Suzhou, Suzhou! Seriously?

[Franklin Weimann IV]

Alright, here's an update for all my fellow travelers:

I've just returned from Suzhou, and as a "student special forces" member (for the uninitiated, that means students who like using their minimum time and money to experience the maximum number of places, tightly packed schedules, you name it - we pull it off!), I must share some hot tips and vent about my experiences.

Many of you might have heard the saying "Above, there is paradise, below, there is Suzhou and Hangzhou," meaning that Suzhou and Hangzhou are indeed as beautiful as heaven. So how was Suzhou? Let me elaborate:

• Is Suzhou enjoyable?
  • Highly recommended! Worth visiting!
  • MUST SEE: The gardens! Such as Huozheng Yuan or Ling Yuan - they truly contain wisdom of our forefathers, with beautiful views at every step, exceptionally refined.
    • Tip: Try to arrive early, otherwise, there will be congestion and it'll be difficult to find good angles for photos!
  • Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street are pretty too. They're streets by the riverside, filled with small shops and snacks. Take your time wandering around.
    • Cultural note: Suzhou is famous as a "water city", so many canals wind throughout the city; as such, these streets by the river are one of its unique features.
• Be careful of these travel 'pits'!
  • Beware of trishaw drivers!
    • Some drivers may overcharge or take you to shops to collect kickbacks.
    • What can you do? Ask clearly about the prices before getting in, or consider using taxi apps or taking buses - there, prices are clearly listed, giving you peace of mind.
  • Don't believe in unofficial tour guides at tourist sites!
    • They may promise short cuts, low-cost tickets, only to take you the long way around or lead you into shopping points.
    • How to handle? Always buy tickets through official channels or order them ahead online. Legitimate tour guides all possess licenses.
  • Watch out for free tea drinking or free performance 'tricks'!
    • Some places lure you in by claiming things are 'free', but later they will charge hidden fees or urge you to buy expensive tea and silk items.
    • What's the catch? There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world! Keep your senses sharp if the prices seem unclear, or they appear excessively friendly.
  • Crowded during holidays!
    • During Chinese holidays, popular sites can really get very overcrowded!
    • What can you do? Try to avoid busy periods or arrive early to well-known places at the earliest time possible.

In summary, Suzhou is very beautiful, with rich water town flavor. Following those precautions when you visit will enable you to enjoy yourself even more! I hope my advice is beneficial to you all!

[Morris Schneider]

1. Visit the Gate of the Orient at night, and you can explore Jinji Lake at the same time. 2. Hanshan Temple and Xiyuan Temple are worth a visit. The vegetarian buns at Xiyuan Temple are delicious. Don't buy souvenirs at Hanshan Temple, but it's still great for a stroll. 3. Shiquan Street has a more modern, designer feel with many interesting little shops, but things are a bit pricey. 4. Shantang Street and Pingjiang Road are good for walking around, but be careful what you buy (don't just buy anything). 5. Some qipao shops on Pingjiang Road offer good ones for over 100 RMB; just make sure to pick carefully. 6. If you have time, spend half a day on a photoshoot. Qipao photoshoots are highly recommended as a Suzhou specialty! Other 'assembly-line' style hairpin or generic ancient costume photoshoots are just okay. Suzhou also has old shops that do classic finger wave hairstyles, which really complement a qipao for a more authentic look! 7. Food recommendations: Jiuquanli BBQ is good – I've been eating there for two years. They have 4-5 branches on one street. You can make a reservation when you get there; the wait is usually about 20 minutes, and sometimes you can get a table right away! Not much else to recommend from me, as I'm from northern China and not a big fan of Suzhou cuisine – it's too sweet for my taste. 8. It can get a bit hot, and Suzhou weather is unpredictable, so remember to bring an umbrella!!

[Franklin Weimann IV]

Let me recommend a guesthouse called 'Suzhou Xiaoyuan.' I just stayed there last weekend. It's about 400 meters from the Humble Administrator's Garden and also very close to the subway station. I found it quite affordable and it has a charming, traditional atmosphere. The owner is super friendly and will tell you about nearby attractions, food, and stuff. Plus, there are three big, fluffy cats in the courtyard you can pet and cuddle (unless you're not a cat person, of course)! Hope this helps!

[Terrence Beer]

Just wondering, which subway line is it close to?

[Sally Breitenberg]

So hot!!!

[Dr. Israel McLaughlin]

I thought it was supposed to be cloudy during the Dragon Boat Festival?

[Dr. Wade Boyer]

Will it be even hotter if I go at the end of June?

[Nathan Dickinson-Steuber]

I think so. Nanjing is already scorching hot!

[Joseph Thompson]

Just saw this.

[Arnold Predovic]

Don't go to Guanqian Street.

[Ms. Beatrice Abernathy]

Anyone looking for a travel buddy for the Dragon Boat Festival?

[Courtney Hickle Jr.]

Looks like it's going to rain during the Dragon Boat Festival.

[Mattie Lockman]

Photographer here, DM me.