Suzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze Delta, in the south of Jiangsu Province, with Shanghai to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Wuxi City to the west and the Yangtze River to the north. Since 42% area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, Suzhou is praised as the 'Oriental Venice'. Taihu Lake, four fifths of which is in the territory of Suzhou, is one of the four largest fresh lakes in China, with East Hill, West Hill and other scenic spots in its vicinity. The city is cut by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from north to south. Together with its mild climate, making it an available destination all year round, fertile landscape and abundance of produce, it is no wonder that Suzhou is called 'paradise on earth'.
Built in 514 BC, Suzhou is an ancient city with a 2500 years' history. The unique characteristics of the past are still retained in present-day Suzhou. The double-chessboard layout of Suzhou, with 'the streets and rivers go side by side while the water and land routes run in parallel', are preserved basically intact. Strolling the streets, you can feel the unique lingering charm of this landscape left by its long history.
As the saying goes - 'Gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them'. These gardens attain their high reputation not only for their vast numbers, but also for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. At present more than 60 gardens are kept intact in Suzhou, and a series of them have been listed in the World Heritage List, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden, the Garden of Master of Nets and the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty.
Rating alongside these classical gardens are the exquisite water townships in Suzhou. Zhouzhuang, Mudu, Tongli Town and so on should not be missed by any visitor. In any water township of Suzhou, a number of Ming and Qing dynasty preserved buildings can be found. The natural sights and human landscape enhance each other's beauty, which is a great attraction to visitors who linger there.
Being the cradle of Wu Culture, Suzhou plays a vital role in Chinese cultural history. Many great names and schools of art arose here. For example, the Wumen Fine Arts School is the finest in the history of Suzhou, represented by Shen Zhou, Wen Zhengming, Tang Yin and Qiu Ying, whose poems, calligraphy and paintings are considered to be historical artifacts. Pingtan, Kun Opera and Suzhou Opera are praised as 'three flowers' in the cultural history of Suzhou. Furthermore, embroidery, fans and brocade produced in Suzhou are noted world wide. If you want to explore more on their history visit the museum of Suzhou folk-costume for a complete description.
As one of the famous tourist cities in China, Suzhou has made a great improvement to its basic facilities and tourist functions. Suzhou is accessible by plane, train and bus. Star-rated hotels with good services and reasonable guesthouses and hostels provide a range of lodging. Of course, tasting local delicacies should not be forgotten in your journey. Authentic Suzhou cuisines and snacks can be found in Guan Qian Street, where delicious food and friendly service are memorable. When night falls, Suzhou City is quiet and peaceful. You can enjoy it while sipping a cup of tea in any teahouse.
Recommended Suzhou Package Tour Itinerary:
Suzhou Tour: 4 Days Suzhou-Zhouzhuang-SuzhouRecommended Tour including the visit to Suzhou:
Classical Gardens Tour: 12 Days Shanghai-Huangshan-Suzhou-Zhouzhuang-Suzhou-Hangzhou–Beijing More Suzhou Tour Information:
Golf Tour: 8 Days Golf Tour of Suzhou - Wuxi - Nanjing
Bicycle Tour: Offer information about cycling in and around Suzhou
Recommended Hotels in Neighboring Cities of Suzhou:
Zhouzhuang Hotels
Changshu Hotels
Zhangjiagang Hotels
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Travelers' Voices on Suzhou City
1.
Jul. 2,2009 12:11 Reply
Ms.Amy(USA) said:
We are staying overnight in Suzhou. On Sunday, August 9 we will need to take the train to Shanghai and then travel to either Pudong or Hongqiao airports. Do you happen to know which airport is easiest to get to from the Shanghai train station where we will arrive from Suzhou? (and what is the name of the Shanghai train station.) Thank you for your assistance.
Jul. 2,2009 20:33
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:
You can take a train from Suzhou Railway Station to Shanghai Railway Station. There are more than 50 trains from Suzhou to Shanghai each day. Among those, bullet trains are preferred. It's comfortable and fast. It takes less than one hour to get to Shanghai. After you arrive at Shanghai Railway Station, you can find the airport buses to go to Hongqiao and Pudong airports. The bus to go to Pudong airport is called Airport Line 5. The trip costs about 80 minutes. The bus to go to Hongqiao airport is called Bus 941. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Hongqiao airport. So, the durations are similar.
2.
Jun. 28,2009 07:23 Reply
Ms.Cat(China) said:
I have a question about a good place to stay. I plan to visit Suzhou this weekend with a friend. Where is a good place to stay? I would like to stay somewhere close to the tourist sites. I have heard Guan Qian street and a classical garden are good places to stay. Where are these locations with respect to the districts of Suzhou? (I see that the hotels are in "Suzhou Industrial District" or "Panmen Scenic Spot" or near "Tai Lake") Which district is the best to stay in? thank you.
Jun. 28,2009 22:59
Ms.Jennifer replied:
Yes, you are right. Guanqian Jie and the garden is really the best place to see in Suzhou. The street is in Canglang District, near the Renmin Rd. It is only three stops from Zhuozhengyuan Garden by city bus.
Hope it helps.
3.
Jun. 17,2009 09:29 Reply
Ms.nov(singaore) said:
I have plans to travel with my parents and families from hangzhou to suzhou in sept this year.
any suggestion which area to stay ( hotel in which area is the most convenient ).
How to travel in within suzhou? because 8 of us going to travel together...any recommendation whether we can rent a minivan driver to drive us around and how much is the fee?
Thanks!
