Suzhou's Canglang Pavilion: Ancient Chill or Just Old Bricks? 🤔

[Mr. Philip Hudson]

Hello, everyone! Recently, I've seen a lot of posts on social media complaining about how unenjoyable the Suzhou Classical Gardens are. As an "old Shanghai" (okay, just a regular visitor!), I couldn't help but share my opinion.

• First and foremost, the classical gardens in Suzhou are genuinely beautiful.

  • With each season, be it spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there's a distinct charm unique to each time of the year. I practically visit them every season, and every time I find something new!

• The truth is, the most important aspect of traveling is your mood!

  • If you're feeling upset, then everything will seem off, won't it?
  • Indeed, the number of visitors to Suzhou has skyrocketed; hence, the places can get pretty crowded, reducing overall experiences.
    • Long queues are simply par for the course.
    • Places with lots of people are where scammers may take advantage. Remember, wherever tourists gather, the more likely the place has its own forms of scams!

• ️ Travel Tips and Bypassing Traps, please take note!

  • Keep one's wits about oneself: A lot of problems can simply be avoided with caution.
  • Avoid buying 'local specialties' near the sites randomly: Often, these items are the same across many locations anyway. You don't have to purchase at the entrance being subjected to overpriced goods. Not just in Suzhou, but this happens in various tourist cities too!
  • Exercise Caution When Visiting During Summer:
    • It's hotter than a steamer, and it feels like people are everywhere.
    • Should you visit with the whole family, the experience can be significantly poorer.
  • Don't rush around:
    • The beauty of the Suzhou gardens lies in their "scenery at every step." Essentially, the design is made to reveal different views with every few steps, so it needs to be slowly savored and appreciated.
    • If your schedule is too tight and you're rushing, ticking off the garden but not taking the time to appreciate it, you'll definitely miss out on its subtleties.

• Take for example, Canglang Pavilion, which is indeed a renowned classical garden in Suzhou. Having visited several times, I've been pleasantly surprised each time.

  • Each season comes with its distinct flowers, plants, and scenery that's always changing.
  • Thus, the hope is that all visitors can come to苏州with a good mindset. Keep only the cherished memories after leaving, dismiss the minor discomforts, and that way, the journey becomes much more enjoyable!

#Suzhou #Finding a Serene Heart

[Antonio Sawayn]

The clothes look amazing! Do you have a link?

[Ken Fahey]

I got it from Douyin.

[Miss Angela Cormier]

Is there a teahouse at Canglang Pavilion? @猫头殷Phoenixy

[Lucia Feest]

Yes, there is. It's newly opened.

[Mr. Carlton Johnston]

What are those flower buds in the dish? They look beautiful!

[Orville Conroy]

It's a Suzhou dessert .