[2024 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Suzhou Museum West (Updated Nov)
No.5 of Family-friendly Attractions in Suzhou
Museums
Address:
江蘇省蘇州市虎丘區長江路399號
Opening times:
Open today at 09:00-17:00(Admission ends at 16:00)Opening Soon
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hours
Phone:
0512-67571665
Suzhou | Don't just visit the Suzhou Museum, the West Wing is also worth a visit!
🚗 The Suzhou Museum West Wing is a branch of the Suzhou Museum. On September 25, 2021, the Suzhou Museum West Wing opened for trial operation. Located in Shishan Square, Gaoxin District, Suzhou, the West Wing was designed by GMP Architekten, a leading German architectural firm. With a total floor area of 48,365 square meters and an exhibition area of 13,391 square meters, the West Wing exhibits over 2,100 cultural relics, including jade cong from the Liangzhu period, Tang-Five Dynasties gold-leafed paper manuscript of the Lotus Sutra, Song Jun kiln drum-studded three-legged washbasin, Yuan dynasty celadon loquat tribute, Shunzhi period celestial maiden scattering flowers bowl, and other precious relics. The West Wing's architecture draws inspiration from the street and alley layout of Jiangnan water towns, inheriting classic elements while showcasing distinct regional characteristics. Permanent exhibition halls include the General History Exhibition Hall, Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall, Exploration Experience Hall, International Cooperation Hall, and Suzhou Color Life Hall.
🚗 Features
The Suzhou Museum West Wing offers a wide range of content. In addition to the "Pure Jiangnan: Suzhou History Exhibition" hall and the Exploration Experience Hall, the second floor houses the "Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall", which retraces the development of Suzhou's handicrafts from the Song and Yuan dynasties to the present. The second floor also houses the "International Cooperation Hall", which exhibits 218 sets of ancient Roman relics from the British Museum, marking the first time that the British Museum's collection of such relics has been exhibited in Asia. The third floor houses the "Suzhou Painting and Calligraphy: Collection of Paintings and Calligraphy from All Dynasties" exhibition. It exhibits 58 sets of exquisite paintings and calligraphy from the Song dynasty to the modern era. The first basement floor houses the Suzhou Color Life Hall, which exudes the ancient charm of Jiangnan.
🚗 Now, the West Wing of the museum is open to the public without an appointment, making it more convenient for visitors. There are many exhibitions inside, and the first basement floor is suitable for bringing children. The staff are very friendly. The exhibitions are very interesting, and the whole venue is very large. It is recommended to allow more time. It is a bit far from the subway station, so it is more convenient to drive.
vance_3647
An Afternoon in History at Suzhou Museum West
Suzhou Museum West is usually open by appointment, use the simple app to book your free ticket to the museum.
They have many exhibitions on Suzhou's history, including and incredible tapestry of ancient Suzhou. They also have collaborative exhibitions, like their work with the Brisith Museum sharing ancient Roman artifacts.
The architecture of the museum is an exhibition in itself. It's a very vast and beautiful building, with lots of angles to view.
#awesomepic #suzhou#本地遊
robynwhaley
Don't miss the top 10 highlights of Suzhou Museum West!
I've been to Suzhou Museum West so many times, and I always discover something new! Here are the top 10 highlights of Suzhou Museum West for your reference!
👉 Wu King Yumei Sword
Although it is not the Wu King Fuchai Sword, the Yumei Sword is also a treasure of the museum and worth seeing. The museum has a special area dedicated to its introduction!
👉 Ashurbanipal
This exhibition will be open until May next year, so you still have time to see it! In addition to Ashurbanipal, there are many interactive experiences, and you can rent glasses at the museum to watch!
👉 Suzhou-style Furniture
This is an exhibition with distinctive Suzhou-style cultural and craft features. I like the presentation of the hall name inside, and the mobile opera stage is interesting!
👉 Zigang Jade
I have heard of the Zigang Cup competition before, and this visit to the museum is a good opportunity to learn more about Zigang and the jade craftsmanship of that time!
👉 Southern Cage Fun
A birdcage can also be full of artistic atmosphere. Suzhou is the production center of southern cages, which shows that Suzhou was also a city full of fun in history!
👉 Suzhou-style Folding Fan
The Yushui Tongzuo Pavilion in the Humble Administrator's Garden is a vivid representation of Suzhou folding fans, and you can't miss the fan-making skills when you visit the museum!
👉 Taohuawu New Year Pictures
When you think of Taohuawu, you think of Tang Bohu, but you may overlook the Taohuawu woodblock New Year pictures, which are famous worldwide and represent the southern Taohuawu and northern Yangliuqing. How can you not love them!
👉 Suzhou-style Carving
Suzhou carving includes jade carving, wood carving, bamboo carving, and other techniques, all of which can be found in the museum!
👉 Ming and Qing Porcelain
The museum also has many Ming and Qing porcelain exhibits. Although Suzhou is not a porcelain production center, the Jiangnan style here is incomplete without porcelain!
