Suzhou苏州

Overview

Suzhou is world-famous for its classical gardens, known as the "City of Gardens". Nine gardens including Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden are UNESCO World Heritage. Suzhou also represents Jiangnan water towns.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Humble Administrator's Garden

Top of China's four famous gardens, representative Ming Dynasty garden, water-centered layout.

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Lingering Garden

One of China's four famous gardens, famous for exquisite architectural space handling.

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Tiger Hill

"No.1 sight in Wuzhong", Yunyan Temple Pagoda (leaning pagoda) over 1000 years old.

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Pingjiang Road

Microcosm of ancient Suzhou, small bridges flowing water, white walls black tiles.

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Zhouzhuang Water Town

China's #1 water town, Double Bridge was subject of painter Chen Yifei's work.

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Suzhou Museum

I.M. Pei's modern architectural masterpiece, adjacent to Humble Administrator's Garden.

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Food & Snacks

Squirrel-shaped Sweet and Sour Mandarinfish

Suzhou's #1 dish, fried mandarinfish with sweet-sour sauce, shaped like a squirrel.

Suzhou Soup Dumplings

Thin skin, rich broth, crab roe version is autumn seasonal delicacy.

Biluochun Tea

One of China's top ten teas, from Dongting Mountain, intensely fragrant.

Osmanthus Stuffed Lotus Root

Traditional Suzhou dessert, glutinous rice stuffed in lotus root, osmanthus syrup.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Classical Gardens of Suzhou (1997) — UNESCO listed in 1997 and 2000 in two batches, total 9 gardens.
• Kunqu Opera (2001) — One of China's oldest opera genres, called "ancestor of all operas".
• Su Embroidery (2006) — Top of China's four famous embroidery styles, known for exquisite elegance.

Practical Tips