Would you like to share your favourite travel destination?
For me, the most fantastic place I have ever been to is the Potala Palace in Tibet, China. Its grandeur and solemnity left me in awe.
But as an international student studying in the UK, I always miss my hometown, Suzhou, and would like to invite you to visit it in the future. In this blog, I will recommend some of the best places to visit.
Suzhou is situated in the middle of the Yangtze River Delta and the southeast of Jiangsu Province.
It shares borders with Zhejiang to the south, Shanghai to the east, the Yangtze River to the north, and Taihu Lake to the west.
The city is characterized by its flat and low-lying terrain, and it is adorned with several rivers and lakes, most of which are situated in Suzhou. Moreover, Suzhou is one of the first 24 historical and cultural cities in China.
“There is Paradise in heaven as there are Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth.”
suzhou is renowned for its beauty with the famous saying above
If you enjoy places with a rich historical background and a vibrant cultural atmosphere, I suggest visiting the series of gardens and ancient towns in Suzhou.
The Suzhou Gardens are typical of classical gardens in southern China.
The Humble Administrator’s Garden, Canglang Pavilion, Lion Forest, and Lingering Garden are known as the four famous ancient gardens in Suzhou. In fact, these gardens were inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1997.
The oldest garden dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 1041-1048), and the Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest and most famous among them.
The “Humble Administrator’s Garden” is the most well-known and expansive among Suzhou’s classical gardens. It was initially the dwelling place of Tang Dynasty poet Lu Qiemeng and later transformed into the “Dahong Temple” during the Yuan Dynasty.
During the Ming Dynasty, in the reign of Zhengde, Wang Xianchen returned to his hometown and purchased the ruins of the Dahong Temple, which he then restructured into a residential garden known as the “Humble Administrator’s Garden.”
Suzhou Museum is also a must-visit attraction, where you can see many local cultural relics on display, including paintings, porcelain, and more.
Another recommendation is Shantang Street, my personal favourite. You can enjoy Suzhou’s local cuisine and cruises and listen to Suzhou Pingtan.
I especially love going there on summer evenings, sipping tea and listening to music, which creates a unique feeling.
If you prefer modern and fun scenic spots, then shopping malls and high streets may be more your style. Here are some recommendations:
- Jinji Lake: the most significant urban lake park in China, with modern amenities such as shopping malls, cinemas, and bars. Meanwhile, the famous landmark Suzhou Center is located next to it, as well as Gate to the East.
- Guanqian Street: a bustling commercial street with plenty of food and entertainment options.
- Yuanrong Times Square: known for the “world’s first sky curtain”, a giant LED curtain 500 meters long and 32 meters wide, which cost hundreds of millions of yuan. Not only can you enjoy the food, but you can also enjoy the gorgeous, intense, unique light show and visual experience.
- Theme parks: Suzhou Paradise Forest World, Suzhou Water Park, and Huayi World are just a few options to explore.
With the relaxation of quarantine policies, travel has become more accessible.
Therefore, if you plan to travel to China or even Suzhou, I warmly welcome you and wish you a pleasant trip. 🙂