Suzhou…Land of beautiful classical gardens. Capital of the famed Gusu silk. Venice of the East.
I suppose Suzhou is lovely in every way. It offers the modernity of a contemporary city minus the hustle and bustle of a busy metropolitan life. Being in Suzhou is being able to relax, unwind, and get lost in the midst of the stunning landscaped gardens found all over this pretty little city. It is rather obvious why Shanghaians seem to think Suzhou is a good vacation place to run away from all the troubles of a big city life. Situated in the Jiangsu province, only a 2-hour drive away from the lively Shanghai, this unpolluted city is an apparent contrast to what vacationers and “runaways” have left behind. Everything here is straightforward, simple, and uncomplicated.
Highlights:
People: The people of Suzhou are easygoing and make do with their low costs of living, having pays as low as RMB400 to RMB800 a month. This may seem insufficient, but mind you, the residents here eat well, sleep well, and take extremely good care of their health and well-being. There are almost 100 people aged more than 100 living in Suzhou at the current moment. So, in a city where health is an important issue, what could be more significant than… the FOOD?
Food: It is hard not to notice the restaurants in Suzhou. The restaurants here are simply enormous, brightly illuminated with neon lights and banners. Suzhou people believe that eating is one of life’s greatest gifts, so they love having big meals and dining in huge fancy restaurants. Amazingly, despite the eye-catching lightings, the prices in most of these restaurants are inexpensive and very affordable.
Gardens: And not to be missed is the classical gardens of Suzhou. I loved walking along the pathways of weeping willows and strangely formed rocks. Being in the gardens creates a calm sense of security and serenity… and it really is a perfect place to disappear or lose yourself in.
So when you do run away to Suzhou, leave all your worries behind and get lost in the present moment filled with quaint canals, stunning gardens, hearty food, and beautiful ladies in elegant silk.
Quick Tips/Suggestions:
There are an amazing amount of gardens located in Suzhou, but only a few are open to the public. The most popular of the gardens are the Lingering Garden and the Humble Administrator’s Garden. A visit to these two gardens is sufficient enough to understand the extent of the beauty of classical gardens.
Also, do visit the place that gave Suzhou the nickname “Venice of the East,” the Zhou Zhuang water village, with its canals and Chinese “gondolas.”
And don’t forget the famous Gusu silk!
Best Way to Get Around:
Like all small cities in China, it is not easy getting around if you don’t know the language. For taxis, you will need instructions written in Chinese, and as for buses, there are not many around Suzhou to begin with. So I guess it’s best to forgo all the hassle and join a tour!