👉 Jiangnan Kesi
This is quite impressive. Compared to Su embroidery, Kesi surprised me more. There is a display of Kesi techniques inside, and this craft really needs to be well inherited. It is also the pinnacle of Suzhou craftsmanship!
VaranasiVividDreams
Suzhou Museum West Pavilion | The Ultimate Feast of Suzhou Aesthetics!
1️⃣ No reservation is required for Suzhou Museum West Pavilion, which is really convenient. It's perfect for people like me who don't like planning and are always ready to go!
2️⃣ The target audience on the B1 floor is mainly children, and it feels like a good place to take kids. The kids are playing inside and sweating, while the parents are waiting outside.
3️⃣ The first floor is the General History Exhibition Hall, which displays the history and culture of Suzhou and Jiangnan in four chapters along a timeline. It is said that there are more than 2,000 cultural relics on display, but unfortunately, I just took a quick look.
4️⃣ On the second floor, there is the Suzhou Craft Museum on one side and the Ashurbanipal Special Exhibition on the other side (forgive me for not being able to tell the direction). The Craft Museum is divided into three parts: carving, cutting, and embroidery, mainly telling the origin and evolution of Suzhou crafts. I really like the scene aesthetics of this exhibition hall, which is super photogenic!
5️⃣ When I visited the special exhibition and the painting and calligraphy hall on the third floor, I was a little tired and anxious to eat. I don't know how long this special exhibition will last, but I want to take my mom there again.
6️⃣ PS: I rented a pair of AR glasses and an audio guide. The glasses are for video explanations, and I stayed in the same place all the time, which was a bit awkward. I personally prefer audio guides, so choose according to your own situation~
Suzhou Museum West Pavilion
Harper Cook Harper/75
Attention to those who recently visited the Suzhou Museum West Pavilion
On June 28th, I visited the Suzhou Museum West Pavilion again
and found many changes.
People planning to visit the West Pavilion during the summer vacation should take note‼️
✅ The Suzhou Museum West Pavilion has canceled the reservation system, and you no longer need to bring an ID card.
✅ Food and drinks are not allowed inside, only mineral water is permitted. Bags can be stored in lockers, but the number of lockers is limited. I waited for about 10 minutes today. It might be worse during holidays. If you drive, store your food in the car in advance.
✅ The dinosaur fossil exhibition has ended, and a new space exhibition is ongoing. There are many space-themed cultural creations, and you can stamp space stamps yourself. There are about twenty of them, so remember to bring a notebook. This space exhibition is free, while the space exhibition at the Suzhou Bay Digital Museum I just visited cost me 65💰. The West Pavilion offers great value for money.
✅ The corridor and slide where children could run around are under maintenance, which is a pity. Little Tao loves this place the most.
✅ I found many more cultural creations. This sword of King Fuchai of Wu is so cute that I couldn't resist buying two, along with two other small cultural creations. I didn't spend money on tickets, but I spent over 200 yuan on cultural creations.
✅ The VR experience is also new, costing 80 per person and requires queuing. Older kids will definitely like it. It's so cool.
✅ There's a new reading corner with many books for all age groups. Little Tao picked a few books, and I had to read each one more than three times before he was willing to leave.
If you don't know where to go during the summer vacation, the Suzhou Museum West Pavilion is a great place to gain knowledge, escape the heat, and it's free. It's such a great place to visit...
The Traveling Foodster
Suzhou Museum Full Guide, don't visit without reading it
🏛️ Suzhou Museum is divided into the main museum and the west museum. The main museum is located at 204 Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou, and the west museum is located at 399 Changjiang Road, Huqiu District, Suzhou. The two museums are quite far apart. The main museum is mainly for architectural style, while the west museum is mainly for collections and cultural relics. The west museum is suitable for bringing children.
🎨 Suzhou Museum is the masterpiece of Mr. I.M. Pei, who combined light, shadow, lines, and architecture to the extreme. The entire museum itself is a work of art, integrating Jiangnan, landscape, and gardens into one. Everywhere you look, there is a window with a view, and every step you take offers a different scene. Every casual photo is a masterpiece. The museum's exit is connected to the Prince Zhong's Mansion, which you can slowly experience if you have time.
🚇 Transportation:
Take Metro Line 4 to Beisita Station, then walk about 800 meters to reach the museum. If it's a weekend or holiday, it's not recommended to take the bus, drive, or take a taxi, as it will be very congested.
🎟️ Tickets
No tickets are required. You need to make a reservation in advance on your phone and enter with your ID card. Be sure to book in advance! In advance! In advance!!
🧳 Luggage Storage: You can store your luggage for free for 3 hours at the Visitor Service Center before your reservation time.
⏰ Opening Hours
Tuesday to Friday 9:00-20:00 Closed on Mondays!
The Suzhou Museum at night is also beautiful, you can visit in the evening!
