About Suzhou
What to see and do in Suzhou
Weather in Suzhou
Airport in Suzhou
Visa
Suzhou is a city on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Lake Taihu in the province of Jiangsu, China. The city is renowned for its beautiful stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens which have contributed to its status as a great tourist attraction. Since the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Suzhou has also been an important centre for China's silk industry and continues to hold that prominent position today. The city is part of the Yangtze River Delta region. The GDP per capita was RMB 91,911 (ca. US$13,230) in 2008, ranked no. 5 among 659 Chinese cities.
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province. It is famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Ping Jiang Road
Soochow (Suzhou) University's Main/Original Campus Take Bus 8 from the Train Station or along North Ren Min Road (south bound) to the end of the line, get off and walk about 300-400 meters to the east. There are also many cheap and good small restaurants westward on Shizi Street (the direction the bus came) that are monitored for their cleanliness by university and health people.
Ping Jiang Road A beautiful walk along an ancient road paved with hand-cut stones over a thousand years old and lined with shops maintaining traditional architectural styles. The Kunqu Opera Museum and School & the Pintang Museum are along Ping Jiang Road -- admission is free and you can get a cup of tea for RMB 3. Kunqu Opera performances are at 1:30pm on Sundays -- only RMB 10 for tea to sit and watch. If you get further north on this road, but south of the museum area, the shops eventually run out and it just becomes a quiet neighborhood again. This may be the best part of all.
Bai Ta East Road
Baita Road (Bai2 Ta3 Lu4) --> Dong Zhong Shi This isn't a tourist attraction just a street that hasn't been developed. On the east end (Baita Road) there are many trees covering the street. The western part maintains old-style store fronts as they have always been. The east end start at Renmin Road and head east on Baita West Road and the west end is west from Renmin Road. When you cross Lindun Road it becomes Baita East Road; you might want to take a look at the Zoo on the east end. It's only RMB 10 and relatively tolerable by Chinese zoo standards.
Temples
The North Temple Pagoda
The Twin Pagodas
The Hanshan Temple
The Mysterious Taoist Temple
Tiger Hill Pagoda and Hill (Yunyan Ta and Huqiu Shan) was built during the Song dynasty from 959 to 961. It is a 48-meter tall brick pagoda with seven stories and eight sides. It's one of the few remaining examples of pagodas of this type. It is sometimes called the Leaning Tower Pagoda because it leans to the north by 3.5 degrees. Tiger Hill, underneath the Pagoda, is the burial place of He Lu, founder of Suzhou and King of Wu who fell in battle in 496 BCE. The hill dominates the surrounding area, which contains various garden areas and buildings. Two outstanding gardens are the Verdant Mountain Villa (Yongcui Shanzhuang) and the Wan Jing Villa. Tiger Hill is also the former home of architect I. M. Pei, who was born in Suzhou.
Tiger Hill is of enormous importance historically and culturally, but much of its significance will likely be lost on foreign visitors. It's a nice place to walk around and explore, though, and parts of it are quite beautiful.
Be ready for a terrible gauntlet of souvenir vendors you'll have to go through to get in and out of the main gate to Tiger Hill. It can get pretty intense. Just ignore it and keep walking.
North Pagoda
Waterside townships
Tong Li
Lu Zhi
Mudu
Zhouzhuang
Classical Gardens
The Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan). Said to cost a boatload of silver and taken sixteen years to build : Tours through the garden start every 5-10 minutes. Included in the tour is a "Chinese marriage", a look at carved tree roots, followed by a boat ride through the garden canals. If you don't want the tour, you can also just wander around on your own and simply appreciate the place. The creation of striking views- sometimes borrowing features from other nearby gardens or scenic spots- is an important element of Suzhou gardening, and from that aspect this garden is truly a masterpiece. The incredible collection of bonsai tress ('pen cai' or 'pen jing' in Chinese) at the end of the garden furthest from the main entrance is worth a trip all by iteslf. Do not do the incense burning/fortune telling thing at the end of your guided tour unless you are really curious, or you think your wishes will be granted if you do so, or you simply enjoy being a fleeced tourist. RMB 70, RMB 50 off-season.
