Suzhou! Full of Creepy Old Men with Cameras & the Glorious Male Gaze!

[Daisy Hermiston]

Wow, Suzhou is such a great city to explore!

• While strolling on Guanqian Street, a renowned commercial street, I had the pleasure of sampling some mouth-watering Suzhou-style cuisine (Suzhoubang dishes, the local specialty, with a sweet taste and wonderful flavor).
• In my excitement, I impulsively bought two pieces of Qipao (Chinese cheongsam that beautifully highlights feminine curves), an exquisite traditional handmade hair ornament or brooch called Chan Hua (made from silk threads), as well as many other small souvenirs.
• The journey was delightful in every way, and along the way, I received compliments for my outfits from many pretty ladies!

However, there is one thing I wish to complain about. I sensed some gentlemen (particularly the elder ones) staring at me excessively.

️ Heads up, girls!

• Regarding unfriendly stares and covert photography:
  • My friend and I encountered a particularly dubious situation while strolling around the flagpole stores on Pingjiang Road (a unique old street perfect for taking pictures). An older gentleman was surreptitiously filming us, hiding his phone under his shirt and circling around the store. When I caught him, he quickly closed the camera app, only to return moments later and continue.
  • Moreover, the same incident occurred at famous attractions like Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove Garden, with even flash photography used at one point.
  • No matter what we wore - be it qipaos, long skirts, short skirts, even long pants, elderly men would constantly stare up and down.
  • If you glance back at them, they might shift their gazes; however, they will almost surely continue staring as long as your back is turned.
  • My friend and I observed that it was mainly the more elderly men who approached us. There were no instances of young males exhibiting such behavior.
• I initially assumed it was due to my friend's stunning appearance in qipaos which made us stand out as targets. As a plump lady myself, I noticed that even I was observed after waiting at the station (thanks to my friend's reminder).
• A contrast with Hangzhou: Just two days ago in Hangzhou, where my stylish friends wore less conservative clothing, passersby would appreciate them but maintain their distance. However, the experience in Suzhou felt like we were being "locked on"; they would continue watching even once we left their vicinity.

How to cope (personal suggestions):

• Maintain vigilance: Especially in crowded or narrow places, subtly pay attention to your surrounding environment.
• Go with a companion: Being in a group provides mutual support.
• Stare back if needed: If you feel uncomfortable, try staring at them back, which may result in the perpetrator averting their eyes from you. If nothing else, confronting them might be better than merely tolerating their behavior.
• Don't let it ruin your mood: The unpleasant experience shouldn't affect a good time exploring Suzhou! The city is indeed beautiful.