Plot Twist: The Real WTF in Suzhou You Need to Watch For Is...

[Karen Zulauf]

Hey, ladies! I just got back from Suzhou and have some important things to share with those planning a trip, especially the girls!

• ️ Watch out for "scan code" scams on Guanqian Street (观前街)!

  • This is a famous commercial street in Suzhou. Avoid approaching people who ask you to scan QR codes, download mobile applications or follow certain WeChat official accounts (many merchants use this platform to push information) regardless of their claims to be college students.
  • Their initial proposition to follow the WeChat account is merely a test to see if they can get away with pushing something else like downloading other apps, or even grabbing your phone and operating it themselves.
  • To sum up, when a stranger approaches in such manner, just ignore them!

• ️ Beware of weird flirtation attempts on Guanqian Street (观前街)!

  • Again, in Guanqian Street, you may encounter some odd men (I was suspicious that these were so-called “Pick-Up Artists”, individuals trained in the art of hitting on strangers.) They might directly come over, pat your shoulder and try to add you on WeChat.
  • My sister and I encountered this situation just after experiencing the QR code incident. We promptly declined and the man walked off. It felt like they specifically target solo or partnered girls.

• During the low season with fewer tourists, it’s wise to return to your hotel early at night and prioritize safety.

• On Pingjiang Road (平江路), which has lots of characteristic historical alleys with a Jiangnan-river-town vibe, there are several vendors selling jasmine-flower-bracelets.

  • From my experience, going deeper into the lanes would provide better prices. Normally, after bargaining, you should be able to purchase two bracelets for around 30 RMB.

• Unadvisable rickshaw ride on Pingjiang Road (平江路).

  • (Similar to many scenic spots in cities, the fares are usually opaque and liable to detours.)

The tour route for Jinji Lake (金鸡湖):
* If time is tight, take the metro to "Eastern Gateway Station", known for its uniquely designed skyscraper colloquially called "Big Octopus".
* Have your picture taken there (used as verb meaning taking commemorative photos at some location proofing your visit), then pass the bridge under "Eastern Gateway" and straight into the Jinji Lake district, which should be the shortest pathway.

Traffic system in Suzhou:
* Taxis can be somewhat choked during peak hours.
* Buses are quite convenient, numerous lines are actually more convenient than taking the metro sometimes.

• ️ Girls, please pay attention to your dressing and self-protection!

  • This point is ultra-important! I don’t know if others also share this feeling but, while in Suzhou, being targeted by awkward glares, mostly from men, feels incredibly unwelcome when wearing mini skirts.
  • Especially during the off-season when fewer people visit, it would be beneficial to dress slightly conservatively, such as wearing long skirts, instead. Observing in the area reveals not too many locals opting into off-shoulders or midriff-baring tank tops either, so overall, I noticed a preference for unobtrusive clothing styles.

• The unexpected best-tasting food we encountered during our trip to Suzhou had to be delivery orders of “Cao Shen Duck Neck”(曹氏鸭脖, from its Suzhou headquarter). Spicy as hell but very mouthwatering! “Yiyidian Dian” (一点点), a famous milk-tea chain-store, became our life-saving water, with us craving it daily.