Dragon Boat Festival Getaway: A 3-Day, 2-Night Trip to Suzhou

Suzhou, the picturesque water town in Jiangnan, is renowned for its classical gardens, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage. Whether you're strolling along the charming Pingjiang Road or admiring the exquisite scenery of the Humble Administrator's Garden, you'll be captivated by the city's unique allure. Additionally, Suzhou's culinary delights are a major highlight, ranging from traditional dishes like Squirrel Mandarin Fish to innovative Suzhou-style cuisine, each bite leaving a lasting impression. Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Humble Administrator's Garden → Suzhou Museum → Pingjiang Road → Guanqian Street Day 2: Lingering Garden → Xiyuan Temple → Gate of the Orient → Jinji Lake Day 3: Lion Grove Garden → Shantang Street Day 4: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Day 5: Suzhou Old Alleys & Free Exploration Must-Visit Attractions 🏞️ 1. Humble Administrator's Garden: A representative of Suzhou's classical gardens, known for its stunning scenery and intricate design, making it a must-see destination. 2. Suzhou Museum: Designed by I.M. Pei, the building itself is a work of art, housing numerous precious artifacts and artworks. 3. Lingering Garden: A masterpiece of Jiangnan garden architecture, celebrated for its exquisite design and artistry. 4. Lion Grove Garden: One of Suzhou's four famous gardens, known for its rockeries. You can count stone lions and explore the maze-like rock formations here. 5. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: A water town with beautiful bridges and authentic Jiangnan charm. Must-Try Foods 🍜 1. Squirrel Mandarin Fish: A traditional Suzhou dish, crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a sweet and sour flavor. 2. Begonia Plum Blossom Cake: A Suzhou specialty snack, shaped like plum blossoms, sweet but not overly so, with a perfect balance of softness and crispness. 3. Fish Maw Soup: A traditional Suzhou dish, featuring tender fish liver, delicate fish meat, and a clear, flavorful broth. 4. Fengzhen Noodles: A Suzhou specialty made with premium pork belly, featuring a rich broth and tender braised meat. 5. Biluo Shrimp: Made with fresh Biluo Spring tea as a seasoning, combined with river shrimp, offering a fragrant tea aroma and a light, refreshing taste. Accommodation Tips 🏨 It's recommended to stay near Pingjiang Road or Guanqian Street for convenient transportation and access to local delicacies. Here are some recommended hotels/guesthouses: • Changfeng Guiyin Hotel (Suzhou Humble Administrator's Garden Pingjiang Road Branch): Convenient location and elegant environment. • Suzhou Zhuozheng Shijia Hotel (Guanqian Street Zhuozheng Garden Branch): Close to attractions and convenient surroundings. • Qingya Xianju No.6 Courtyard (Guanqian Street Pingjiang Road Branch): Clean and well-maintained rooms. • Lanshe Courtyard Guesthouse: Elegant and quiet, located in Tongli Ancient Town. Transportation Tips 🚗 Suzhou's transportation is very convenient, with options like metro, buses, taxis, or shared bikes. For city exploration, walking or cycling is recommended to experience the city's ancient charm. For trips to places like Zhouzhuang, you can take tourist buses or hire a taxi.