📸 Check-in Spots:
• The "Suzhou Museum" sign at the entrance
• Courtyard rockery, koi pond
• Hexagonal windows
• Two large glass windows, one with a bamboo forest outside and the other with a hazy courtyard
🚫 Notes
1. No coffee or milk tea, no snacks
2. No selfie sticks, if you bring one, keep it in your bag and don't take it out
3. Do not use flash when taking photos
Savory Journeys
Exhibition of Ming and Qing Literati Paintings from the Xike Old Residence Collection
💖Recommended Reason:
This time, I came to Suzhou for a concert and took the opportunity to visit the Suzhou Museum (West Pavilion), which I had been wanting to see for a long time. This exhibition is the first in the 'Treasures of the World' series, which aims to display private collections in cultural halls. The 60 pieces/sets of exhibits are all from the Xike Old Residence collection, showcasing the history of literati paintings spanning five centuries. It's well worth a visit, highly recommended
👀Exhibition Name:
Echoes of the Classics: Exhibition of Ming and Qing Literati Paintings from the Xike Old Residence Collection
🕐Exhibition Time:
8.9-11.10 (Every Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays)
📍Location:
Suzhou Museum West Pavilion·Special Exhibition Hall·Painting and Calligraphy Hall
💰Cost per Person:
No reservation required, free admission, very cost-effective, highly recommended
NomadicExplorer
Entering the Assyrian Empire, the epic of the kings of the Mesopotamian plain
Ashurbanipal, known as the "Great King, the Almighty King, the Lord of Assyria." He was a poet and a scholar, a lion hunter and a warrior, who ruled the vast empire with strict control and skillfully used the power of art to demonstrate his omnipotent kingship.
After his father Esarhaddon ascended to the throne, he appointed his younger son Ashurbanipal as his successor. To appease his older son Shamash-shum-ukin, he made him the king of Babylon.
When Ashurbanipal came to power in 669 BC, Nineveh, the capital, was the largest city of its time, with its ruins located in present-day Mosul, Iraq.
Ashurbanipal revered war and brought the Assyrian Empire to its peak. He also built the largest and most comprehensive library of his time, which housed at least ten thousand cuneiform tablets, each crafted from the finest clay.
In Mesopotamia, receiving messages from the gods through dreams was a long-standing belief. Documents from 3000 BC recorded dreams that inspired kings to take action. Ashurbanipal also collected many magical spells and exorcism rituals to ward off ominous signs.
After spending most of his reign in his grandfather's invincible palace, Ashurbanipal built a new palace for himself in Nineveh, called the North Palace. The beams were made of cedar wood from Lebanon, and most of the decorations celebrated his rule and achievements.
Assyrian kings filled their gardens, orchards, and hunting parks with plants and animals collected from across the empire.
The decorations in Assyrian palaces included scenes of tribute and violent suppression of rebellious subjects. Furniture makers adorned luxurious furniture with animal heads carved from ivory. The corners of thrones or tables often featured lion or bull heads.
The expansion of the Assyrian Empire revitalized the production and trade of luxury goods and promoted the exchange of visual culture, technology, people, and ideas in the ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.
Cyprus accumulated great power and wealth through maritime trade and provided ships to the Assyrian army. In 650 BC, substitute statues became popular.
The Phoenicians excelled in producing Tyrian purple, a precious purple fabric made from the mucus of sea snails. This cuneiform text recorded a formula for substituting Tyrian purple with cheaper plant dyes.
enigma_1528
🌟 Suzhou: A Family Adventure Awaits! 🎡👨👩👧👦
Embark on a journey through Suzhou, where family fun and cultural enrichment go hand in hand! Dive into historical marvels, cinematic thrills, and snowy escapes perfect for every member of the clan.
