The most astonishing place in Suzhou I've encountered so far

### **Suzhou Premium Short Trip Guide** **📍 Highlights: Classical Gardens, Jiangnan Water Towns, Modern Metropolis, Culinary Feast** --- ### **🏨 Recommended Accommodations** 1. **Here·Gusu Homestay (Pingjiang Road Branch)** - Located near Pingjiang Road, within walking distance to the Humble Administrator's Garden and Suzhou Museum. Blends classical and modern designs, offering star-rated bedding and refined service. 2. **Sunshine in the Alley Homestay (Pingjiang Road Branch)** - Hidden in the lanes of Pingjiang Road, featuring terrace or loft rooms perfect for photography, with attentive butler service. 3. **Crowne Plaza Suzhou Jinji Lake** - Lake-view rooms with stunning vistas, ideal for admiring Jinji Lake’s nightscape, close to Eslite Bookstore and Suzhou Center. --- ### **🍽️ Must-Try Foods** 1. **Pingjiang Road Snacks** - Yaba Shengjian (dumb dumplings), Osmanthus Sweet Congee, Suzhou-style Mung Bean Soup (mint water + glutinous rice). 2. **Time-Honored Su Cuisine** - **Songhelou** (Squirrel Mandarin Fish), **Deyuelou** (Deyue Young Chicken), **Tongdexing** (Fengzhen Braised Pork Noodles). 3. **Jinji Lake Modern Restaurants** - **CANTON 8** (Michelin two-star Cantonese cuisine), **The HAAN** (authentic Korean dishes). --- ### **🎯 Itinerary** **Day 1: Classical Suzhou** - **Beisi Pagoda** - Climb the pagoda for a panoramic view of the ancient city, explore the hidden "Meipu" teahouse in the backyard, and feed fish while enjoying the scenery. - **Pingjiang Road** - Stroll along the cobblestone paths, take a rowing boat while listening to Pingtan (Suzhou ballad), and visit "Cat's Sky" bookstore. - **Shuangta Market** - A hipster-style wet market, try Auntie’s Suzhou-style desserts and Xinzhengyuan Shengjian. **Day 2: Modern Suzhou** - **Jinji Lake** - Lakeside citywalk: Gate of the Orient → Eslite Bookstore → Li Gongdi (spectacular night views). - **Yangcheng Lake** - Drive around the lake, shop at Bicester Village, and savor hairy crabs (best in autumn). --- ### **✨ Suzhou’s Charm** - **Classic Meets Modern**: Riverside homes along Pingjiang Road vs. Jinji Lake’s skyline. - **Food Paradise**: From street snacks to Michelin-starred dining, blending Suzhou flavors with international cuisine. - **Slow Living**: Sip tea, listen to Pingtan, wander through gardens, and embrace Jiangnan’s leisurely poetry. **📌 Tips:** Wear sunscreen in June-July; visit Pingjiang Road early morning or evening to avoid crowds.