The Garden of the Master of the Nets (Wang Shi Yuan). Originally created in 1140, and recreated in 1770 by the bureaucrat Song Zongyuan. The enclosed complex of house and garden is one of the smallest, most beautiful, and most perfectly proportioned in Suzhou. On certain evenings there are demonstrations of many traditional performing art.
The Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan). One of the largest and most important classical gardens in Suzhou and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty (Huanxiu Shanzhuang). Considered to be among the finest rock and water garden constructions in Suzhou.
The Lion Grove Garden (Shi Zi Lin). One of the four great gardens of Suzhou and is admired for the incredible collection of pitted, eroded rocks that were greatly appreciated by classical Chinese scholars.
The Surging Wave Pavilion (Cang lang ting). One of the oldest of Suzhou's wonderful collection of private or "scholar's" gardens.
The Retreat and Reflection Garden (Tui Si Yuan). Located at town of TongLi, which is about 30KM away from SuZhou.
Small Classical Gardens. Large classical gardens are great to see their majesty while small gardens are quite good for a quick look or relaxing with a cup of tea in relative quiet. Often local folks are seen enjoying their tea and chatting. The small garden is a living part of the local, yet ancient, culture.
The Former Residence of Poet and Scholar Yu Yue in the ancient Liuhuafang Block, (Central part of the old city near GuanQian Street. Cross RenMin Road to the southwest corner, go south maybe 100 meters along the west side of RM Rd, turn west at the KFC and you will see it on the north side of the alley.). Make sure to go all the way towards the back inside the garden to see the best part. RMB 1.5, RMB 3 - RMB 7 for entrance and tea.
The Garden of Cultivation (YiPu Garden), (In the northwest corner of the old city -- inside the encircling canal. Ask local shop keepers for help since it is in an ancient block with small alleys/streets.). Make sure to go all the way towards the back inside the garden to see the best part. RMB 10.
Tarrying Garden (Wufeng Xianguan). is located outside Changmen Gate in Suzhou City was established in the Ming Dynasty and many parts of it were rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. "Wufeng Xianguan" of the garden is also called "Nanmu Hall" in which there are different kinds of rarely seen furnishings made of nanmu. Mandarin Duck Hall is divided into two parts by a meticulously carved partition.There are varieties of doors and windows in other structures. RMB 10.
The Garden of Pleasure (Pleasence) (Yi Yuan). Very small garden located at the heart of down town area of Suzhou City. Good place to have a cup of grean tea and usually visted by lots of local elder people.
The Couple's Garden Retreat (Ou Yuan), (Quietly hidden in the small lane near Ping Jiang Road. Not easy to find it.). Built in early 20's century by a couple.
City Gates
Pan Men is 2,500 years old and was first built by the state of Wu in the Warring States Period. It is renowned for its unique structure as a combined water and land gate. The remaining wall is 300 m long and 5 m high.
Visiting Pan Men includes access to a large and rather lovely garden with ponds and pavilions (feed the koi for RMB 2), a boat ride, the city water and land gate, and an original foot bridge over the grand canal. You can also climb the 2-storey, 53 meter high Auspicious Light Pagoda which was built in 1004 B.C. This however is for an extra fee of RMB 12.
Hills
The East Hill
The West Hill
The Flat-top Hill
The Heavenly Pond Hill
The Commander-in-chief Deng's Hill
The Delicate Rock Hill
Walking tours
The Garden of Pleasure/ Pleasence/ Joy (Yi Yuan), Yu Yue's Residence (Yu Yue ), Yi Pu Garden, the North Pagoda
Walk form the center of old town, go to east follow Ganjiang east road, then turn left when you go to Lindun road. You will spend one hour and get to Suzhou New Museum. After visit the museum and visit Zhuozheng Garden, you walk follow Baita West Road, then turn right Pingjiang Road, you can visit the Kunqu Opera Museum, Pintan Museum, the two museum tickets are free. After visiting the museum, you can watch a show of Kunqu Opera or Pintan,you can go back to Ganjiang east road. At night, you can go back to the Water Town Youth Hostel in old town.
