years. It is not surprising to find ancient temples and pagodas here. For tourists who love art and culture, the small alleys in the old city of Suzhou have a number of traditional buildings with Ming and Qing Dynasty-style architecture.

Suzhou is known as a garden city. This is because, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there were around 200 gardens owned by the royal family, officials, merchants, or royal poets. Currently, there are approximately 80 gardens that can be visited and enjoyed by tourists. The most famous garden is the Humble Administrator's Garden or Zhuozheng, built by Wang Xianchen on a land area of 78 hectares in 1500. Half of this garden consists of water ponds decorated with koi, goldfish, and wooden bridges.

There is also a favorite spot that is often used as a photo location, Waibaidu Bridge, a bridge built in 1907 that is one of the oldest steel bridges still standing in China despite having undergone several renovations. The city is also known as the Venice of the East because it is framed by charming canals like in Venice, Italy.

Travel Tips for Suzhou

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Suzhou

A guide to Suzhou's local transportation

Bus

Train

Taxi

Rickshaw

Bicycle

Buses are a convenient and affordable type of transportation in Suzhou. The buses tagged with "Y" are designated for tourist routes and charge nominal fares of around ¥2 to take you to all the major tourist spots in Suzhou. All of these buses leave from Suzhou Railway Station located at 27 Chezhan Road, Gusu.

Practical Tips for Suzhou

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How to get to Suzhou from Shanghai?

If you're planning a trip from the bustling city of Shanghai to the charming city of Suzhou, you'll be glad to know that you have two transportation options to choose from. You can take a scenic train ride and enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way, or opt for a quick and convenient flight to reach your destination faster.

Where should I stay in Suzhou?

Suzhou is known for its beautiful gardens, canals, and historic landmarks. If you're planning a trip to Suzhou, you'll be delighted to know that there's a lot of charm to be found here. Consider booking accommodations near some of the city's most interesting landmarks to make the most of your stay. Jinji Lake, for example, is a picturesque body of water surrounded by parks and gardens. The Suzhou Museum, on the other hand, is an architectural masterpiece that houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese artifacts. No visit to Suzhou is complete without a trip to the Humble Administrator's Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's widely regarded as one of China's finest classical gardens. By staying near these landmarks, you'll have easy access to the best that Suzhou has to offer.

What are the interesting activities in Suzhou?

Suzhou is a city that offers many interesting activities for tourists from various backgrounds. One of the most popular tranquil locations in the city is Jinji Lake, a beautifully arranged lakeside area that offers outdoor activities, shops, and restaurants to visit and enjoy. The lake is situated to the east of the old city of Suzhou and can be reached by bus that stops at Dongfangzhimen and Harmony (or Yuanrong) Times Square.

Another fantastic attraction is the Suzhou Museum, which consists of three floors and four exhibition rooms. The museum houses various collections, including ceramics, wood carvings, jade, textiles, paintings, and calligraphy. The museum's design and artistic exhibitions beautifully reflect Suzhou's history, culture, and surrounding area.

Last but not least, the Humble Administrator's Garden is a must-visit location. It is the largest park in Suzhou, covering an area of 5 hectares. The garden is home to bamboo forests, pavilions, ponds with water lilies, and bridges scattered around the area. Take a stroll around the garden and admire its beauty while rejuvenating your senses.

What is the best way to get around Suzhou?

Despite the appeal of its ancient city and rich history, Suzhou is also one of the most modern cities in China, with a highly efficient transportation system that caters to both locals and tourists. Public transportation options like trains, buses, and pedicabs/rickshaws are readily available, making exploring the city and getting around easy.

What are the recommended local foods in Suzhou?

Suzhou, a city in China, offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that are typical of the region. With a combination of delectable flavors, unique textures, and tempting presentations, culinary tourism in Suzhou is an experience that spoils the taste buds. Here are some of the traditional dishes from Suzhou that you must try:

Songshu Guiyu is a popular fish dish in Suzhou. It is made using freshwater fish, such as carp, which is cooked with typical Suzhou spices like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The right cooking technique produces tender fish meat with perfectly absorbed spices. This dish is usually served with fresh vegetables and has a delicious, savory taste.

Biluochun Chacake is a famous dessert in Suzhou. It is made from the same main ingredient as Biluochun tea, which is a well-known green tea from the area. The finely ground Biluochun tea is mixed with rice flour, sugar, and other ingredients to form a cake batter.

Gusu Osmanthus Cake is a popular traditional cake in Suzhou. This dish is made from rice flour and osmanthus flowers. The cake has a soft and sweet texture, with a distinctive osmanthus flower aroma that is appetizing.

Taohuawu Marinated Duck is a famous duck dish in Suzhou. This dish uses Suzhou's typical marinating and preserving method to cook the duck, which produces tender, aromatic, and delicious meat. The dish is usually served with Suzhou's special sauce, which adds a rich and delicate flavor.