🏛️ Suzhou Museum
Step back in time at the Suzhou Museum, where history buffs and art lovers unite. With over 30,000 collections, including masterpieces of painting and calligraphy from the Song to Qing dynasties, it's a cultural feast for the eyes – and it's free! Engaging guides bring the past to life, making it a fantastic educational trip for kids. 🌹👨🏫📍204 Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City
🎬 Huayi Brothers Movie World
Experience the magic of movies at Huayi Brothers Movie World. Unlike Disney or Universal, it offers a unique twist on family entertainment with less crowd and more fun. From thrilling rides to immersive theaters, it's a day-long adventure that's sure to dazzle. 🎢😊📍No. 188, Yangcheng Lake Avenue, Suzhou Industrial Park
❄️ Alps Snow Live
Alps Snow Live is your winter wonderland in any season. Offering childcare services and a variety of snow sports, it's perfect for families. The gentle slopes are beginner-friendly, and the cozy accommodations make for a memorable stay. Let the kids learn to ski while you enjoy the frosty fun! ⛷️👶📍No. 7~10, Fuyoucheng Road, Taicang City, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province
🖼️ Suzhou Museum West Hall
Discover modern marvels at the Suzhou Museum West Hall. Dive into the rich tapestry of Suzhou's history through interactive exhibits and storytelling guides. It's an insightful journey through the city's modern developments with a sprinkle of traditional craftsmanship. 👍🏻📍Jiangsu Province, Suzhou City, Huqiu District, Changjiang Road 399
🌊 Suzhou Amusement Land Forest Waterworld
Splash into summer at Suzhou Amusement Land Forest Waterworld! With a vast array of water slides and pools, it's the perfect escape for families looking to beat the heat. Enjoy live performances and dance to the beat of summer hits. Just watch out for the queues on the most popular rides! 🌞🎶📍No. 2, Shanshenwan Road, High-tech Zone, Suzhou City
#Suzhou #SuzhouAttractions #China #ChinaTravel
_TI***m9
Suzhou 3~Suzhou Museum West Branch (Recommended)
Suzhou Museum's main branch is next to the Humble Administrator's Garden, where the Prince Zhong's Mansion and the Garden Museum are also located. Because the main branch requires a reservation a week in advance and is very popular, it was fully booked when we tried to make a reservation. However! The Suzhou Museum West Branch does not require a reservation! Special exhibitions are also free to visit without a reservation, so you can enjoy your time there.
First Floor: Upon entering, there is an Assyrian exhibition with a few large stones. At first, I thought that was all the Assyrian exhibit had to offer. The Suzhou History Exhibition Hall mainly features ancient exhibits.
Second Floor: Upon going upstairs, the first thing you see is the Suzhou Craft Hall (which we briefly appreciated later), but we went directly to the Assyrian Hall. The Assyrian Hall mainly features the special exhibition "The King of Assyria: Ashurbanipal."
This exhibition tells the extraordinary story of Ashurbanipal through cuneiform clay tablets from his palace and library, as well as numerous artifacts excavated by archaeologists in the Mesopotamian region. The innovative display and new discoveries narrate the turbulent story of Ashurbanipal's reign, the splendor of his palace and library, the disastrous rebellion of his brother, and his ruthless suppression of all rebels. The final unit of the exhibition looks to the future, aiming to protect the country's history for future generations, including the story of Ashurbanipal.
Ashurbanipal was the last great king of Assyria, with the Assyrian heartland located in what is now Iraq. In the 7th century BC, during his reign, the Assyrian Empire reached its peak, covering a vast area from Egypt to western Iran. His capital, Nineveh (now within Mosul), was the largest city of its time. The exquisite stone reliefs that decorated the walls of his palace are among the most important exhibits in the British Museum. These reliefs showcase Ashurbanipal's prowess as a ruler, including his military victories and spectacular royal lion hunts.
(My brother remarked: Lions 🦁 were once on the brink of extinction )
The third floor features an exhibition of new Suzhou-style works, which we only quickly toured. It would be exhausting to look at everything in detail, but the rest seats at the Suzhou Museum West Branch are quite luxurious.
Free admission without reservation, highly recommended. It is expected to be on display until next summer, similar to the Egyptian exhibition in Shanghai. However, the Egyptian exhibition in Shanghai costs 148 yuan, and tickets for the entire month are released on the 1st of each month and are quickly sold out. So, if you can't get a reservation for the Egyptian exhibition at the Shanghai Museum, why not visit the Assyrian Hall at the nearby Suzhou Museum West Branch?
Crystal. Mia 3272
Suzhou Museum West Pavilion|Is it still necessary to visit the West Pavilion if you've been to the main pavilion?
Compared to the main pavilion nestled in a Suzhou-style garden, the West Pavilion, with its robust style, does seem a bit ordinary. But after touring it with some prejudice, I can only say it was totally worth it!
If you, like me, want to take a glance at Suzhou's historical and cultural heritage, then the West Pavilion is definitely the best choice.
【Ticket Information】
Free and no reservation required! (Compared to the main pavilion which is always fully booked, this is amazing)
🕙 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00 (Note: Entry stops at 16:00, so visit early!)
📝 Tips:
The air conditioning in the West Pavilion is too cold! Please bring a jacket and a thermos if you are sensitive to cold!
⏳ Visiting Time: Quick tour: 1-2 hours
In-depth tour: 4-6 hours
🚉 Transportation Guide: Get off at Shizishan Station on Suzhou Metro Line 1 or Line 3
【About Suzhou Museum West Pavilion】
The West Pavilion has a building area of nearly 50,000 square meters, with an exhibition area of 13,000 square meters, and over 2,000 pieces/sets of cultural relics (don't think it's too few, it's definitely enough to see)
It is divided into several exhibition halls: Suzhou History Exhibition, Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall, Calligraphy and Painting Hall, International Cooperation Hall, Suzhou Life Hall, and Exploration Experience Hall.
【About the Exhibitions】
1. Suzhou History Exhibition (Pure Jiangnan) (1st floor)
The exhibition is divided into four parts according to the timeline, showing the ten-thousand-year transformation of Suzhou from a barren land to a paradise on earth.
