2025 Gusu District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#TravelWithMe Cangjie, located in the center of Suzhou, is a shopping mall with a variety of stores, including restaurants and clothing. It is located a 1-minute walk from Xiangmen Station on Subway Line 1. You can also find the famous conveyor belt sushi restaurant "Hama Sushi." Why not visit it? 📍Address: Jiangsu Province - Suzhou City - Gusu District - No. 1 Cangjie (directly from the No. 2 exit of Xiangmen Subway Station) F1, Renheng Cangjie Commercial Plaza

Located near Shantang Street, a popular tourist destination in Suzhou, Nongfa Xinminqiao Market is a vegetable market loved by locals. When I went there on a weekday morning, it was bustling with shoppers. Chinese markets are full of vegetables and fish that are not very familiar in Japan! It might be fun to remember the names of the vegetables on the price tags and order them at a restaurant😄 This was originally an old market, but it underwent a major renovation in 2020. The inside is now a clean and well-organized environment, and the air conditioning is on in the summer, making it comfortable to shop✨ Also, outside on the first floor, there are shops selling meat buns and shumai. There were lines at every shop! Please try it 😋 📍Nongfa Xinminqiao Market ☑︎Address No. 236 Guangji Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City ☑︎Opening hours 7:00-21:00 ☑︎Access Right in front of Exit 3 of Shantang Street Station on the subway #SuzhouTourism #China #ChinaTrip #ChinaTourism #Suzhou #SuzhouTrip

Sorayama Shobo is a bookstore with a cafe attached. It is located on the basement floor of the Zhuhui Huanyu Hui commercial facility, which opened in the old town of Suzhou in the summer of 2022. It is directly connected to the subway station, so it is convenient even on hot or rainy days! This bookstore has a large cafe space and tables are spaced far apart, so you can relax. In addition to books, they also sell accessories, stationery, and children's learning materials. If you are learning Chinese, the study materials will be useful☺️ 📍Kuuyama Bookstore ☑︎Address Diagonally opposite the service platform on the first floor of Huanyuhui Square, No. 233, Zhuhui Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City ☑︎Business hours 10:00-22:00 ☑︎Access Directly connected to the subway station "Nanyuan North Road" #SuzhouTourism #Suzhou #ChinaTourism #ChinaTrip #China #777

Popular Shanghai cafe "Jufu" has opened a store in Suzhou! The shop has a cute, colorful, retro Chinese-style interior reminiscent of the 90s 😍 The shop's signature cakes are "Xiandanhuangliuxindangao" (Salted Egg Cake) and "Chiu Glutinous Rice Mille Crepes" (Purple Glutinous Rice Mille Crepes). The uniquely Chinese flavor is popular, and many people seemed to enjoy it. I was recommended the signature cake, and this time I went for the Mont Blanc. The sponge and cream were fluffy and had a strong chestnut flavor that was delicious! The coffee arrangement was also delicious 😋 The interior and exterior of the cafe are also popular for their SNS-friendly interior and exterior, and many people came to take photos 🤗 📍Jufu Dessert ☑︎Address 45, Building 4, Honglou, Jinshihe River, Gusu District, Suzhou City ☑︎Opening hours Monday to Friday 9:00-18:00 Saturday and Sunday 9:00-19:30 ☑︎Access About a 7-minute walk from Exit 1 of Sanyuanfang Station on the subway #Overseas travel #Suzhou #China travel #China tourism #Cafe

Since its opening in the spring of 2022, the restaurant "Bco Dou Ku" has been extremely popular even a year later. It serves Western-style food with Korean and Japanese tastes, and is so popular that there are lines even on weekdays. The popular menu item "Black truffles, mushrooms, and Japanese mochi cream stew" (Image ②) was surprisingly delicious! 😳 I had never thought of combining mochi with cream sauce in a Japanese way, but it went really well together! ! The mushrooms were also very delicious 🍄 The "Korean-style beef kimchi salad" was also topped with vegetables such as kale, arugula, and pumpkin, as well as beef steak, kimchi, and avocado. This also doesn't seem to go well at first glance, but it went really well together! 😳 It was really delicious. You can see why there are so many repeat customers 👍 It is especially popular on weekends, and there are often days when the waiting time is an hour, so the meal menu is served from 11:00, but we arrived at the restaurant at 10:30. I was able to sit down right away, so I waited while choosing my meal menu at my seat 😁 I recommend going early! 📍Bco Dougu (Zhuhui Huan Yuhui Store) ☑︎Address Zhuhui Huan Yuhui Shopping Center, No. 168, Zhuhui Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City ☑︎Opening hours 8:00-22:00 (Meal menus are served from 11:00) ☑︎Access 320m walk from Nanyuan North Road subway station #Overseas travel #China travel #Suzhou #Gourmet #Gourmet trip #China

