Drifting along Suzhou: The ancient city is as beautiful as a painting

Visiting Suzhou (China) for the first time, you'll be amazed by its scenery, reminiscent of the sets of ancient Chinese dramas. Located in Jiangsu Province, 100 km from Shanghai, Suzhou is renowned for its rich history, distinctive culture, numerous historical sites, famous landmarks, delicious traditional cuisine, and exquisite handicrafts. In 1997 and 2000, several classical gardens in Suzhou were proudly recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Dubbed the "Venice of the East," Suzhou boasts an intricate network of canals, ancient stone bridges, and architectural structures steeped in traditional Chinese culture.

1. Ideal Time to Visit

Suzhou experiences four distinct seasons. From March to May and from early September to late October, the weather is cool and pleasant, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy the vibrant natural scenery and the city’s nostalgic architecture, promising a truly memorable experience.

2. Travel Tips

Despite being a famous tourist city, there are currently no direct flights from Vietnam to Suzhou. You’ll need to book a flight (ranging from 6,500,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND) to Shanghai, then continue to Suzhou by train, coach, or bus.

• Shanghai – Hongqiao to Suzhou bus line: Departure times from 10:00-16:00, with additional buses at 17:30 and 19:00. Ticket price: 50 RMB.
• Shanghai – Pudong to Suzhou bus line: Departing from the 2nd-floor parking lot at Exit 1, with hourly buses from 10:40-19:40. Ticket price: 82 RMB.

Once in Suzhou, you can explore the city by various means such as taxis, the subway, or buses. In areas near rivers and canals, boat rental services allow you to leisurely tour the city by water. Visitors can use Google Translate or other translation apps to ask locals for directions or scan signboards for easier navigation.

3. Exploring the Classical Gardens

Suzhou is home to many beautiful classical gardens such as the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, and Tuisi Garden. These gardens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering visitors the chance to admire the sophisticated artistry of Chinese garden design, which harmoniously blends nature, architecture, and philosophy.

Tuisi Garden, also known as the "Retreat and Reflection Garden", is a tranquil and poetic space

Lingering Garden captures the serene beauty and elegance of Suzhou's traditional landscape

4. Strolling Along Ancient Canals

Suzhou’s canal system creates a unique waterway network, transporting visitors back to ancient China's golden era. You can take canal boat tours through old streets, passing under ancient stone bridges while observing the daily lives of locals. Pingjiang Road Old Town is an ideal spot to explore the city’s culture and history, with narrow alleys, traditional tea houses, and artisan shops.

Visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the gentle flow of Suzhou's waterways while sitting on small boats.

5. Visiting Historical Temples and Pagodas

• Hanshan Temple: One of the most famous temples in Suzhou, known for its ancient architecture and peaceful atmosphere. It is also tied to several renowned Chinese poems.

Hanshan Temple – The oldest and most ancient Buddhist structure in Suzhou

• Beisi Pagoda: With over 1,700 years of history, this temple is a spiritual and cultural symbol of Suzhou, offering insights into Chinese Buddhism.

6. Suzhou Silk Art

Suzhou is also known as the "Silk Capital," with a thousand-year history of silk production and trade. Visitors can stop by the Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the traditional silk-making process and admire the exquisite silk products. A silk scarf or garment from Suzhou makes for a meaningful souvenir from your trip.

Some images from Suzhou Silk Museum

7. Distinctive Cuisine

Suzhou cuisine is delicate and light, with specialty dishes such as Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, oil-braised eel, Suzhou rice noodles, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, and Jiuzhongtai cake. These dishes are often elaborately prepared, showcasing the region’s culinary finesse and long-standing traditions.

Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs are a delicacy beloved by the Chinese elite

Jiuzhongtai Cake is a traditional Suzhou dessert made from sugar, flour, and honey

Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish

...and Oil-braised Eel are must-try dishes in Suzhou’s culinary landscape.