Wu Zixu, who turned gray overnight, was its founder, and Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, renamed it Suzhou. This gentle water town was also once brave and martial; Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, once raised an army here against the Qin. The private gardens built by frustrated officials to express their sorrow for the passing seasons have also earned Suzhou gardens the reputation of being the best in the world.
👍 Most Recommended:
Sword of King Wu Yuzhi: The bronze sword with the most inscriptions in existence, not only recording the succession of the Wu kingdom but also correcting historical errors in the "Spring and Autumn Annals." (Picture 3)
Jun Kiln Three-legged Basin with Drum Nails: The largest pen wash from the Song Dynasty, well-preserved. (Picture 4)
Jade Burial Ornaments: From the tomb of a Wu king over two thousand years ago during the Spring and Autumn period, possibly an early form of the jade burial suits of the Han Dynasty, though not as magnificent. (Picture 5)
2. Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall (Suzhou Craftsmanship) (2nd floor)
It is said that Suzhou gardens are the best in the world, and Suzhou craftsmanship is also unparalleled.
The Suzhou Craftsmanship exhibition includes a wide variety of items: carvings (jade carving/ivory carving/bamboo carving/wood carving/lacquer carving/inkstone carving/stone carving), gold and silverware, ethnic musical instruments, clay sculptures, fan surfaces, and plain brocade.
Looking at these exquisite small items, I finally understand why Cao Xueqin called Suzhou "the most affluent and elegant place in the world."
👍 Most Recommended:
Huanghuali Dragon-pattern Twelve-panel Screen: Huge in size but not lacking in delicacy, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. (Picture 6)
Clay Sculpture Miniatures: Small clay figurines performing wonderful scenes from traditional Chinese opera. (Picture 7)
Miniature Musical Instruments: 24 miniature instruments, though I couldn't recognize them all, they look particularly beautiful and cute when displayed together. (Picture 8)
3. International Cooperation Hall (2nd floor)
Allows you to appreciate world civilizations without leaving the country.
The exhibitions in this hall are not permanent. When I visited, there was a special exhibition of ancient Greek artifacts from the British Museum.
4. Calligraphy and Painting Hall (3rd floor)
Although the exhibition features modern Suzhou embroidery works, the artists' exquisite skills still leave visitors in awe.
👍 Most Recommended:
"Portrait of a Grape Girl": If it weren't in the Suzhou embroidery section, I would have thought it was a sketch. (Picture 9)
"Double Cats": Two lifelike kittens, if not told they were embroidered, I would have thought they were taxidermy. (Picture 10)
Due to time constraints, I couldn't visit the Suzhou Life Hall and the Exploration Experience Hall, but this gives me a reason to return to Suzhou.
After a tour, although the West Pavilion lacks the gentle exterior, it has elegant displays. It may not have as many collections as the main pavilion, but it allowed me to see the rise and prosperity of the first heroic state in Jiangnan through thousands of years of history. I'm just glad I came!
EtherefalMajesticR
Assyrian Culture Exhibition
"The King of Assyria: Ashurbanipal" special exhibition is now open at the West Gallery of the Suzhou Museum. This special exhibition, through 149 pieces (sets) of artifacts including reliefs, cuneiform clay tablets, and bronze ornaments, as well as the launch of five series of themed cultural and creative products by the surrounding pop-up stores, leads the audience back to the Mesopotamian plain over 2600 years ago, approaching the powerful Assyrian Empire. This is the third collaboration between the Suzhou Museum and the British Museum, shifting the perspective of world civilization history from the Mediterranean coast to the Tigris-Euphrates river basin. The Assyrian Empire, established in the 7th century BC by the Assyrians in the Tigris-Euphrates river basin, was a great empire that spanned Western Asia and North Africa, with its capital at Nineveh (present-day Iraq). The empire reached its zenith during the reign of King Ashurbanipal. The special exhibition, focusing on the monarch of the Assyrian Empire's heyday—Ashurbanipal, takes the audience to appreciate artifacts full of vitality such as vessels, reliefs, and cuneiform clay tablets, and to experience the splendor of palaces, spectacular sculptures, exotic gardens, and libraries rich in collections. It also allows the audience to understand the Assyrian Empire, which was geographically located along the legendary Euphrates and Tigris rivers, and chronologically concurrent with China's Spring and Autumn period.