Jun. 18,2009 23:21
Mr.Tom replied:
Hi, in Hangzhou, it is suggested that you look for a hotel around the West Lake or around Wulinmen, where the convenient transport is available.
In Suzhou, living near Guanqian Street or a classic garden will be enjoyable~
4.
Jun. 17,2009 09:52 Reply
Mr.James(Singapore) said:
Hi,
Pls assist with some answers :
Intend to go Suzhou from Shanghai next week. Questions :
Can return tickets be purchased at the same time for the trip to Shanghai ?
How many hours before the train leave the station must we check-in at Shanghai and Suzhou Stations?
Jun. 18,2009 23:13
Ms.Jane replied:
Hi, the return ticket from Suzhou to Shanghai could be purchased at the railway stations in Shanghai. So, no need to worry about it. Tips: if you go to Suzhou at weekend, it is suggested that you purchase the tickets at least one day in advance. And, Shanghai has two railway station, so please make sure which station your train will leave from~
Well, you'd better arrive at the railway stations 30 minutes before the train leaving.
5.
May. 21,2009 11:03 Reply
Mr.wak(pakistan) said:
Hi all, i am planning to visit suzhou in this weekened. Plz any one can advice me which areas are the worth to look and how can i visit these places. do i need any guide to take me there. i am living in shanghai and planing to go there for 02 days.
May. 22,2009 02:38
Ms.Jane replied:
The city is famous for its classic gardens and the Tiger Hill. All of these places are not far from each other and could be reached easily by the city-bus. I have visited Zhuozhengyuan which is just ten-minutes from Suzhou Railway Station by bus and neighbor with teh Lion Forest. I noticed that there are some reasonable inns in the downtown area around the Guanqian Street. You may have a try.
If you understand some Chinese and good at package tour, no need to have a guide since this city is far smaller than Shanghai. But, it is suggested that you hire a guide before visitng the gardens. Explanation is helpful for you to know the gardens' essence. At the gardens'entrance gate, there are lots of guides waiting for travelers~
Nice weekend!
May. 22,2009 12:04
Mr.wak(pakistan) replied:
hi ms jane, i am really greatfull for ur valuable information. may u tell me also about lake and some town along with canal. lake and canal town are alos near to each other or not. Moreoever, if possible ur advice about any cheap hotel near to these places if possible name of the hotel and rate. now i have changed my planned from this weekend to next weekend. take care
6.
May. 11,2009 22:10 Reply
Ms.Andrea(USA) said:
Hi Emma, Thank you very much for the information. You said you would choose Suzhou and Nanjing over suzhour and Hangzhou. Is it really much better and worth to visit Nanjing? Thanks much.
May. 12,2009 02:00
Ms.Emma replied:
You are welcome, Andrea! Yes, that is my choice. For you, I think you should get to Hangzhou. As to Suzhou and Nanjing, Suzhou - private garden; Nanjing - Confucious Temple, Qinhuai River, which is a good place to see history and city scene. Well, it is really a hard question. Another suggestion for you, Here is the photo of Nanjing and Suzhou:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/picture/jiangsu/
Here is the picture of Hangzhou
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/picture/zhejiang/
Glad to help if you have other questions.
7.
May. 8,2009 00:30 Reply
Mr.neelappa(india) said:
hello to all
is there indian shops in Suzhou to buy atta flour and rice flakes and any indian restorents if you know please revert me back iam staying in wuxi city
Neels
May. 8,2009 03:24
Ms.Lin(CN) replied:
I have seen these things at Metro of Xi'an. You may go to Metro in Suzhou for a good fortune. The supermarket is located at 579, Changjiang Lu, Gaoxin District.
May. 12,2009 00:14
Mr.Naveen(China) replied:
hey Neels
I am located in zhangjiagang moved in a month ago.
I am also from india. Even I was told that Metro you would get everything, but try your luck.
we should get in touch sometime.
8.
May. 10,2009 23:21 Reply
Ms.Andrea(USA) said:
Hi, I heard that Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou are must-see, but am wondering if Hangzhou and Suzou are alike because they both are about lakes and gardens. Someone told me to just pick either Hangshou or Suzhou to visit and that is enough. Is that true? Is it better to go visit Hangzhou and Nanjing instead of Hangzhou and Suzhou? Thanks much.
May. 11,2009 02:09
Ms.Emma replied:
Not exactly, Ms Andrea! Hangzhou is most famous for the Xihu Lake and some temples, tea villagem bridge, pagoda dotted along the lakeside. The essence of the city is just the lake. Suzhou has the elegant private gardens, which use to be residence of local noble or rich family. Comparatively, I will chose Suzhou and Nanjing instead. However, Hangzhou is so famous together with the lake. You may still feel hard to choose. Just for reference. Nice journey.
9.
Apr. 23,2009 03:15 Reply
Mrs.machin(uk) said:
hi
i will be travelling to suzhou last week of may
can anyone tell me if to expect rain at this time.
if so is it likely to be constant rain all day or showers
i would be grateful for any information
jayne
Apr. 23,2009 21:01
Ms.Emma replied:
The temperature of that period is about 25C. It is likely to be showers, usually expected to be happen in JUne.
10.
Apr. 20,2009 17:09 Reply
Mr.W.E. Boldten(USA) said:
What organizations can be contacted in Suzhou for business networking? I will be traveling to Suzhou 4/6 thru 4/12 and would like to meet with local business organizations regarding pruchase of business, partnerships and investing.
Apr. 20,2009 22:55
Mr.Paul replied:
SUZHOU ASSOCIATION OF ENTERPRISES WITH FOREIGN INVESTMENT?! At 6, Xihuan Lu, Jinchang District.