Uncover the Get to Know Suzhou, a city steeped in ancient tradition and adorned with stunning classical gardens, intricate waterways, and a captivating blend of culture and modernity.
Get to Know Suzhou
Get to Know Suzhou is ideally situated on the banks of the Yangtze River and the shore of the picturesque Lake Tai in the Jiangsu Province of China’s Yangtze River Delta. Since its establishment in 514 B.C., Suzhou has played a significant role in world culture. With more than 2,500 years of history comes a wide range of historical attractions. The Grand Canal, also known as “The Venice of the East” by Marco Polo, and the magnificent Classical Gardens are both Unesco World Heritage Sites in this lovely city.
Suzhou attracts tourists with historic pagodas, scenic bridges, a cobblestoned Old Town, and top-notch museums, so it’s no surprise that it has received the prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Destinations. In order to create this special tour to a some of our travelers’ must-see locations in this ancient city, we teamed together with Suzhou Tourism.
Explore the Culture
Suzhou’s elegance, harmonizing natural and architectural landmarks, and evocative music have long drawn academics and aestheticians. One of the significant cultural practices for which the city has been recognized for more than 20 centuries is the Kun Opera, with its distinctive rhythmic sound. For a sample of Suzhou culture, the Kun Opera Museum, Suzhou Museum, and Hanshan Temple are all highly recommended.
Suzhou Museum
This impressive tribute to the city’s important contributions to culture is stunning. The Suzhou Museum is a striking appearance from the outside. The structure was created by renowned local architect I.M. Pei, who also created the iconic glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum. It is a striking modern interpretation of traditional Suzhou homes. More than 15,000 items are on exhibit inside. Along with the ancient Chinese arts, such as calligraphy, porcelain, carved gemstones, and more, there exist remnants of traditional Chinese residences and recreations of them. Though admission is free, making reservations in advance is advised.
Suzhou Museum was added to my list of things to do because it was created by I.M. Pei. I had no idea the collection and exhibitions were so beautiful; they’re also a great opportunity to learn about Chinese history, as one visitor said. “I only had an hour to spend, but a visit would be great if you had at least three to four hours so you could leisurely go through the exhibits and enjoy a tea break in the lovely setting. Whenever you’re in Suzhou, please stop by! I am eager to return.
Hanshan Temple
Hanshan Temple, enclosed by an enormous yellow wall, is one of China’s most recognizable structures. The famous Chinese poem “A Night Mooring Near Maple Bridge” from the Tang Dynasty describes the ringing of the temple bells at twelve o’clock. The temple’s renown lies in its tradition of bell-ringing, with the bells still rung today, notably 108 times on the eve of each Chinese New Year. According to a legend, anyone who hears all 108 bell tolls will be lucky and happy in the upcoming year.
One traveler remarked, “Loved the vibe of this place.” When you enter, there is an incense-scented room with enormous golden Buddha statues, a bell that you can ring, and lovely wooden architecture.
Experience the Natural Beauty
The gardens of Suzhou are a celebration of how balance in nature can inspire serenity. In the thirteenth century, the Venetian adventurer Marco Polo described Suzhou’s gardens as beautiful. He emphasized the grottos’ unique allure and their construction to achieve perfection with high standards. These wonders, protected by UNESCO, feature pagodas, bridges, and water features, representing the highest level of aesthetic and energetic balance.
Two of our visitors’ favorites are the Lingering Garden and the Humble Administrator’s Garden.
Humble Administrator’s Garden
The 500-year-old Humble Administrator’s Garden, which spans 13 luscious acres, derives its name from the original owner, a retired government official who desired to unwind amidst beauty. It is mysterious, moving, and magnificent to visit here. The area hosts over ten pavilions, with some having enticing names like “Heavenly Spring.” Additionally, there are bridges, bamboo groves, lotus ponds, a museum with artifacts from the Ming Dynasty, and a teahouse. Interesting fact: People believe that evil spirits can only move in straight lines, so the bridges zigzag.
One traveler exclaimed, “If you only visit one classical garden in Suzhou, it has to be this!” It is the best and most well-known garden for a reason.
The Lingering Garden
The Lingering Garden, another treasure of the illustrious Ming Dynasty, is a marvel of architecture. It features pagodas, lily ponds, and a sense of tranquility, all traditional Chinese garden architecture hallmarks. This 5.8-acre area has mosaic-tiled paths, providing numerous vantage points for capturing picturesque scenes. A family house, a sizable rock outcropping, and a bonsai collection with more than 1,000 plants are some of the attractions.
One passenger exclaimed, “So many places look just like a postcard!” “Get your camera ready because there are tons of fantastic photo opportunities here!”
Savor the Flavors
One of China’s eight cuisines is “Su Cuisine,” as the cuisine of the Jiangsu P Dumplings of all varieties are incredibly popular in Suzhou. It’s a specialty of Songhe Lou, a two-century-old restaurant where reports claim that Emperor Qianlong first tried the dish. SU Yan and Yang Yang Dumpling are two excellent places to start your exploration of Su cuisine.
YangYang Dumpling
This neighborhood restaurant is the real deal, serving a bewildering variety of the titular meal. The Yang Yang Dumpling’s menu offers a wide selection of popular Su cuisine meals to taste in addition to
the hand-wrapped dumplings, like the Mandarin “squirrel” fish and deep-fried green beans. For ordering, use Google Translate and the meal photographs since the menus are only available in Chinese.
A diner commented, “Yang’s dumplings are quite famous, and deservedly so. “Pork, pork, and veggies and vegetables are some of the filling options. The dumpling pastry fries nicely, being crispy on the bottom and soft and steaming on top when freshly made.
SU Yan (W Suzhou)
SU Yan, set in the trendy W hotel with amazing lake and city views, is Get to Know Suzhou cosmopolitan culinary expression. The restaurant features low-slung banquettes and an exceptional mixology program, promising a satisfying dining experience. Seasonal menus feature items like the neighborhood hairy crab and double-boiled fish ball soup with crabmeat.
“The hairy crabs in SU Yan are of the highest caliber and come from Yangcheng Lake. One diner said, “Every bite, I had to close my eyes to relish the taste. I sampled traditional Suzhou delicacies, including Pyramid Braised Soy Pork, Steamed Taihu Lake White Fish,
and Double-boiled Fish Ball and Water Shield Soup. The cuisine delighted with deliciousness, fresh ingredients, and attractive dish presentations. Excellent service was also provided. The Jinji Lake was spectacularly visible
from the 34th floor.I will undoubtedly travel to Get to Know Suzhou once more just to eat at SU Yan Restaurant.