Prof. Lelah Ledner
Suzhou Museum West Pavilion
Suzhou Museum West Pavilion is a branch of Suzhou Museum. On September 25, 2021, the Suzhou Museum West Pavilion opened for trial operation. The West Pavilion is located at Shishan Plaza in the High-tech Zone of Suzhou City and was designed by GMP Architects, the top-ranked architectural design firm in Germany. The building covers an area of 48,365 square meters, with an exhibition area of 13,391 square meters, displaying over 2,100 pieces/sets of cultural relics, including jade cong from the Liangzhu period, the Tang-Five Dynasties' gold-scripted 'Lotus Sutra' on blue paper, a Song Dynasty Jun kiln tripod wash with drum nails, a Yuan Dynasty gray pottery loquat tribute vessel, and a Shunzhi period 'Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers' bowl. The architecture of the West Pavilion draws on the layout of streets and alleys in the water towns of Jiangnan, inheriting the classics while highlighting distinctive regional features. The permanent exhibition halls include the General History Exhibition Hall, Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall, Exploration Experience Hall, International Cooperation Hall, and Suzhou Color Life Hall.
Prof. Lelah Ledner
Suzhou Museum West Branch
Compared to the bustling main hall of the Suzhou Museum, the West Branch located at Lion Mountain Plaza has fewer visitors, more abundant exhibits, convenient reservation, and a much better visiting experience.
The first floor 'Pure Jiangnan: Suzhou Historical Exhibition' is the basic display, showcasing Suzhou's history from the Old Stone Age on Sanshan Island to the outbreak of the Xinhai Revolution, spanning ten thousand years.
The second floor is the 'Craft Memories of Suzhou: Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall,' displaying fine Suzhou craftsmanship from the Song and Yuan dynasties to the present day, including jade carving, bamboo carving, Suzhou embroidery, and Taohuawu woodblock New Year pictures, which are traditional crafts.
The second floor also houses the 'International Cooperation Hall,' where the current special exhibition is the third phase of the 'History of World Civilizations' series exhibition 'King of Assyria: Ashurbanipal,' in collaboration with the British Museum.
The third floor features the 'Painting and Calligraphy of Suzhou: Collection of Historical Paintings and Calligraphy Exhibition.' The current special exhibition is 'Seeing the Virtuous and Thinking of Equality - Special Exhibition of Ming and Qing Portrait Paintings.'
The underground floor houses the 'Suzhou Colored Life Hall,' which fully exhibits the ancient charm of Jiangnan.
After visiting the museum, you can climb the Lion Mountain in front to exercise and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, it's too late for this visit, but I'll leave it for next time.
CrystalRain44444
Suzhou Museum (West Wing)
The history of Suzhou is very ancient. The 'Pure Jiangnan' exhibition hall of the museum (West Wing) introduces in detail the social development and changes of this land of fish and rice, a place of prosperity and wealth, through a large number of unearthed cultural relics and illustrative texts. From the ancient Huazhang and the charm of Wu and Yue, to the Qin and Han dynasties' management and the grandeur of Sui and Tang, to the bustling metropolis and the joyous land of the world, it truly lives up to the saying 'Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou', a place everyone yearns for. The museum has an underground parking lot, admission is free, but it requires an online reservation in advance, and entry is with an ID card. It is very much worth a visit.
JamesBaker567(
Dan Fan's Art Exhibition in Germany
Dan Fan, a native of Anji, Zhejiang, has bamboo engraved in his life, which is why he can depict such a magnificent wave-like sensation. The exhibition setup is also becoming more and more beautiful, with artistic conception, depth, and a seamless integration with the art exhibition.
LIONEL COBB
Suzhou | Staggered Travel, Suzhou Museum West Branch
Yesterday, the holiday ended, and I went to the Suzhou Museum for a staggered visit. There are two branches of the Suzhou Museum, the main branch is next to the Humble Administrator's Garden, and it is more crowded with tourists, requiring reservations several days in advance. The West Branch is the new one, located near Lion Mountain Park with subway access, and tickets are easier to book.
During this visit to the West Branch, there were indeed not many tourists after exiting the subway. Unexpectedly, I encountered a school-organized visit, making my attempt at staggered travel a lonely one.
The West Branch has three floors above ground and one below, and it's quite large in scale. The collection of cultural relics is diverse, and the exhibition is delicately arranged, with both interior and exterior designs.
Cultural Relics
On the first floor, the General History Hall features King Wu's Yumao Sword, the Bidi Gold Book Miaofa Lianhua Sutra, the 'Fan Zhongyan Seal' Jade Turtle Seal, and the Jun Kiln Drum-Nailed Tri-footed Washer, among others.
The second floor showcases Suzhou crafts, with even more exquisite displays. Suzhou-style jade carving is top-notch within the industry, and there are also some special crafts (Suzhou embroidery/woodblock prints/furniture, etc.), with well-placed scenes for this part.
Special Exhibition Area
The international exhibition hall, where the ancient Greek relics special exhibition has already closed, is being renovated for the upcoming new exhibition.
The portrait painting special exhibition from the Ming and Qing dynasties is currently open, featuring a huge portrait of Emperor Yongzheng, and paintings of Emperor Yongzheng 'cosplaying' in Western attire. There is much content worth seeing, (Exhibition support: The Palace Museum, Nantong Museum, Wuxi Museum)
Visiting Time
A three-hour visit is recommended. If you have time, you can rent an audio guide and take your time. Be sure to book in advance (via the official WeChat account). The B1 level of the West Branch has dining facilities, and there are shopping malls nearby for convenient dining and shopping.
