Suzhou: Your Official 'DO NOT EVEN' List!!!!!

Jermaine Satterfield

I arrived at 9 AM yesterday, and it wasn't too crowded. In one day, I managed to visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, Pingjiang Road, Guanqian Street, and Shantang Street. I also listened to Pingtan opera and took a boat ride. Today, the first day of the holiday, I went to Jinji Lake and Hanshan Temple before heading back in the afternoon. It was quite a whirlwind, 'special forces' style tour hitting all the spots!

Carmen Willms

Wow, sis, you packed in so much yesterday! It was probably less crowded then; today it's even more packed. I didn't even visit that many places yesterday and my feet were killing me.

Helen Gleason

For a hand-rowed boat ride, head to Tongli Ancient Town. I'd call it a less crowded version of Pingjiang Road, but with wider canals. There's also the Nanyuan Teahouse; buy a tea for 38 or 58 yuan, go upstairs, and listen to Pingtan. The performance is quite good, and the best part is it's not too crowded.

Marion Barrows

Tongli feels a bit far, though.

Leland Erdman

There's absolutely nothing good to eat in Suzhou.

Leon O'Keefe

I agree! (Though I'm open to hearing otherwise.)

Jesse Paucek

I only lasted 20 minutes on Pingjiang Road before I couldn't stand it and left. It was insanely crowded and way, way too commercialized.

Colin Cronin

Which months are less crowded?

Felix Glover

Let me start over, @QianZhiDao, let's try to get all sorts of Suzhou introductions in every post. Suzhou? It's basically a giant, fake ancient 'City God Temple.' Full of newly built 'ancient' streets, dilapidated post-liberation private houses, run-down old buildings hastily painted with black roofs and white walls, and mock-antique renovations everywhere! Then there's the endless stream of internet-famous bamboo-tube milk tea, mung bean soup, and cheap tourist trinkets like qipaos, silk scarves, embroidery, and fans, all probably wholesale from Yiwu! It perfectly satisfies the fantasies of those, say from the far northwest, who don't know the real Jiangnan (like Yangzhou, Jiaxing, Wuxi, Shaoxing...) and have only been fed the romanticized, brainwashing textbook verses about Suzhou. It's just crowded and full of tourist traps. And the moment you step out of what feels like an un-air-conditioned Suzhou Railway Station, you're swarmed by countless illegal taxis!

Wayne Marvin

@QianZhiDao, please don't block me or ignore my replies! It really wasn't me who deleted it; it was the original poster of the note. It's all buried now, and I'm quite frustrated about it too.

Ken Fahey

Xiyuan Temple -- Suzhou Museum -- Pishi Street -- Bao'en Temple -- Shiquan Street. (This route is quite popular, but it's a bit better than Pingjiang Road.)

Misty Anderson DDS

Yes, that's right.

Ms. Cecilia Lowe

Can anyone recommend a good hotel or guesthouse?

Cathy Gulgowski

Just arrived this afternoon. It's really nice – a duplex, and the environment is good.

Anita Wiza

Went to Pingjiang Road in the morning. It wasn't crowded and was still very beautiful.

Kristopher Schultz PhD

Around what time in the morning is it not too crowded?

Johnathan Schmeler

I'm wondering if it's super crowded these days as well? Also, could anyone advise on where it's more convenient to stay?

Daisy Hermiston

Staying near the scenic spots is best! You can book a scooter , you know? Just ride and stop wherever you like—it's the most convenient way to get around.