My Stern May Day Warning: Why Suzhou Is a Hard 'NOPE!' (And Here's Why!)

[Garrett VonRueden PhD]

Hey all, those of you heading to Suzhou for the May Day holiday, pay close attention! I've just returned from a crowded city and want to share some honest insights with you, hopefully making your trip less filled with pitfalls and more enjoyable!

(By the way, here are a few of my personal favorite spots that are less crowded and some unique local experiences.)

1️⃣ It's a sea of people! Crowded to the point where you might question why you came out.

Labor Day is a high tourist season in China, with very popular scenic spots extremely crowded.

These highlights are packed and not recommended now:

• Suzhou Gardens (Zhuozheng Garden): This famous classical garden in Suzhou is no exception during the holiday, as the lines extend for at least two hours and inside, you can hardly appreciate the beauty due to the density of visitors.
• Lion Forest: The rock maze-like structures here sound interesting, but it's literally impossible to enter due to the number of tourists and a symphony of children crying and tour guides shouting through megaphones.
• Pingjiang Road: A well-known ancient street now overwhelmed by tourists taking photos in long lines at the bamboo juice shops, turning this ancient lane into a bustling commercial walk-through.

2️⃣ Beware these tourist traps!
Caution against “Wild Tour Guides” luring visitors: At major sites like Zhuozheng Garden, you may encounter strangers peddling so-called discounts or bundled tickets, which are often bundled up with forced visits to other unpopular sites or services.
Solution: Buy tickets from official outlets or pre-book online – don't fall into the trap of getting charged for non-existent deals!
"Beauty Fakes" should be avoided!: Online images of places such as "Dasyang Mountain Jade Lake" aren't the ideal destination they appear to be, given these are actually abandoned mines without safety measures.
Solution: Prioritize safety over just a photo op!
Stay away from “Black Hearted One-day Tours!”: These tours seem cheap but force you to buy goods and often barely have a chance to enjoy the attractions.
Solution: Choose accredited travel companies with clear schedules and no forced shopping.

3️⃣ Travel on a budget, beware empty wallets!
Hotel prices triple: Economical hotel rates, normally around 200 RMB, can surge to over 800 RMB on holiday. Some accommodations may not match the picturesque photos, ending up looking like houses in urban villages.
Solution: Pre-book if you can; choose slightly farther areas yet still easily accessible to core scenic areas.
Watch out for restaurant prices: Lines at popular dining places like 2 hours for "ratel" can deplete your wallet, and dishes like famed Suzhou specialty "Smoked Perch" start at 198 RMB per dish.
Solution: Local eateries offer better value for money in price and taste.

**Secret spots locals suggest for an amazing experience!**
Less crowded scenic towns with true Jiangnan water town charm:

• Guangfu Ancient Town: By Taihu Lake, known as the "Azure Sea of Fragrance" (suggesting a vast sea of blooming plum blossoms). You can see fishing boats, smoky chimneys, and endless plum orchards – serene and peaceful.
• Luzhi Ancient Town: Retains much of its original resident life style, genuine and honest. Sample snacks like the green rice flour balls and waiste-like crackers, filling up for just 5 RMB.
  Hidden treasures:
• Jinji Lake Art Center: On modernized Jinji Lake - walking through exhibitions, evening lake sunset views are a hundred-fold more comfortable than those in crowded gardens.
• Fengmen Horizontal Street: Brimming with the true local lifestyle in a market. You can have a feast of fried vegetable chips, deep-fried glutinous rice balls, and more for merely 10 RMB!

Little tricks for the peak time:

• Visiting gardens after dark: Scenic gardens like the Wanshou Garden and Canglang Pavilion continue till late. Light displays add flavor to the shadows of bamboos and buildings, creating a more stunning nightview..
• Enjoy Xiangtan storytelling, sip a cup of tea: "Xiangtan", is a special form of storytelling in Suzhou dialect. Head to the Pipayu Xiangtan Hall, sip tea while listening to a classic traditional song like “Shen Shen Man” for only 38 RMB. A true taste of Suzhou culture.

Note of caution! Safety must come first!

• Never take unnecessary risks trying to get perfect snap shots! These included areas like the Dasyang pit or the “solitary tree” next to Dudao Lake – both dangerous without proper safety barriers. Remember travel is supposed to be fun, not reckless.

[Robyn Monahan]

This May Day holiday, how about joining me in Suzhou to explore the Humble Administrator's Garden? We could spend the entire day there, from its opening at 7:30 AM until closing, to truly experience the changing light and shadows of this renowned classical garden! We can even have lunch inside and feel like carefree garden owners for a day. DM me if you're interested!

[Dexter Cummerata]

Will it be very crowded?

[Kevin Harris]

Are there any places with a really nice atmosphere to enjoy Pingtan (Suzhou storytelling and ballad singing) and have some tea?

[Dr. Mandy Walter-Reichert]

Pipa Yu Pingtan House (琵琶语评弹馆) is a no-brainer, definitely go for it!

[Kay Oberbrunner]

Master Wu's Pingtan performances are so expensive now, prices are up to 228 (RMB).

[Zachary Hayes]

No comments?