Suzhou? Just Don't.
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Hello everyone! As a long-time native of Suzhou who has been living here for over twenty years, I feel the need to talk about how this city truly isn't quite suitable for those who are always rushing around and trying to hit every must-see spot on their list.
- Suzhou itself is a leisurely-paced city.
- If you plan on just casually visiting, I sincerely recommend doing some research beforehand – otherwise, you'll feel like you're aimlessly bumping around.
- To be honest, Suzhou is more of a place to wander and soak in the atmosphere rather than a city brimming with exciting 'activities' or amusement parks.
So when you come to Suzhou, try to let go of your fast-paced lifestyle and take the time to truly appreciate the area. Gain an understanding of what it's like to be in a "water village" (referring to the traditional Chinese image of little bridges and winding rivers) and I earnestly recommend staying for at least several days to really savor it all.
Best times to visit:
- Personally, I would suggest visiting during March through May or from October through December each year.
Important tips & reminders:
️ Weather and sun protection:
- Before coming, check the weather forecast for about the next fifteen days.
- Note: You should carry a foldable umbrella even if the UV doesn't seem that strong because the sun in Suzhou can still be harsh.
Accommodations selection:
- I suggest booking a hotel near Subway Line 2 or 4 since most tourist attractions will be located along these two routes, making transportation much easier.
- Money-saving tip: Generally, you'll get better deals by reserving a hotel one week before your trip.
- Breakfast suggestions: Breakfast at hotels – well, personally, I wouldn't recommend it. Instead, there are ample small streets filled with local delicacies in Suzhou that you can try out without having a repeat for five days!
Apps you need:
- Important: Download the app called "Suzhou Express" which is used by locals for public transport; don't use the mini-program version available on WeChat or Alipay, as they typically have longer load times.
Methods of transportation:
- The main transport methods within the city include taking a subway or car-taxis.
- Note: There aren't many shared bicycles available in the city center, so I don't recommend riding a bike.
Guide to avoiding 'pitfalls' related to dining:
- Critical warning: Don't eat at 'Guanqian Street!', where many of the offerings are neither tasty nor characteristic of Suzhou – it's mostly geared towards misleading tourists.
- If you want to taste authentic Suzhou cuisine, head over to nearby side-streets (I'm talking about the little alleys surrounding Pingjiang Road and not just the main street, which seems catered for tourists).
- If you aren't a stickler for local flavors, you can check 'Dianping' (a similar app to Yelp in China). A tip would be to read through the negative reviews as well; Suzhou locals aren't afraid to dish out harsh critiques about bad food.
- Avoiding popular Instagram traps: Stay clear of popular Instagram spots where all pictures are heavily photoshopped – usually, these places serve average dishes, so avoid them.
So far, I can list this much, hoping it helps travelers visiting Suzhou! #Suzhou #PingjiangRoad #TravelInSuzhou
- Suzhou itself is a leisurely-paced city.
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Going this week. Who wouldn't want to take it slow and wander around? But alas, some of us still have to work!
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It's better to visit during the shoulder season.
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Is Suzhou-style mung bean soup pretty much the same everywhere? I'd love to give it a try!
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No, no, no! You should definitely have it at the shop. They supposedly love seeing that 'pained look' on customers' faces!
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I'll be in Suzhou for about a week and plan to take things slow, explore, and try the local cuisine. I'm a bit worried about tourist traps or just bad food, though. Could any kind soul recommend some must-try dishes or restaurants?
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See if anyone in the comments has recommendations for you. Honestly, great food options can be a bit limited. Suzhou cuisine leans towards the sweeter side. Maybe start with their pastries – if you find those agreeable, then you could try some of the local specialty dishes.
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But the drivers on the road there? Each one seems more reckless than the last.
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I totally agree! Just got to Suzhou and my taxi driver was going incredibly fast.
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Coming from Changsha, Suzhou actually feels like a getaway from the heat.
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That's because there's been a typhoon around for the past couple of days, so it hasn't been as hot.
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A lot of the positive reviews on Dazhong Dianping (China's Yelp) are artificially boosted. Shops will offer you small freebies as an incentive, and then they'll even take your phone to write a glowing review themselves.
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I'll second that! You eat pretty much anywhere, and they'll bring over some little trinket to get you to leave a good review. On this trip, Dazhong Dianping really opened my eyes – and not in a good way. I'd never even used the app before. Is it really that influential? Everywhere you eat, they're pushing for five stars.
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I've been in Suzhou for ten days now. It's definitely not the kind of place for a 'whirlwind' or 'checklist' type of trip. You really need to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. I absolutely love it here.
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The Suzhou Metro now accepts Alipay. I'm a local, and even I only found out last week when I got back from a business trip and saw an Alipay ad at the train station.
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You can use Alipay or WeChat Pay, but I personally find their dedicated app a bit faster.
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If you've got a short temper, maybe give Suzhou a miss... I just got back, and the e-bike riders there are constantly honking – like, non-stop – even if you're not blocking them at all. It feels like they're just trying to blast you off the road.
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It's possible they're honking at another e-bike ahead of them. A lot of older folks and delivery guys ride really fast and impatiently, just laying on the horn. When I'm cycling and people honk at me non-stop, it drives me nuts too. I ride slowly and keep to the right, leaving plenty of space on the left for them to pass, but they still honk. Maybe many of them never got a driver's license and don't realize you're supposed to overtake on the left.
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It's the Suzhou locals themselves who are darting around recklessly; other people aren't nearly as impatient as they are.
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As they say: 'Airplanes in the sky, Su-E plates (Suzhou) on the ground!' (Basically means Suzhou drivers are notorious.)