The Best Time to Visit the Treasure City of Suzhou

Recommended Attractions • Garden Views ◦ Humble Administrator's Garden: The largest classic garden in Suzhou and one of China's four famous gardens. With water as its center, the pavilions, terraces, and towers are scattered in a well-organized manner. Every step offers a different view, fully displaying the beauty of the Jiangnan gardens. ◦ Lion Grove Garden: A model of Yuan Dynasty gardens. The rockery peaks undulate, and nine routes and 21 cave entrances form a maze-like experience, blending with Buddhist ideas. ◦ Lingering Garden: One of China's four famous gardens and a model of Qing Dynasty gardens. The garden's architecture and landscape are cleverly integrated, and it is famous for its many strange stones. • Historical Sites ◦ Suzhou Museum: Designed by I. M. Pei, the new building is fresh and elegant, perfectly combining traditional and modern architectural styles. The museum also houses treasures such as the Yue Kiln secret-color porcelain lotus bowl. ◦ Hanshan Temple: A thousand-year-old temple famous for "A Night Mooring near Maple Bridge." The temple has many ancient sites and a melodious bell sound, allowing you to feel the profound historical and cultural heritage. ◦ Tiger Hill: Known as the "No. 1 Scenic Spot in Wu," it has a history of more than 2,500 years. Tiger Hill Pagoda, Sword Testing Stone, and other attractions are well-known. The great poet Su Dongpo of the Song Dynasty once wrote, "It is a pity not to visit Tiger Hill when you come to Suzhou." • Ancient Water Towns ◦ Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: Known as the "No. 1 Water Town in China," the entire town is built along the river, with streets connected by bridges. The simple architecture and leisurely waterways seem to transport people back to ancient times. ◦ Tongli Ancient Town: Known for its "small bridges, flowing water, and homes," Retreat & Reflection Garden is its representative garden. You can also taste local delicacies by the Three Bridges. ◦ Lili Ancient Town: A well-preserved typical ancient town in Jiangnan. The ancient streets, ancient bridges, and alleys are well-preserved. There are relatively few tourists, so you can experience a purer water town style. Recommended Food • Representative Dishes of Su Cuisine ◦ Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish: Uniquely shaped, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and sour, it is a classic of Su cuisine. The sweet and sour Mandarin fish in restaurants such as Deyuelou and Songhelou are widely praised. ◦ Braised Eel Paste: The eel meat is fresh and tender, smooth in the mouth, and the hot oil is poured on the table, filling the air with aroma. ◦ Stir-fried River Shrimp: Fresh river shrimp are selected, the shrimp meat is crystal clear, the taste is fresh, tender, and elastic, and the taste is sweet. • Featured Noodles ◦ Aozao Noodles: The noodles are thin and white, the gravy is delicious, and it is served with toppings such as fried fish and braised duck. The Aozao noodles at Sun Shengxing Aozao Noodle Restaurant are worth a try. ◦ Sanxia Noodles: Made with shrimp meat, shrimp roe, and shrimp brain, it is extremely delicious. Yuxingji's seasonal Sanxia noodles are very popular. Accommodation Suggestions • Gusu District: Convenient transportation, many surrounding attractions, and you can experience the rich Jiangnan water town style. Recommended hotels include Jinjiang Inn and Hanting Hotel, which are economical hotels, as well as Pingjiangfu Boutique Hotel and other characteristic inns. • Industrial Park: Close to Jinji Lake, you can enjoy the modern beauty of Suzhou, suitable for tourists who like the modern urban atmosphere. InterContinental Suzhou and W Suzhou are good choices. Transportation Guide • External Transportation: You can choose to take a plane to Sunan Shuofang International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and then transfer to high-speed rail, bus, etc. to Suzhou; you can also take the high-speed rail to Suzhou Station, Suzhou North Station, or Suzhou Industrial Park Station. • City Transportation: You can download the "Su e Xing" APP, and you can use one code for buses and subways; the ancient city with concentrated attractions is also very convenient for walking or cycling.