Cultural and Creative Area
The cultural and creative area is right at the entrance and exit on the first floor. This part can be visited separately, with the variety and layout of cultural and creative products being among the top in the country. Even if you're not interested in this part, it's worth walking around twice for the experience.
The museum is open for free (advance reservation required), and it is closed on Mondays. There is subway access nearby.
SKYE STEVENSON
Suzhou | Encounter a Cherry Blossom Rain - A Two-Day Tour in Suzhou
After work on Friday, head straight to the high-speed train station for a leisurely two-day trip to Suzhou~
(Since I often come to Suzhou, I didn't go to Pingjiang Road or Shantang Street this time, as I've been to Shangfangshan Forest Animal World before, which has a pretty good natural environment, great for taking kids for a walk~)
Now let me talk about a few recommended spots for this trip:
Check-in 1: Suzhou Museum West Branch
The cherry trees at the entrance are really beautiful, and just as the wind started to blow, it brought down a '5 Centimeters Per Second' romantic scene💕
There are quite a few activities for children to experience in the museum, which is nice. The West Branch is less crowded compared to the Suzhou Museum, and we got a reservation directly on Saturday. There were a lot of kids in the West Branch~ History and culture enthusiasts should definitely go to learn about Suzhou's thousand-year history, but be cautious if you have very young children, as they might want to run outside after a while~
Check-in 2: The Gate to the East👖
Deservedly the busiest area in Suzhou, it kind of gives off a 'Shanghai Bund' vibe at a glance~ Even the underground parking goes down to B5! Parking fees aren't cheap either (I'll attach a photo of the parking fee chart at the end).
PS. There is a music fountain show at Jinji Lake every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 20:00, lasting about 20 minutes. During the Qingming holiday on April 5th and 6th, there are said to be two shows, one at 19:30 and another at 20:30~
Check-in 3: Xinmeihua Restaurant
It's a Suzhou-style restaurant with a nice environment and taste. The roast duck, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, seafood vermicelli pot, old tofu, and spicy and sour shredded potatoes we ordered were all good, very suitable for family dining.
Tips: When coming to Suzhou, I suggest choosing Suzhou Station for high-speed trains, as it's closer to the city center. You can take the subway directly to your destination right after getting off the train.
STEPHEN MASON
Suzhou Museum West Wing
The Suzhou Museum West Wing, from its appearance, consists of ten independent geometric bodies, hence it is jokingly referred to by the people of Suzhou as "ten boxes". It was designed by the German GMP architectural firm and has won the Luban Prize.
The first floor is the General History Museum: Purely Jiangnan. Suzhou Historical Exhibition, which tells the story of Suzhou's development history from the Old Stone Age to the Republic of China, spanning over ten thousand years, through cultural relics. Among them are the treasures of the museum, the King Wu's sword of Yu Mo, the Liangzhu jade cong, the Song dynasty Jun kiln drum-nail tripod wash, the Tang and Five Dynasties bi-paper gold scripture Miao Fa Lian Hua Jing, and so on.
The second floor is the Suzhou Craftsmanship Museum, and the third floor is currently exhibiting embroidery.
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time for a careful visit and to listen to the explanations. I'll leave that for next time.
Remember that the museum operates on a reservation system, so make a WeChat reservation one day in advance.
Henry.Rivera@52
Suzhou citywalk: Discovering the romance and vitality of spring on an off-the-beaten-path journey
Suzhou, a city brimming with history and culture, has much more to offer than just the famous Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road. There are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. This time, I will take you into the high-tech district to explore a unique route that connects flower viewing, photography, gourmet food, exhibitions, and livehouse experiences, away from the crowds, embarking on a springtime adventure.
🌸 Binhe Road Subway Station: The most romantic subway station in Suzhou during spring, adorned with white cherry blossoms, stepping out into spring itself. Take Line 1 of the subway, and be sure to have your phone ready to capture this romantic encounter.
🏛 Suzhou Museum West Branch: How can you miss the Suzhou Museum when in Suzhou? Experience the beauty of Suzhou's architecture and art, the collision of history and modernity, with new works by Kengo Kuma, new media exhibitions, and special exhibitions all worth seeing.
🍣 Huaihai Street: A small yet beautiful Japanese-style street in Suzhou with a 100% photo-worthy rate. Japanese restaurants, izakayas, dessert shops, and the first Suzhou branch of various snack shops. Rent a bike and enjoy the breeze, take photos, and savor the good times.
🎤 Hillside livehouse: A regular spot for indie singers and a paradise for band enthusiasts. Here, you can listen to performances by poets from Mayuan and Zeng Yike. After a day of fun, come here for a live show and enjoy the feast of music.