Riding tours
Riding Shantang street and Tiger Hill.
Hire a bike from the water town youth hostel, which is located at the center of Suzhou Old Town, it will cost RMB 25 for whole day including a bottle of water. Follow Yangyu Lane, riding north. Through the Ganjiang west road, you turn left when you get to the Xizongshi road. You will go through the old stone Chang gate, then you will turn right through the bridge of Dusunqiao. When you get to Shantang street, follow it. After half an hour, you will get to Tiger Hill, after visiting the sight, you will turn back to the Suzhou water town hostel.
Riding Pingjiang Road and Suzhou New Museum.
At morning, you start form water town youth hostel, turn left and go north following Renmin Road, then at once go to the east following the Ganjiang east road, you will turn left and go to north following the Lindun road. It will take you half an hour you will get to Suzhou new museum. Check and put the bike to bike keep store, visit the Suzhou new museum and Zhuozheng garden.Take the bike and ride to Yuanlin road, go to the Baita west road, you go to east and follow Baita west road, and turn right and go to Pingjiang road, you can follow the old street and go to Middle Zhangjiajie lane to visit Pintan museum and Kunqu museum, the two museums are very special and are free to visit. You will maybe spend RMB 5 or RMB 10 to watch a show of Pintan or Kunqu. Return to Guanqian street to have a supper, at night you go back the water town youth hostel and finish the riding.
Walk down Shantang Street,a Chinese traditional old street rebuilt in Tang Dynasty more than 1100 years old, then take a boat form here to "Tiger hill" in canals.
Climb up the North Pagoda for a nice view of the city.
Visit the Silk Museum and discover the history of Silk making and the 'Silk Road'.
Visit the Silk Embroidery Research Institute and see the finest embroidery in the world.
Walk down Ping Jian Road and stop into the Kunqu (Suzhou) Opera school, theater and museum and the Pin Tan Museum. Pin Tan is a local musical tradition with a man and a woman playing traditional instruments and singing. There are nightly performances of Pin Tan at 8pm at the tea house at 793 Shi Quan Rd as well as at other locations.
Take a boat ride through the city's canals.
Dine at Li Gong Ti - the night view and lights are fantastic
Stroll down Guan Qian Street. If you're not the walking sort, you can opt for a ride in the little tuk-tuk down the very long shopping street. Check out the back alleys for good eating places and little quaint shops.
Parks
Suzhou Park on Gong Yuan Road (day time pick up spot for gay men)
Museums
Suzhou Museum designed by I.M. Pei, who is originally from Suzhou. The architecture of the building is quite nice, although the contents of the museum are very mediocre.
It's best to visit Suzhou between January and April because the temperature is not too low and the flowers are in full bloom until June. The Plum Rain Season of June is followed by a hot July. After July, a harvest autumn arrives. Both the fresh fruits and the seafood will surely whet your appetite. To promote tourism in Suzhou, a number of tourist festivals are held here every year:
West Hill Plum Blossom Festival in Wu County - March, 1st to 10th
The Tiger Hill Flower Festival - March to May
Luzhi Apparel Cultural Tourist Festival - April
The Tiger Hill Fair - September to October
Tianping Hill red Maple art Festival - November
The Festival of Listening to the Bell of the Cold Mountain Temple on New Year's Eve -
December, 31st
January -15 C to -2 C
February -11 C to 2 C
March -4 C to 9 C
April 3 C to 17 C
May 9 C to 23 C
June 13 C to 27 C
July 15 C to 29 C
August 14 C to 28 C
September 8 C to 23 C
October 1 C to 15 C
November -6 C to 7 C
December -12 C to 0 C
Despite being an important tourist destination, Suzhou does not have its own international airport at present. It is best to use the airports of nearby Shanghai. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Pudong International Airport (PVG) are used frequently by domestic and international visitors.
Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is 86 kilometers (about 53 miles) away from Suzhou. Every day shuttle buses run between SHA and Suzhou. The whole journey takes about one hour and forty minutes.
People in Suzhou Uses Shanghai Airport
Suzhou is the nearest city to Shanghai. From Shanghai to Suzou is sometimes
quicker to go to some places in Shanghai. Seriously. I have friends who has company
in Suzhou and goes there to work every day - just 1 hour or less of ride on Highway.
Suzhou is only 88 km away from Hongqiao Airport or 130 KM from Pudong Airport. The government of Suzhou said in 2004 that Suzhou will not construct a new international airport in the next 5 years. So if you are going to Suzhou, the best choice is to go to Hongqiao Airport or Pudnog airport and take buses there.
Buses from SHA to Suzhou:
Time of departure: The buses depart from SHA on the hour from 10:00 to 16:00
every day. Also, two buses leave SHA at 17:30 and 19:00.
Fare: RMB 50 per person.
Buses from Suzhou to SHA:
Address: CEAG (China Easter Airlines Group) ticket office, No.115, Ganjiang Xilu, Suzhou
Time of departure: 6:20, 7:20, 7:50, 8:20, 9:20, 10:20, 10:50, 11:50, 12:50, 13:50, 14:50.
Fare: RMB 50 per person.
You can also get to Suzhou by flying to Pudong International Airport (PVG), which is located 120 kilometers (about 65 miles) away from Suzhou.
Buses from PVG to Suzhou:
Address: The parking lots at the 2nd floor of PVG's terminal building.
Time of departure: 10:40, 11:20, 11:50, 12:50, 13:50, 14:40, 15:20, 16:10, 16:50,
17:50, 18:50, 19:40
Fare: RMB 82 per person.
Buses from Suzhou to PVG:
First, take the bus to SHA, and then take the No.1 shuttle bus from SHA to PVG.
The price is RMB 30 per person.
Time of departure for the No. 1 shuttle bus: every 10 minutes from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Lastly, for the visitors to or from Beijing and Foshan (in Guangdong Province),
the Guangfu Airport, located in the west suburb of Suzhou, has direct flights every week.
Several airlines companies have ticket offices in Suzhou City, so your trip by air will
be more convenient.
CEAG: No.192, Renmin Lu
CSAC (China South Airlines Company): No.943, Renmin Lu
AC (Air China): No.183, Fenghuang Jie
CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China): No.85, Renmin Lu
To be able to travel to Suzhou you need to have a valid China Visa, issue from your local government at the China Embassy, Chinese visa fall into four types: diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa and ordinary visa. Ordinary visa is further divided into the following 8 categories each marked with a letter: (1) Tourist and family visit visa (L-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for tourist purpose, family visit or other personal affairs.
(2) Business Visa (F-visa ) is issued to a foreign citizen who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, exchanges in the fields of science, technology, education, culture and sports, or attending various kinds of trade fairs or exhibitions, or short-term study, intern practice for a period of no more than 6 months.
(3) Student Visa (X-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for the purpose of study or advanced study for a period of six or more months.
(4) Work Visa (Z-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China to work and his or her accompanying family members, or to give commercial performances in China.
(5) Transit Visa (G-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is to transit through China on his or her way to a third country (or region).
(6) Crew Visa(C-visa)is issued to crew member performing his/her duties on board an international train, or on an international airliner, to a sailor on board an international ocean-liner or freighter, and also to their accompanying family members..
(7) Journalist Visa (J-visa)is issued to foreign journalists. J-visa has two categories: J-1 visa and J-2 visa. J-1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists in China and their accompanying spouses and under-age children, J-2 visa to foreign journalists who visit China for temporary news coverage.
(8) Permanent Residence Visa(D-visa)is issued to a foreign citizen who has been approved by China's public security authority to reside in China permanently.
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