Joanna James
If you're travelling to Suzhou, be prepared for no end of enchantments, from idyllic canal streets framed with quaint lantern-lit buildings and proud ruins leftover from ancient dynasties, to commercial districts lined with avant-garde skyscrapers, malls, and amusement parks. Scroll down for top Suzhou sights that you don't want to miss.
In a city with over 60 exquisite gardens, nature lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice. And among the most renowned is the Humble Administrator's Garden, which is one of the city's 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising of an artistic maze of interlaced bridges and old-time architecture, which seemingly floats across tranquil pools and breathtaking blossoms. Another famous garden is the Net Master's Garden, in which you will want to do little else but lazily soak in the serene sights, soothing sounds and flowery scents. However, the fascinating Lion Grove Garden is arguably the most exclusive, representing a classical story with its limestone rockeries and musical streams. If you want to enjoy the serene scenery in relative solitude, be sure to arrive there early at opening-time before the crowds begin to gather.
Suzhou is also renowned for its water towns, for instance, you can slide through the Tongli Water Town on a quaint little boat, admiring the gardens interlaced with a picturesque assortment of buildings, straight out of an intriguing painting. You also don't want to miss racing in a running boat through Zhouzhuang Water Town, which is a portal back to the dynasties of old; you can tiptoe into the ancient housing that opens right onto the water and pass under the charming Double Bridge that has inspired famous artists. However, the crowning Canal Cruise is at the Suzhou Grand Canal and the sunset view of the majestic Gate Tower across the water is something you're likely to never forget.
A rickshaw ride through the glistening, lantern-lit canal districts of Suzhou such as Pingjiang Road, or an evening prowl through Shangtang Street will lead you to the heart of authentic Suzhou culture. Here, 1000-year-old guild halls of dynasties and Kun Opera theatres mingle in perfect symphony with souvenir shops, tea houses, and restaurants.
The city is also home to the Suzhou museum which is a paragon of architecture in its own right with its contemporary rippling geometric design combined with the classical Suzhou elements of ponds spanned by bridges and serene courtyards. Inside this masterpiece, you can find an assortment of awe-inspiring exhibits that embody the rich history and unique culture of the legendary city. Another iconic tribute to this ancient settlement is the Suzhou Silk Museum, which exudes ethereal beauty with its gilded ivory theme, while also providing a unique insight into the craft of producing high-grade silk.
If you're looking to stay at a luxury hotel in Suzhou, you may want to pick one that proffers easy access to both the city's time-honoured and contemporary allurements, like the Pan Pacific Suzhou. If you're in the mood for riding a gigantic Ferris wheel, indoor ice skating, or watching dazzling water-plays while dining at top-notch restaurants, the city's modern industrial parks will cater to your wildest cravings.
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