Just hit Suzhou... Is it always this empty or did I miss the memo?

[Kendra Howe]

Hello everyone! This is my second day in Suzhou, and I am currently located at Yuexi Metro Station in Wuzhong District (if you want to avoid the crowds in downtown areas, this is a considerate option). Since flying here from Shenzhen, I've noticed quite a few differences, and I would like to share some interesting findings with those of you who might be planning to visit:

交通工具

• Metro experience:

  • It is really not very crowded! Even at 6:30 PM, which is roughly during peak hours when people are returning home from work, there were very empty train carts with enough seats for everyone.
  • There were noticeably many elderly people on the metro and around the hospitals.

• ️ Entrances and directions:

  • ️ Note this well ! The signs for metro station exits use directions such as “East, South, West, North,” rather than letters A, B, C, or D as seen elsewhere.
    • It is said this design helps to determine the direction easily. If you are not familiar with it, make sure to check the map beforehand or ask someone, so you won’t get lost off in the wrong direction!

• Street Crowds:

  • There was even fewer people on the streets, with hardly any seen anywhere to be going about their business, making it appear unusually empty. The slow and unhurried lifestyle here is also visible.

• Crossing the road (Pedestrian lanes):

  • ️ A Special Warning: Be extra cautious when crossing roads! Some pedestrian crosswalks (we call them 'zebra-crossings') do not have traffic lights. However, strangely enough, vehicles sometimes slow down to let pedestrians go first before continuing.
    • In case you ever face a situation like this, I would suggest if the car slows down clearly to gesture for people to proceed, just walk across quickly; if unsure or if the car is moving fast, take the extra time to stay safe. An eye contact with the driver is highly advisable as well.

• Transportation Options:

  • Here, there are many shared electric scooters available, which go by the name of 'electric carts', making daily transportation much more convenient. For distances that one or two kilometers long that are neither far nor near, it's a much more comfortable and quicker way compared to walking or riding one to two metro stops.
    • While I am used to just taking the metro a station or two away, walking around takes about the same amount of time but can tire a person out easily. However, after cycling during this cool weather with a slight chill, I enjoy the feeling of wind blowing past my face.

• Eating out:

  • The cost of eating is very reasonable! You can still taste delicious noodles at a hot temperature for under 100 RMB (around $15).

• Autumn atmosphere:

  • Currently, along the roadside, many trees have turned into shades of yellow, red, and orange, bringing the vibe of autumn very clearly. The weather is also pretty comfortable; it’s not too chilly or unbearable.

#Living Aesthetics #Suzhou #Suzhou Tour Guide #Suzhou Travel Experience

[Dr. Ruben Larkin MD]

Yuexi isn't quite the city center yet, so it's a bit less crowded.

[Maryann Daniel IV]

Is this place considered the suburbs? There's literally no one on the streets.

[Leslie Kunde]

At this time of day, everyone's slogging away at work.

[Delia Jast]

Which district are the tech companies mainly in? What's Yuexi known for? My future company is here, and it seems pretty deserted.

[Robyn Reilly]

Line 7 just opened, so there aren't many people yet.

[Katrina Sporer]

It feels like I'm back in my hometown here – so quiet and lacking buzz.

[Nathan Dickinson-Steuber]

Yuexi is a bit out of the way. You could check out Gelin and AEON Mall nearby. The lakeside area there is popular in summer, but it's too cold in winter. For more crowds, you'd probably head to Shishan, the 'Gate of the Orient' in SIP, or the Pingjiang Road/Shiquan Street area. I don't really go to other places much.

[Leon O'Keefe]

Alright. It's been pretty cold these past few days, so maybe people are just staying in.

[Bob Heller]

Yuexi is too remote. Head to Suzhou Center or Shishan Tianjie (Longhu Paradise Walk); those places are much busier.

[Pat Pagac]

Okay~ This place really does feel like the suburbs. No one around.

[Rafael Rau]

The Industrial Park (SIP) is great, you should check it out.

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

I don't finish work until 7 PM.

[Sammy Schiller]

Do you all get around on electric scooters?

[Dallas Durgan]

Don't subway stations usually have exits labeled 1, 2, 3, 4?

[Karen Bruen]

It's Exit 4 Northeast, that kind of thing, haha.

[Courtney Hickle Jr.]

I especially love it when it's not crowded. Line 4 gets so packed during holidays. It's really nice to walk by the lake when there are fewer people, though it's a bit cold now.

[Dr. Lance Glover]

I'm curious where all the Suzhou locals have gone. Why are the streets so empty? You rarely see this in Shenzhen; I'm not used to it.

[Candace McDermott]

The car's stopped for you, go on and cross! I've been fined twice for not yielding at crosswalks, so I'm a bit jumpy about it now.

[Carmen Willms]

Wow, Suzhou is so pedestrian-friendly!