Suzhou: Seriously, a Giant Introvert Boot Camp.
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Hi everyone!
I've been in Suzhou for over a year now, so I can’t be called just another fleeting tourist. In my opinion, Suzhou reminds me of a city with a somewhat "chilly and aloof" vibe.
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While I've visited and snapped photos at all the popular tourist spots that are trending online,
- Honestly speaking, Suzhou is truly beautiful, with an tranquil and soothing kind of beauty that’s quite healing.
- Besides the crowded places in the scenic areas, other parts of the city are rather peaceful. The planning and environment of the entire city are excellent too.
- However, if I were not there with friends, most places probably wouldn't make it onto my revisit list.
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Over time, though, as a newcomer to the area, the novelty of the place gradually fades away, especially when it comes to making new friends:
- This could be because the people from Jiangsu Province (where Suzhou is located) tend to have a sense of "personal boundaries," which means they like staying within their own spaces and don't typically seek or initiate group activities.
- There's also a large presence of high-tech companies in Suzhou, particularly in areas like biomedicine and semiconductors; therefore, the city seems to lack a vibrant social, trendy, or artistic atmosphere. People here seem to lead orderly lives—going to work and coming home, each pursuing their own agendas.
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Here’s a twist: After being in Suzhou for more than a year, all of my friends were actually from adjacent cities such as Wuxi and Shanghai. It was hard getting local residents as friends in Suzhou.
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As an ENFP (a personality type known for enjoying novel experiences and preferring lively scenes) like me, this level of tranquility and routine might be somewhat unbearable.
- I always look forward to finding something new and exciting. Although life in Suzhou is generally comfortable, it somehow feels incomplete.
Travel Tips & Considerations:
- Social Dynamics Alert:
- If you're someone who craves a rich social life and expects to meet new people, then Suzhou may not be the perfect destination. Its residents could seem more reserved, valuing their privacy.
- What to do? Be proactive and participate in club activities centered around shared interests. Expect some trial and error before integrating into the local scene.
- Scenic Experiences:
- The gardens and quaint towns of Suzhou shouldn’t be missed – they’re certainly worth capturing on film!
- Suggestion: A first-time visit should include the classic spots, but if a more authentic taste of the local life is desired, wander around the non-touristy alleys – it might just deliver some pleasant surprises.
- Long-Term Residence Insights (for those who wish to stay longer):
- Those who love trying new things might find Suzhou’s slow pace dull, and its social network somewhat closed off.
If you too are passionate about diverse interests, wary of monotony, or simply love snapping photos and exploring creativity, let's connect and become "Buddies" (as we call people who go around and play together)! #Suzhou #RandomThoughts #FindingBuddiesInSuzhou
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If anyone's looking for a photographer for creative shoots, hit me up! I love doing Japanese-style, moody, or everyday film-look photoshoots. Looking for models who are photogenic and expressive in front of the camera!
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Hey man, can I tag along for photography? I'm also just bored at home.
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I find Suzhou incredibly, unbelievably boring. I'm a Suzhou native, but I went to high school in Nantong (moved there for the better education) and then university in Nanjing. I just graduated this year and am working in Suzhou. I'm desperately dying to go back to Nanjing; Suzhou is just SO dull. I'm an ENTP and pretty sociable—I've even made over ten new friends here since graduating. My job is 8 hours a day with weekends off, and I go out with friends every weekend, but honestly, it's not fun at all. There's just nothing exciting to do.
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Hahaha, so many locals find it boring too, huh.
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As a local, I also find it boring + it's a total food desert!!! The only entertainment in Suzhou is visiting Sam's Club or Costco. Otherwise, we just head to Shanghai. There's really nothing much to see or eat here.
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Hey, don't speak for all locals saying it's a food desert all the time.
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Why do I keep seeing posts like this? If you don't like it, just leave.
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So you managed to 'run' off to the UK, huh? So jealous, sis!
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I absolutely love it! It's an introvert's paradise! I adore the classical gardens, enjoy the leisurely, slow-paced lifestyle, and even just wandering around the Gusu District makes me happy. My hobbies are simple: meeting up with girlfriends, going to a stand-up comedy show or a play by myself, or spontaneously joining an event – I feel comfortable doing any of it. When I'm in the mood, I can easily pop over to Shanghai or Wuxi since they're so close. It's truly awesome!
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Any recommendations for stand-up comedy shows tomorrow or the day after?
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Even students in Suzhou find it incredibly boring, there's really nowhere to go... until they discover how fun Taihu Lakeside is.
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Really? Any specific places you'd recommend?
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This! Exactly how I feel. It feels like a place where prices are catching up to Shanghai, but it's still very 'village-y' and underdeveloped. People in town seem a bit cold, and the general aesthetic is quite plain and unsophisticated. Been here 3 months and met zero interesting people.
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Hahaha, I live near Suzhou Center and it's pretty quiet too, but it's true that Suzhou isn't a rat race.
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If you enjoy hiking, there should be groups for that, and for cycling too. Maybe try bumping into people on trails like the Lingbai Route? You can probably find groups on social media too. For cycling, there's a group around Yinshan Lake, and also around Taihu Lake (along the edges). But most of the time, it really is great for introverts (P.S. I'm an introvert).
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I'm okay with wandering around and taking photos of scenery by myself.
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Is it possible... you feel bored because you don't have interesting companions to do things with?
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That's right, there are too many introverts here.
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No comment, but I choose to leave.