Dreaming of Suzhou: Strolling Through a Millennia-Old City and Savoring the Charm of Jiangnan

Suzhou, historically known as Wu and also referred to as Gusu and Pingjiang, is a prefecture-level city in Jiangsu Province, China. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, this ancient city is renowned for its unique gardens, canals, ancient towns, silk, and cuisine. **Reasons to Visit:** 1. **City of Gardens**: Suzhou's gardens are treasures of Chinese garden art. Nine gardens, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, and Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 2. **Canal Scenery**: The Suzhou section of the Grand Canal, one of China's three great ancient projects, is still in use today and is lined with numerous historical sites. 3. **Water Towns**: The ancient towns around Suzhou, such as Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Luzhi, are well-preserved and exude the charm of water towns. 4. **Silk Capital**: Suzhou is one of China's four major silk capitals, known for its exquisite silk craftsmanship. The Silk Museum and Silk Market are great places for visitors to learn about silk culture. 5. **Gourmet Paradise**: Local delicacies like Squirrel Fish, Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, and Suzhou-style dim sum are unforgettable. **Famous Attractions:** 1. **Humble Administrator's Garden**: One of China's four famous gardens and a representative of Jiangnan gardens. 2. **Suzhou Museum**: A perfect blend of modern and traditional design, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. 3. **Tiger Hill**: Known as the "Number One Scenic Spot in Wu," with the Yunyan Pagoda as its iconic structure. 4. **Pingjiang Road**: A historical district that epitomizes the ancient city of Suzhou, full of Jiangnan water town charm. 5. **Zhouzhuang Ancient Town**: Known as China's first water town, a typical representation of bridges, flowing water, and households. **Travel Itineraries:** 1. **One-Day Tour**: Humble Administrator's Garden → Suzhou Museum → Pingjiang Road → Tiger Hill. 2. **Two-Day Tour**: Day 1: Humble Administrator's Garden → Suzhou Museum → Pingjiang Road; Day 2: Tiger Hill → Lingering Garden → Shantang Street. 3. **Five-Day Tour**: In addition to the two-day tour, include Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, Tongli Ancient Town, and Suzhou Amusement Land. **Food Guide:** 1. **Breakfast**: Fengzhen Noodles at Tongdexing, morning dim sum at Songhelou. 2. **Lunch**: Braised Pork at Lugaoxian, Squirrel Fish at Songhelou. 3. **Afternoon Tea**: Osmanthus and Red Bean Soup at Panyulin. 4. **Dinner**: Suzhou cuisine at Songhelou, savory soy milk at Changmen Yaoji Soy Milk. 5. **Late Night Snack**: Fried Rice Cakes at Changmen Yaoji Soy Milk, Lotus Leaf Wrapped Beauty. **Accommodation Guide:** 1. **City Center**: Choose areas near the city center for convenience, such as around Guanqian Street and Pingjiang Road. 2. **Ancient Towns**: Experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns by staying in inns within Zhouzhuang or Tongli. 3. **Brand Hotels**: High-end accommodations like Suzhou W Hotel and Suzhou InterContinental Hotel. **Nearby Attractions:** 1. **Taihu Lake**: Dongshan Island and Xishan Island offer scenic views of the lake and ancient villages. 2. **Tongli Ancient Town**: Experience the leisurely life of Jiangnan water towns. 3. **Zhouzhuang Ancient Town**: Known as China's first water town, the ancient town is even more charming at night. Suzhou is a city full of poetry. Whether strolling through classical gardens or wandering the cobblestone streets of ancient towns, one can feel the unique charm of this city.