A Local's Stab at a Suzhou Guide: Eat/Drink/Play
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Alright, friends, let me tell you about this wonderful destination called Suzhou! In a nutshell, Suzhou is like having two different faces:
- The first one is the old city (Gusu District), with its charming little bridges, running water, and white-walled black-roofed houses that exude the atmosphere of a classic Jiangnan water town.
- The other face is the industrial park, brimming with towering buildings and a very modern vibe.
For those visiting Suzhou for the first time, checking out these two areas would be quite sufficient!
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Old City (Gusu District):
- You might often hear people recommending well-known attractions such as the Suzhou Museum, Pingjiang Road, Humble Administrator's Garden, and Shantang Street, but honestly, I do not particularly recommend them. They are already overcrowded and, in turn, can lead to a loss of novelty.
- Here is my personal recommendation for an exceptional route, offering a unique taste of old Suzhou:
- Start your journey from Wuxia Avenue, proceed to Wuqiao Bridge Lane and then Shiquan Street; afterward, visit Canglang Pavilion before finishing at the Confucius Temple Museum.
- Shiquan Street: While the official authorities are now beginning to place more emphasis on developing this area, there still remain plenty of interesting little shops with distinctive designs. It's bustling especially lively during the evenings – a hub for Suzhou's "clear bars" (referring to small cozy bars where you sip drinks and enjoy calm conversations). Take in the picturesque view of the river as you sip a martini; it is highly recommended.
️ Important Note: There are many western-style cafes (bistros) along the street that look appealing yet are difficult to ensure quality.- Confucius Temple Museum: This free admission museum is positioned within a traditional architectural ensemble resembling Beijing's Forbidden City. You'll feel right at home with numerous historical stone artifacts, a haven for perfect photography moments as if you’re immersed in ancient times. Plus, the number of visitors here is relatively smaller.
- Along the way, here are some highly recommended local eateries and drinks:
- Xiao Jiangguotie (Pan-fried Dumplings)
- Tongdixing Noodle House (Suzhou-style noodles)
- Laosuzhou Tea Restaurant (traditional local cuisine)
- Wuxia Restaurant (local dishes)
- Jinshuidian Cake House (popular among locals for traditional pastries)
- Lê Tree (Western food, pleasant ambiance)
- Green Dog Cafe (picturesque background, average taste)
- Fisher (My own treasure café!)
- Bootlegger (During the day, serves coffee; transforms into a bar at night—cozy and has a friendly dog, too!)
- Nod (Located along Shiquan Street, unornamented appearance, yet outstanding wines)
- Wuqiao Bridge lane houses plenty of delightful little shops waiting for you to explore!
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Industrial Park (New Zone):
- Located around the center of Jinji Lake, the region can be divided into Eastern Jinjilake and Western Jinjilake.
- Want to check out the notorious "Big Trousers" skyscraper, also known as the Gate of the Orient? Look for it in Eastern Jinji, but you'll need to head to the shores of Western Jinji to snap excellent photos of it.
- If you desire to spend delightful moments savoring coffee while taking in the sights of the "Big Trousers", consider visiting LadyMay, a café located in Western Jinji with perfect positioning.
- Want a tranquil place to enjoy some solitude? Chuntiao Lake Plaza might serve as the perfect tranquil spot.
- This hidden gem sees fewer visitors and boasts spectacular landscapes, especially during golden hours for observing the sunset over Jinchilake, evoking a sense of serenity.
- In fact, strolling along the lakeside trail from Eastern Jinji to Western Jinjilake and back makes for a pleasant experience as a leisurely activity.
- Activities in Industrial Park (New Zone):
- Eastern Jinji is primarily centered around visiting the Gate of the Orient ("Big Trousers").
- Western Jinji features the popular Chain Books.
- Chain Books stands out with its spectacular staircase for photo opportunities! Moreover, this location currently marks the last Chained bookstore store in mainland China, featuring an expansive setting.
By all means, dive into the myriad of experiences that both Old Suzhou and New Suzhou have in store for you!
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This looks helpful! I'm planning to go with my girlfriend in early August. Any recommendations for accommodation?
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Which part of Leqiao are you referring to?
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Saved this! I'll check it out myself in August. Hope it won't be too hot, haha!
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So, how did it go?
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As a local, I can't find anything to complain about with this! Suzhou is genuinely beautiful – the diverse food, scenic spots, and Suzhou Pingtan (storytelling with music) are all fantastic. Honestly, a two or three-day trip for tourists isn't nearly enough to see it all! Being a local, I love heading to Yangcheng Lake this season to just relax; it's super comfortable. And let's not forget, the famous Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are from our Suzhou! Even local grandmas praise the steamed crabs – they're divine! If you have time, you absolutely have to visit, and check out Dongshan and Xishan (East and West Hills) too!!!
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Any recommendations for hairy crabs? I won't have a car and will be relying on public transport.
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Anyone around to hang out on August 6th and 7th?
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We'll be there on the 6th, 7th, and 8th! Awesome!
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Where's a good place to park?
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Dongwu Hotel.
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Hi, I'm planning a day trip from Shanghai during Chinese New Year. Could you tell me which areas in Suzhou have the strongest festive atmosphere?
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Panmen Gate, perhaps?
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Excuse me, where was the first picture taken? It's gorgeous!
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That's the bridge in front of Dongwu Hotel.
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Hi, where was the second picture (p2) taken? I'd love to go there for the sunset.
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Ladymay.
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Our trip to Suzhou was definitely worth it! We took the kids for a weekend getaway to let off some steam. We started early with three-shrimp noodles at Yuxingji – so delicious the little one drank all the broth! In the afternoon, we drove to Yangcheng Lake. A local showed us to this spot with a huge grassy area where the kids spent ages on the swings and picking tomatoes. The food had that authentic, home-cooked taste from a wood-fired stove – I wonder if anyone knows that feeling! Best part? It was a fantastic experience, uncrowded, beautiful, and not exhausting for this mom! It's the perfect way to tire out the kids so they conk out immediately!
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Was it fun?
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I visited the Gate to the East, Suzhou Center, and Jinji Lake today... and I was genuinely blown away!!! It just exudes modern charm. What's amazing is that it's not just modern; there's a lake and a plaza right in the middle, with office buildings across the water... the whole area feels incredibly upscale. It actually impressed me more than the Bund (though maybe my expectations for the Bund were too high, haha). I really think the Industrial Park is designed with incredible style.