Stunning Suzhou (Ancient Water Town)

Suzhou is situated in the center of the Yangtze Delta, in the south of Jiangsu Province. Shanghai adjoins it to the east, Zhejiang to the south. Suzhou is regarded as the 'Oriental Venice', due to the large number of ponds and streams in this city. Taihu Lake, four fifths of which is in the territory of Suzhou, is one of the four largest fresh lakes in China. Suzhou is also called 'paradise on earth'. The balmy climate, picturesque scenery, beautiful stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens capture numerous visitors all year round. Since the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Suzhou has been an important centre for China's silk industry and still holds such a prominent position today.

Major Attractions:

Tongli Ancient Town: this town is situated on the bank of the Tai Lake and is 27 kilometers away from Suzhou. Encircled by water, the town has a beautiful atmosphere, and is noted as the best preserved water town in Jiangsu Province. Several hundred mansions and gardens were built in this town in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ginkgo, camelia and lacebark pine of several hundred years and other rare plants and flowers are well preserved here. 

Zhouzhuang Town: this is another famous water town similar to Tongli. It is renowned for its profound cultural background, the well-preserved ancient residential houses, elegant views and the strong local traditions.  In an area of half a square kilometer, a great deal of the structures were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Humble Administrator's Garden: this is the largest and most prestigious ancient Chinese garden in China. Its unique designs and delicate beauty has designated it a World Cultural Heritage site, and it has also been designated as one of the Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State as well as a Special Tourist Attraction of China.

Lingering Garden:

This garden is located outside the gate of Suzhou, encompassing an area of 23,300 square meters (about 5.8 acres). It is one of the four most famous gardens in China. It is renowned for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls and the various sizes, shapes, and colors of the buildings. In 1997, the garden was listed as a World Heritage site by UESCO.

The Blue Wave Pavilion: this is located in the southern part of Suzhou. This pavilion is praised as one of the four most celebrated gardens of the city. The oldest Suzhou garden is the Canglang Pavilion, which dates from the Northern Song Dynasty (906-1127). At that time, a scholar Su Shunqing was demoted and sent to Suzhou. He bought the garden and built the pavilion to enhance the garden's beauty. The garden was then named Canglang Pavilion in honor of his namesake, Canglang Wong.

Local Specialties:

Food: Huai Yang cuisine is noted for its mild and healthy flavors. It originates from Huai'an and Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province. Famous dishes include Ping Qiao Bean curd, Qingong Meatball, shrimps stewed with Pucai and pig's trotters stewed with eggs. Other renowned snacks are Nanjing dried salted duck, Jasmine Flower tea and Jujube Paste cakes.

Shopping: the most famous souvenirs from Suzhou include embroidery (which is praised as some of the best in the country), Suzhou tea (which has a distinctive aroma and delicate flavor), the Song brocade, writing brushes and Taohua Wu wood carvings.