"囍Coffee (Seeker Fei)" is a cafe opened in April 2023 by a latte art champion who has won many awards at latte art competitions. The latte art design is decided by drawing lots when ordering. It's an interesting system. I drew a lottery and got a bear and a squirrel. As expected from a champion! The latte art is artistically good. The bear and the squirrel were so cute that it was a shame to drink them. Other designs include dogs, Pegasus, rabbits, seahorses, and hawks. It's a cafe that makes you look forward to your next visit. In addition to cafe lattes, they also offer other coffees such as American and hand-dripped coffee, as well as non-caffeinated drinks. The shop is small and can seat up to 10 people! It's a popular shop, so it's recommended to go at a different time for tea! 📍囍Coffee ☑︎Address No. 569, Shizi Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City ☑︎Business hours 10:00-20:00 ☑︎Access About 6 minutes walk from Sanyuanfang subway station #overseastravel #chinatravel #suzhou #cafe #cafehopping #latteart

Getting There - can use a taxi or did or subway Attractions - pingjiang pedestrian street, lovers park Hotels - CITI hotel , very nice with a bathtub 😍 Food & Restaurants - a lot of local restaurants and some pizza shops with delicious food Shopping - Zara, Only, local brands, Nike, and all designer brands there’s a mall called Matro near by on guanqian street #passionpassport #gooutside

【Opening】: During the Dragon Boat Festival, Dinghui Temple was unusually quiet, free from its usual bustle. A few visitors came to pray, spending 2 yuan to buy incense offerings packed in red bags (shown in Figure 9). Stone lion couplets flanked the entrance gate, welcoming those with destined connections, while the plaque above bore the temple's name in golden characters. Inside, visitors first pass the incense hall, then the Heavenly King Hall, and finally the Grand Hall, where sutras are chanted. Two ginkgo trees over 200 years old stand on either side of the three-courtyard complex. A return visit on a rainy day is highly recommended. 🛬【Itinerary】: The temple is small but vibrant with incense smoke. A quick stroll takes about 10 minutes. Nearby attractions include the Wu Zuoren Art Museum, the Twin Pagodas, and the Twin Pagodas Market, where several popular Suzhou-style restaurants are worth exploring. 🚌【Transport Tips】: Public bikes (Suzhou's green bikes, free for the first hour) are available at the intersection of Dinghui Temple Alley and Fenghuang Street. You can ride directly to the alley entrance, where parking is available. Alternatively, take the bus to the West Shizi Street stop near Suzhou University Affiliated Hospital or the small Twin Pagodas sign on the east side of Fenghuang Street—avoid the main Twin Pagodas bus stop. Note: The cobblestone alley is bumpy for cycling; walking is advised.

Two thousand five hundred years of history flow quietly through the white walls and black tiles of Gusu. Here lies a museum of gardens—the spacious elegance of the Humble Administrator's Garden, the exquisite craftsmanship of the Lingering Garden, the delicate charm of the Master-of-Nets Garden, where every rock and stream hides the reclusive dreams of scholars and literati. The cobblestone paths of Pingjiang Road wind as they always have, while gondolas glide through water alleys, and the soft Wu dialect of Pingtan storytelling mingles with the aroma of tea. But Gusu is not just about ancient charm. The modern skyline of Jinji Lake reflects contemporary prosperity, and along Li Gongdi at night, cafes stand side by side with time-honored taverns. A bowl of three-shrimp noodles or a plate of crab roe soup dumplings—these seasonal delicacies on the tip of the tongue are Suzhou locals' solemn tribute to life.

【Introduction】: The Wenchang Pavilion in the Taohuawu historical and cultural area of Suzhou can be reached from the north by heading west from the Suzhou Art Museum to the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater, then south to Puyu Garden, and then southwest to the south gate of the scenic area. This route is on an asphalt road. From the east, you can go west from the Nanmen Road intersection of Bao'en Temple, via Taohuawu Street, and ride to the south gate of the scenic area (friends from other places without a car can rent a shared bike), but the whole road is paved with bricks, so the ride will be bumpy. If you want to visit the classic spot at Beisi Pagoda, it is recommended to go around 1–2pm on a day with blue skies and white clouds. 🕘【Opening Hours】: Open as usual 💴【Ticket Price】: No ticket needed. The Taohuawu Art Museum next to it charges CNY 98, which is super expensive. Tang Yin's former residence is free. 🚌【Transportation】: Take the subway to Beisita Station on Line 4, Exit 5, and then walk 1 km to the block. 👉【Itinerary】: Bao'en Temple, Tang Yin's former residence, Wenchang Pavilion. 🧡【Things to Prepare】: It is best to have an electric bike in the old city of Suzhou. As a tourist, combine buses, public bicycles, shared bikes, subways, taxis, and walking.

