Back from Suzhou, it really is a paradise on earth.
🌌"Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below." Suzhou, a city full of Jiangnan charm, is like a slowly unfolding ink painting. No matter how the seasons change, it exudes a unique charm. Especially in winter, it is less noisy and more peaceful, making it even more gentle and moving.
🎈Reasons to visit Suzhou: Suzhou has a profound historical and cultural heritage, classical gardens that are exquisite, ancient water towns that are full of charm, and food that is mouth-watering. Here, you can feel the fusion of thousands of years of history and modern civilization.
📜Origin of the name: Suzhou, formerly known as Wu, Gusu, Pingjiang Prefecture, etc. It is said that Dayu controlled the water in Taihu Lake, and there was a "Xu" to help. Later generations named this place "Xu" in memory of him. Because "Xu" and "Su" sound similar, it gradually evolved into "Su".
🌡Best time to visit: In winter, Suzhou may not have the blooming flowers of spring or the shade of summer, but the temperature is relatively low and there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the gardens and stroll through the ancient towns more leisurely, feeling the tranquility and beauty. Moreover, when it snows, Suzhou becomes Gusu, and the ancient city covered in silver has a unique flavor.
📅Three-day itinerary:
Day 1: Humble Administrator's Garden → Suzhou Museum → Pingjiang Road Historical District
Morning: 🎐Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, a representative of Jiangnan classical gardens. Although the trees are less lush in winter, the pavilions, rockeries, and ponds are more simple and elegant in the winter sun.
Noon: Taste Suzhou's special delicacies near the Humble Administrator's Garden, such as squirrel mandarin fish, pan-fried buns, etc.
Afternoon: Visit Suzhou Museum, the last work of Mr. I.M. Pei, where modern architecture and Jiangnan water town elements are perfectly integrated, and the museum has a rich collection.
Evening: Stroll along Pingjiang Road, enjoy the night view of the ancient street along the river, feel the fireworks of Jiangnan water town, and taste various special snacks.
Day 2: Hanshan Temple → Maple Bridge Scenic Area → Shantang Street
Morning: 🚠Go to Hanshan Temple, listen to the bells of the ancient temple, feel the peace and tranquility, and maybe even encounter the warm winter sun.
Noon: Taste vegetarian food around Hanshan Temple and experience a different food culture.
Afternoon: Visit the Maple Bridge Scenic Area and feel the poetic charm of "The moon sets, the crows caw, and the frost fills the sky, the river maples and fishing lights make me sleepless."
Evening: Come to Shantang Street, take a boat ride, and enjoy the night view of the lights on both sides of the river, as if traveling back in time to ancient times.
Day 3: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
Morning: 🚌Go to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, known as "China's No. 1 Water Town", which is even more tranquil in winter.
Noon: Taste special delicacies such as Wansan pork knuckle in the ancient town.
Afternoon: Stroll through the alleys of the ancient town, admire the ancient bridges, flowing water, and people, and feel the unique charm of the water town.
🏠Accommodation and dressing:
Accommodation: You can choose to stay in a hotel or homestay in Gusu District, which is convenient for travel and allows you to better experience the charm of Suzhou.
Dressing: The temperature in Suzhou is relatively low in winter, so keep warm by wearing thick cotton clothes, down jackets, etc. Comfortable sneakers are recommended. At the same time, to look good in photos, you can match some scarves, shawls, etc. with Jiangnan characteristics.
📸Best photo spots:
Xiaofeihong in the Humble Administrator's Garden, the courtyard of Suzhou Museum, the ancient bridge on Pingjiang Road, the bell tower of Hanshan Temple, the boat on Shantang Street, the double bridge in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, etc.
🌠Winter in Suzhou is like a melodious poem, and every scene is a moving note. The three days spent here will become the warmest chapter in your travel memories. Pack your bags and come to Suzhou for a winter date!