Just Back from Suzhou: My (Totally Biased) Two Cents.

[Byron Larkin]

Sure, here's the translation:

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Certainly! I'll make sure all the details about Suzhou travel are crystal clear, allowing overseas friends to easily catch the essence and avoid potential pitfalls!

Let me share some personal experiences with you, especially for foreign friends who may not be familiar with some "special" features:

• Guān Qián Jiē (Guanqian Street)

  • Honestly speaking, this street is pretty huge, bright at night with crowds bustling about, particularly lively and enjoyable to take a leisurely walk.
  • However, if I were to mention any standout Suzhou specialties, I'd say it's just average. In fact, many restaurants on the street have signs hanging outside claiming "Recommended by CCTV" （CCTV being China’s national television station, whose recommendations can sometimes be hit or miss）or "Must-try in Suzhou".
  • I walked into one well-decorated restaurant at random, but...you know how it goes (a lot of dishes tasted like they were already pre-made and just reheated). That 'internet-famous' ice cream cost me 29 RMB; it was so bad, nearly gave me heart attack! I'd rather spend just 3 RMB on the common Mīxiě Bīngchéng (MiXue Ice Town) ice cream by the roadside!
  • ️ Caution: Avoiding pits
    • These "internet-famous recommended," “must-treat" restaurants, especially those with high prices, should really be researched thoroughly before visiting; not to blindly follow trends.
    • Beware of pricey internet-famous snacks, like that ice cream, whose taste doesn’t match its price; be cautious of spending inappropriately!

• Sūzhōu "Dàkùchǎ" (Suzhou 'Big Underpants' - Gate of the Orient)

  • The "Big Underpants" is actually this famous modern building in Suzhou—the Gate of the Orient, named so due to its resemblance to big underpants, and which local residents jokingly name it after. Its indeed tall and spectacular!
  • But seemingly I had bad luck, every toilet stall inside there only has sitting toilets (the one people sit and use), no squatting ones（common in many parts of Asia). The key problem was there were pee stains all over the seat…uh, not very clean.
  • ️ Tips of caution
    • For going to "The Big Underpants" or public restrooms elsewhere, if worried about hygiene, carry some disinfectant wipes with you to clean before use.

• Zhuōzhèng Yuán (Humble Administrator's Garden)

  • This garden must be visited, without going there, you might as well have not come to Suzhou! It’s one of China’s most famous classical gardens with such high reputation, there must be a reason!
  • The only downside is its crowds! It can be so crowded!
  • Tips
    • Wanting to experience well the beauty of the Humble Administrator's Garden, try visiting early or avoiding weekends and statutory holidays of China.

• Qīlǐ Shāntáng (Shantang Street)

  • This old street really deserves a visit too. Half of it is a commercial street, selling all sorts of souvenirs, trinkets, etc.; the other half has more life and bustle, like a lively small market with local everyday feel.
  • There’re more casual snacks along the roadside, enjoyable to taste along the way.
  • Reasons to recommend
    • Can simultaneously feel both the commercial hustle and bustle and local village style living vibes, also plenty of options for tasty snacks.

• Píngjiāng Lù (Ping Jiang Road)

  • I'd also recommend this road, quite typical for Jiangnan water town, small bridges over streams by the riverside and houses built beside them, the ambiance is simply pleasing.
  • But! There’s a store called Qián Zhī Zhāi that sells a local specialty snack called "Su-style pastries" that’s just a trap!
  • I suspect if the posts praising Qián Zhī Zhāi online are just sponsored posts paid for by the store owner? The cheapest pastry still costs around 12 RMB, the service attitude of the staff is also quite unpleasant. Even if it is expensive, its taste is just about the same as the cheap pastries you can get a big pack for 12 RMB elsewhere.
  • ️ Warning of pitfalls:
    • Be extremely careful with those ‘Su-style’ pastries sold at Pingjiang Road, particularly at this place Qián Zhī Zhāi! Don’t be fooled by online positive reviews, its value is quite poor.

• Fēngqiáo Jǐngqū / Hánshān Sì (Maple Bridge Scenic Area / Hanshan Temple)

  • Hanshan Monastery is very famous in China due to an ancient poem. But honestly speaking, the temple itself isn't big, it might take at least 15 minutes to tour through if you’re just visiting for sightseeing and not practicing any worship rituals.
  • Moreover, inside commercial atmosphere is relatively strong, lots of shops promoting prayer beads, jade ornaments, etc., and the prices are quite shocking，always starting with several thousand RMB.
  • At Maple Bridge side area, we queued up for 35 minutes — not because it was crowded, but the boatman insisted waiting for one full boat before departure. The entire tour of the river only lasted around 20 minutes, the scenery by the both sides was just average with no special appeal. Each ticket costs 40 RMB.
  • Tips
    • At Hanshan Monastery, enjoy the cultural atmosphere, while be cautious with shopping especially expensive items like prayer beads, jade ornaments, etc.
    • Expect Maple Bridge’s boat ride to wait for enough passengers plus bear the mind not to set your expectations too high for its scenic route.

I hope this helps everyone! Travel should emphasize happiness, with avoiding potential pitfalls being best!

[Orlando Ryan]

All these attractions have become so commercialized. Maybe try some less mainstream spots like Xiyuan Temple, Stone Lake (Shihu), Bao'en Temple, Chaiyuan, and so on.

[Beatrice Thiel]

Well, these are the famous ones, right? Tourists definitely want to check them off their list, haha.

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

I was just there tonight.

[Antonio Sawayn]

It's beautiful.

[Miss Angela Cormier]

I'm planning to go on the 29th.

[Ellis Sauer DVM]

The autumn colors will be even richer then.

[Pat Pagac]

Compared to Shaoxing, is it pretty much the same thing?

[Justin Zieme]

Not at all! I'm from Shaoxing, and I think Suzhou is much better for exploring.

[Benjamin Dooley]

Just wondering, is it convenient to stay near Guanqian Street?

[Lorena Runolfsson]

Yes, it's convenient. There are many attractions nearby.

[Iris Marquardt]

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.

[Ms. Cecilia Lowe]

Yeah, some places are just total tourist traps.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

Hey girls, any hotel recommendations? Where's a convenient area to book a place?

[Dr. Danny Bayer]

You could try joining a local tour group like I did. It's hassle-free and saves money.

[Colin Cronin]

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.

[Felix Glover]

After all, 'Guanqian' literally means 'in front of the Temple' – Xuanmiao Temple, that is.

[Madeline Hermann III]

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.

[Sammy Schiller]

Are the maple leaves red in any of the gardens yet?

[Morris Schneider]

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.