Just Back From Suzhou: Spilling Some Unpleasant Truths (Part 1)
General Discussion
1
Posts
1
Posters
7
Views
-
Hello, dear friends who are planning to visit Suzhou!
Below, I have some heartfelt advice that I hope will help you avoid unnecessary trouble and make your trip even more enjoyable!
Where to stay? Choose wisely for a quiet and budget-friendly stay!
️ Beware!
- Be cautious of riverside homestays: Homestays along popular ancient rivers like Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street sound romantic, but they might be a bit damp, not well-insulated, and noisy when tourists come at night, making it hard to sleep peacefully.
- Tip: If you're sensitive to light/noise or have higher expectations for accommodations, consider choosing something a bit further from the main street or a modernized hotel.
- Hotel prices surge during holidays: Especially near classical garden attractions like Suiyuan Garden, prices often double on weekends or on public holidays.
- Money-saving trick: Book your accommodation at least two weeks in advance to secure better rates if your plans are certain.
- Be cautious of riverside homestays: Homestays along popular ancient rivers like Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street sound romantic, but they might be a bit damp, not well-insulated, and noisy when tourists come at night, making it hard to sleep peacefully.
How to navigate the city? Avoid peak hours or you'll end up crying with frustration!- ️ Watch out!
* Never drive into the old district: Many streets in Suzhou's historic center are single-lane and only have limited parking options (parking fees could be as high as RMB 30 an hour!).- Suggestion: Using subway and walking is most convenient; the subway can take you to most tourist attractions.
* Beware of un-metered taxis near train stations and scenic spots: Those may charge extra. * *Solution:* Use taxi apps such as "Didi Chuxing" (similar to Uber) or the local subway, which would only need take two stops to reach the downtown Gwanyue Street from Suzhou Railway Station. * Beware of potential overcharging by tricycle drivers: They may tell you that a site is far away just to charge extra (starting price could be RMB 20 or above). * *Suggestion:* Ask about prices before getting onboard, or consider walking around exploring instead.
What to eat? Dishes that carry true local Suzhou flavor instead of 'internet celebrity' cuisines!- ️ Food traps!
- Be wary of restaurants near tourist sites: Those places may appear charming and be highly rated online, but their prices might be outrageously high, with mediocre flavours. For instance, the price of the renowned Suzhou specialty “Kung Pao Mandarin Fish” may not justify its price if the dish comes from frozen fish (as some restaurants might use) with poor textures.
- Dining guide: Take recommendations of local food from locals or look for small alleys with old-established eateries.
- Don’t rush buying seasonal delicacies: For instance, Qing Tuang (a traditional green rice dessert made in spring), won't be abundant until mid-March. Consuming them too early may not guarantee their authentic taste.
- Reminder: Make sure to time it right for the freshest taste.
- Be wary of restaurants near tourist sites: Those places may appear charming and be highly rated online, but their prices might be outrageously high, with mediocre flavours. For instance, the price of the renowned Suzhou specialty “Kung Pao Mandarin Fish” may not justify its price if the dish comes from frozen fish (as some restaurants might use) with poor textures.
️ What to do? Avoid crowds at major attractions—less-known gems will make for better photos!- ️ Travel tips!
- Major tourist sites like Suiyuan Garden and Twin Pagoda Temple: They're swarmed by visitors during weekends and holidays, making photo-taking a bit frustrating!
- Tips: Either rush to these spots when they open in the morning when there are less people, or consider lesser-known but equally beautiful attractions such as Wengshi Garden and Canglang Pavilion.
- No need to mix with the crowd in the evening at Shantang St: After 7 pm and till late at night, many tour groups descend on, making it difficult to enjoy the sightseeing.
- Suggested alternative: Take walk at Pingjiang Road's north sections or in Oblique Creek Street for beautiful night-view with lighter human traffic.
- Avoid rush for photogenic cafes in peak season: Some famous cafes on Pingjiang Road (e.g., the Coffee Bar inside "The Heavens of Cat" Book Store) have no seats left on weekends and long lines for unoccupied photoshoots.
- Tips: If not mandatory, opt for less famous special niche cafes instead.
Special warning: Be aware when trying on Hanfu experience It's currently trendy to wear Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) at ancient cities for photogenic moments. Be wary of some stores with issues:
- Uniform makeup looks: Many places provide pretty much the same internet popular makeup look; losing its personal characteristic.
- Questionable hygiene: The clothes may not be cleaned before wearing and the hair accessories may pose health risks due to poor cleanliness.
- Health risk: Some post on social media mentioned acne and itchy scalp after wearing unwashed Hana clothing, some even caught fungal infections from unhealthy toupee usage.
- Caution: Many Hanfu service recommendations seen online might be commercial advertisement made by dealers, please read reviews thoroughly!
- Major tourist sites like Suiyuan Garden and Twin Pagoda Temple: They're swarmed by visitors during weekends and holidays, making photo-taking a bit frustrating!