Suzhou

Land of rivers and gardens, heaven on earth

Suzhou lies in the heart of Yangtze River Delta and Lake Taihu. Due to its advantageous geographical location, it is a land of abundance, the birthplace of scholars, a city of culture and history as well as an important economic town in China. It was recorded that this city has a history of more than 4,000 years and is one of the oldest existing cities in China. Suzhou has long been well-known for its deep cultural roots and beautiful sceneries. Its typical classic garden was listed as the world cultural heritage. Another feature of it is the small bridge over the flowing stream, enabling it to be named as the “Heaven on Earth”.

Historical Attractions

Historical Attractions

Humble Administrator's Garden

Being one of then famous landscaped gardens in Suzhou, built in the Ming dynasty, this garden is designed base on a waterbody, surrounded by pavilions, rock sculpture, and lush greenery which resemble the Southern Chinese’s fond of appreciating the natural splendours.

Hanshan Temple

Hanshan Temple, located in Fengqiao Town, is said to have been built during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang. Hanshan Temple is famous for the poem “A Night Mooring By Maple Bridge” written by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji. It is a popular spot for tourists from all over the world, especially those from Japan and Korea, to visit and listen to the New Year’s bell on New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve.

Zhouzhuang Water Town

Built since the Northern Song dynasty, the water town now features 60% architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Canals run through the town and bridges connect the neighbourhood from one end to another. Its beautiful sceneries are a testament to the town’s fame as the “Venice of the East”. CNN proclaimed Zhouzhuang as one of the “Top 10 Magnificent Towns in the World”.

What's New?

Suzhou Shared Farm
Jiangnan Water Towns Special Pastries

Trending Attractions

Eslite Spectrum Suzhou

Established as the first branch of Taiwan Eslite boostore in Mainland China, Eslite Spectrum Suzhou hold some 500,000 books from five major sections, namely: Chinese and foreign literature, humanities and social sciences, art and design, lifestyle, and skills learning. The centre also features traditional Suzhou handicrafts like local embroidery, wood engravings and folding fans.

Jinji Lakefront

Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park, Jinji Lake is the largest inner city lake in China. Around the Ligong Dike, one can find Harley Davidson Motorcycle Museum and Yao Jianping Embroidery Art Museum. For those who are interested in circumnavigating the 22-kilometre lake, cycling is the perfect choice.

Suzhou Museum

Said to be the last design of Mr. I. M. Pei in his career, Suzhou Museum is a monumental design building, merging the traditional Chinese architectural design with the future. The collection includes jade articles, Buddhist relics, the literati’s article, paintings and calligraphy from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Suzhou Intelligent Library

Food & Beverage

Pinecone shaped Sweet and Sour Fish

One of the representative of Southern Jiangsu dishes, which requires good knife skills. Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty went to the south of Yangtze River and tasted this dish while he was in incognito in Suzhou. He greatly appreciated it and made this dish famous in Suzhou. Fish after the flower knife, pickled, patted powder, oil, and then poured on the color sauce red juice, crisp outside and tender, sweet and sour palatable.

Hairy Carb of Yangcheng Lake

The Chinese mitten crab, produced in Yangcheng Lake, is the most famous hairy crab species in China. It is rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates and vitamin A, as well as 5 kinds of essential amino acids. Yangcheng Lake hairy crab has been favoured by diners since ancient times because of its tender and delicious meat.

Suzhou Snacks

Suzhou people love to eat sweet dishes, Suzhou snacks such as Suzhou style moon cake, Suzhou style crisp sugar, marinated dried bean curd, pine nut candy, shrimp soy sauce, jujube paste sesame cake, lard rice cake, etc., are all very popular local foods. Guanqian Street in Suzhou, which is located on the south side of the eunuch lane, is one of the most famous local food streets, numerous street snacks and fine dining restaurants can be found there.

Arts & Crafts

Historical Attractions

Kunqu Opera

Kunqu Opera has been the origin of all Chinese operas, developed between the end of Yuan dynasty and the beginning of Ming dynasty. The opera was known as Kunqu since Qing dynasty, famous with decent lyrics and soothing tone. In year 2001, it was listed as one of the “Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.

Silk

Suzhou, known as the “House of Silk”, thrived in silkworm breeding and silk reeling since ancient times. It is an important base of silk production in China. During Qing Dynasty, silk weaving workshops were mostly concentrated in the northeast urban area of Suzhou, so there is a saying that “the northeast half of the city is filled with the sound of ten thousand machines”. These silk products, fine in texture and bright in color, are popular in both domestic and global markets.

Kesi Chinese Silk Tapestry

One of the exclusive arts of silk tapestry in China, once only exclusive for royal use, and was enlisted as “Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO since year 2006. Now, Kesi Chinese Silk Tapestry has become one of the most premium silk in the fashion world.

What's New?

Suzhou Shared Farm
Jiangnan Water Towns Special Pastries
Suzhou Intelligent Library