Who says there's no nightlife in Suzhou? I disagree! Right next to Hillside livehouse, authentic hotpot awaits your taste. This off-the-beaten-path route is waiting for you to explore.
quellis_9407
Suzhou Museum (West Wing) The main museum is too hard to make an appointment, the West Wing is also a surprise
🏠: Suzhou Museum (West Wing)
🚇: No. 399 Changjiang Road, Huqiu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province
💰Cost: Free admission
Suzhou, an open and inclusive, elegant and exquisite city, the content of the museum is simply too exquisite~ Love every piece you see.
By the Taihu Lake, the famous city Suzhou. The land of fish and rice, pure Jiangnan. On the coast of the East China Sea, a paradise on earth. As the saying goes: 'Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below.' You can imagine how exquisite and rich the life of the gentry here is.
✔️Suzhou Techniques Memory: It's so good-looking👍
Suzhou, a city rich in resources and culture, all kinds of gold, silver, glass, colorful brocade, etc., are extremely exquisite, collectively referred to as 'Suzhou work'. At that time, 'Suzhou work' such as jade carving, gold carving, wood carving, bamboo carving, lacquer painting, decoration, embroidery, etc., none of them were not leading the fashion trend👍 Worth taking your time to appreciate
🔘Attached are some of the latest exhibitions in the West Wing
🔜Traveling to Luxiang Garden, History of Jiangnan Embroidery Painting-2024.3.3 (3F)
🔜Song Yige: Story of the Story-2024.2.18 (3F)
HealthyHabitHeroes
Suzhou Museum (West Branch) - The Universe in Embroidery
Suzhou Museum, located in Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City, is a branch of Suzhou Museum. The West Branch is located in Shishan Square, Suzhou High-tech Zone, designed by GMP Architects, ranked first in German architectural design. The building area is 48,365 square meters, the exhibition area is 13,391 square meters, and more than 2,100 pieces/sets of museum collections are displayed, including precious cultural relics such as Liangzhu period jade cong, Tang-Five Dynasties green paper gold book 'Lotus Sutra', Song Jun kiln drum nail tripod wash, Yuan Dynasty gray pottery loquat tribute, Shunzhi money celestial woman scattering flower bowl, etc. The architecture of the West Branch draws on the neighborhood pattern of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River, showing distinctive regional characteristics while inheriting the classics. The permanent exhibition halls include the General History Exhibition Hall, Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall, Exploration Experience Hall, International Cooperation Hall, and Suzhou Color Life Hall.
Exhibition Hall Setup
The content of the Suzhou Museum West Branch is very rich. In addition to the 'Pure Jiangnan: Suzhou History Exhibition' hall and the Exploration Experience Hall, the second floor venue is the 'Technique Memory Suzhou: Suzhou Craftsmanship Hall', reviewing the development of Suzhou's handicraft industry from the Song and Yuan Dynasties to the present.
The second floor also has an 'International Cooperation Hall', displaying 218 pieces/sets of ancient Roman cultural relics from the British Museum, which is also the first time that this series of exhibits from the British Museum has been displayed in Asia.
The third floor venue has a 'Calligraphy and Painting Suzhou: Museum Collection of Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition' exhibition. 58 pieces/sets of fine calligraphy and painting from the Song Dynasty to the modern times are displayed. The Suzhou Color Life Hall set up on the first floor underground fully displays the ancient charm of Jiangnan.
JAKE EATON
Suzhou Museum ~ West Museum
The Suzhou Museum West Museum is a treasure trove of ancient wisdom. From ancient civilization to contemporary art, it gathers endless treasures and stories. Hold the wristwatch of time, entangle with history, and explore together!
First, you will travel through time and space, and feel the strong atmosphere of ancient civilization. Ancient porcelain, bronze, jade and other exhibits all exude a unique charm, making you feel as if you are in the long river of history. The ancient books and paintings that have been sealed for many years are grandly displayed here, allowing us to glimpse the traces of a thousand years.
The world-class contemporary art exhibition will take you to appreciate endless creativity and surprises. Artists express their inner voices with unique perspectives and expressions. Whether it is painting, sculpture or video, each work is a collision of the soul, allowing us to wander in the ocean of art.
The Suzhou Museum West Museum is not only an exhibition hall, but also a platform for cultural exchange. Regularly held lectures and workshops allow you to feel the wisdom sharing of experts and scholars up close. There are also various special activities to satisfy your curiosity and ignite your desire for knowledge.
Here, time seems to stand still, history and modernity intersect, and wisdom and creativity collide. Whether you are an art lover or a cultural explorer, the Suzhou Museum West Museum will bring you an unforgettable experience. Come on a journey through time and experience the treasures of civilization!
Travel through time and space, feel the atmosphere of ancient civilization; appreciate world-class contemporary art, immerse yourself in the ocean of art; participate in cultural exchanges, and get close to wisdom sharing. Suzhou Museum West Museum, time stands still, history and modernity blend, giving you an unforgettable experience, come on a journey through time!