Just Back from Suzhou: My (Totally Biased) Two Cents.
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Not at all! I'm from Shaoxing, and I think Suzhou is much better for exploring.
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Just wondering, is it convenient to stay near Guanqian Street?
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Yes, it's convenient. There are many attractions nearby.
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Okay, I have to vent about this. I went to Guanqian Street last night for some oden. A loudspeaker was blaring '1 yuan per skewer.' So, I got five veggie skewers for 5 yuan. Then I asked about a pork tenderloin skewer, and she said it was 7 yuan. I was like, 'That's so expensive! Never mind then, just ring up what I have.' The owner lady then looked at my skewers, her face kind of twitched, and she let out a little 'hmph!' Seriously, I saw that and was instantly furious, but I kept my cool. I figured, I'm on vacation, if it's pricey, I just won't buy it, I'll just grab a few small things to eat. But then this happened, and I was just floored. I still didn't say anything, just paid and left.
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Yeah, some places are just total tourist traps.
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Hey girls, any hotel recommendations? Where's a convenient area to book a place?
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You could try joining a local tour group like I did. It's hassle-free and saves money.
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Guanqian Street has been in decline for a while now, partly because efforts to preserve the old city have shifted foot traffic elsewhere. It was originally an ancient commercial street with many time-honored brands. If you're visiting Guanqian Street as a tourist, instead of just shopping, it's better to check out Xuanmiao Temple. Historically, the popularity of this Taoist temple is what led to the commercial street forming around it.
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After all, 'Guanqian' literally means 'in front of the Temple' – Xuanmiao Temple, that is.
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Gusu District has many lesser-known gardens that are free and just as beautiful. If you plan your route well, you can visit several in succession, as they're often less than 1km apart on foot. Many of these spots are tucked away in residential areas, so walking through the small alleys gives you a real taste of Suzhou's local life and culture—something you don't get at the major tourist sites. Just be aware that many stop admitting visitors at 4 PM, so plan your time accordingly.
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Are the maple leaves red in any of the gardens yet?
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Nope, not really. I'm in Suzhou right now. Went to the Humble Administrator's Garden yesterday, and only a few trees had turned red; the rest are still green.