【Introduction】: The Seven-Mile Shantang Street is truly extraordinary. An evening visit reveals its nighttime charm. 🕘【Opening Hours】: Open all day, but during the May Day holiday, starting from May 3, a visitor limit is implemented, with timed entry at all entrances. Gusu authorities are also advising tourists to avoid visiting if possible due to the restrictions. It's extremely crowded, and even the river is full of boats. 💴【Ticket Price】: Free ⛺【Travel Tips】: There's everything you need for eating, drinking, playing, sightseeing, and shopping. 🚌【Transportation】: It's not recommended to drive, as there's no place to park, and the parking lots are far away, requiring a walk. The closest parking lot is probably the East Parking Lot, located in the Beihaonong Alley. In Suzhou city, the best mode of transportation is an electric bike. From the east, you can enter Shantang Street from Changmen via Xizhongshi heading north. From the north, you can go directly to Xinmin Bridge via Guangjibei Road and walk south to Tonggui Bridge. There's a Shantang Street bus stop and Metro Line 2 station on Guangjibei Road at Xinmin Bridge, which you can choose to take. 👉【Itinerary】: It's recommended to go to Xiyuan Temple early in the morning for noodles and buns, then explore Lingering Garden. Have lunch and rest nearby, and then spend the afternoon exploring Shantang Street for food, drinks, and fun. Be sure to take photos in the evening; the scenery is breathtaking. 🧡【Pre-trip Preparation】: Camera, power bank, water, travel guide.

[Introduction]: Capture the landmark of Suzhou, Beisi Pagoda, from the popular spot at Wenchang Pavilion in the Taohuawu historical and cultural area of Suzhou. The location is Taohuawu Street, west of the south gate intersection of Bao'en Temple. The entire road is paved with bricks, so cycling will be bumpy. Cycle to the south gate of the scenic area (travelers without a car can rent a shared bike). Go up to the third floor to start shooting. The time I went wasn't ideal. There was backlight in the morning and front light in the afternoon. I recommend sidelight, around 1–2pm. 🕘 [Opening Hours]: Always open 💴 [Ticket Price]: No ticket needed 🚌 [Transportation]: Take the subway to Beisita Station on Line 4, Exit 5, and then walk 1 km to the block. 👉 [Itinerary]: Head west from Beisi Pagoda to Tang Yin's Former Residence and Puyuan Garden. 🧡 [Pre-trip Preparation]: Having an electric bike in the old city of Suzhou is best. If not, combine buses, shared bikes, the subway, and taxis.

【Introduction】: Wu Zixu, the creator of Suzhou City 2,500 years ago, built Helu Great City. Since then, Pan Gate has become one of the eight gates of the ancient city of Suzhou, and has become a permanent witness to the rise of Suzhou City and the hegemony of the State of Wu. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Pan Gate area was the most prosperous commercial district in Suzhou, with tens of thousands of shops of various types. The Pan Gate and gate tower you see now were rebuilt in 2006 based on the design of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a cloudy day today, and Pan Gate under the lights at night is even more beautiful. ⛺【Things to know】: There are many cultural and historical sites, garden elegance, and urban fireworks near Pan Gate where you can experience the diverse charm of the ancient city of Gusu. Such as the Su-style meals in Xizhongshi, and the nearby Yipu Garden, Taibo Temple, North Wharf (Figure 11), Shantang Street, etc. 🛬【Itinerary】: Pan Gate City Wall (Figures 1-7), you can see the Big Pants and North Temple Pagoda from a high-altitude view (Figures 8-10). The tour time is within half an hour. 🧡【Tips】: It is recommended that backpackers departing from Pingjiang New City ride a small green bike (public bicycle) from Shanhuaqiao South Bus Station to the Panmen East Public Bicycle Parking Point, which takes about 20 minutes and is free. You can scan the code on the "Yonganxing" WeChat app to ride.

Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is an AAAAA-level scenic spot located in the northwest of Gusu City and on the south side of Sucheng Avenue. Su Dongpo once said that it would be a pity not to visit Tiger Hill when in Suzhou. As for why it is called Tiger Hill, it is said that King Helu of Wu in the Spring and Autumn Period was buried here. A tiger was guarding the tomb, so the hill was named after it. As the hill is only more than 30 meters high, it is called "Tiger Hill". Tiger Hill is a hill rather than a mountain. It has natural landscapes such as cliffs and gullies, as well as pagodas, temples and garden landscapes built by skilled craftsmen. It has rich historical and cultural heritage. The entire Tiger Hill Scenic Area is similar to a square. It is not very large, about 500 meters long and wide, and the mountain is only about 30 meters high. You can enter the scenic area and explore it on foot. The scenic area is mainly divided into three parts: Qianshan, Qianren Stone and the top of the mountain. There are many landscapes and cultural attractions worth seeing in each part. In addition to the Yunyan Temple Pagoda, other places worth seeing include the Sword Pond and the Thousand People Stone. 🕘【Opening hours】: Open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. During the May Day holiday, the park will close at 21:00. 💴【Ticket Price】: Peak season ticket price is 70 yuan, half price for students, half price for people aged 60-70 from outside the province, free for people aged 60 and above within the province. ⛺【Amusement Activities】: Although the scenic area is not large, it is recommended to spend 2-3 hours to visit, look, listen, take photos and rest at each spot. Because the ground is mostly made of rock steps, it is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes, and the elderly should pay attention to safety when going up and down. Figure 18: Make an appointment to get a small blue badge and you can visit the eight sides of the interior of Tiger Hill Pagoda. Figure 7-13 Enter through the south gate and turn right to Wanjing Villa. Figure 19. I could only see koi when I went there before, but this time I saw turtles, which was an unexpected encounter. For other information, please refer to the first three articles I wrote about traveling to Tiger Hill with pictures and texts. 🚌【Transportation Guide】: It takes more than ten minutes to ride the small yellow or small blue car from Wanda Plaza Sunshine City to the North Gate, but there is no guarantee that there will be cars when you go back to the North Gate. There are green, blue and yellow bus stops at the South Gate. For other routes, please use the map to find buses, subways or taxis. 👉【Itinerary】: It takes half a day to visit Tiger Hill, including Shantang Street, Liuyuan Garden, and Xiyuan Temple. 🧡【Preparation before the trip】: Wear sunscreen, bring water, and be non-slip. It is recommended to avoid peak hours. It is better to visit Tiger Hill early or late when there are fewer people and it is quieter.

Yipu Garden was first built during the Ming Dynasty and was later purchased by Wen Zhengming's grandson, Wen Zhenmeng, who named it Yaopu (Medicinal Garden). During the Qing Dynasty, it was acquired by Jiang Cai from Laiyang, Shandong, who renamed it "Yipu" (Art Garden). Yipu is a small garden with Ming Dynasty characteristics and is the smallest among Suzhou's gardens. The entire garden is centered around a pond and divided into two parts: residential area and flower garden. The northern side of the pond features mainly buildings, including Boya Hall and Yanguang Pavilion, while the southern side focuses on mountain scenery. By the pond, lake stones are piled to form steep cliffs, showcasing craftsmanship in mountain arrangement and water management. To the east of the pond stands the Ruyu Pavilion, a structure preserved from the Ming Dynasty. Looking south from the waterside pavilion, mountains and water blend together with lush greenery, creating a rustic charm that serves as the garden's main scenic view. Yipu Garden has distinctive features. Though small, in April it's adorned with blooming roses and pomegranate flowers, attracting many tourists to visit and take photos. Take bus route 811 to Song Xianzhou Lane and walk 1 kilometer to reach this location. The lane does not allow shared bicycles or cars, so walking is required. The visit takes about one hour.

【First Trip to Tiger Hill】: Tiger Hill Scenic Area is a AAAAA-rated scenic spot, located northwest of Gusu City, south of Sucheng Avenue. Su Dongpo said that it would be a pity to visit Suzhou without visiting Tiger Hill. Today, I finally got my wish and visited it after seeing many gardens. As for why it's called Tiger Hill, it is said that King Helü of Wu was buried here during the Spring and Autumn Period, and there were tigers guarding it, so it became "Tiger" (Hu). It's called a "Hill" (Qiu) because the mountain is only over 30 meters high, hence the name "Tiger Hill" (Huqiu). 🕘【Opening Hours】: Open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. 💴【Ticket Price】: Peak season tickets are 70 yuan, half price for students, half price for seniors aged 60-70 from outside the province, and free for seniors aged 60 and above from within the province. ⛺【Activities】: Although the scenic area is not large, if you want to stroll, see, listen, take photos, and rest at each spot, it is recommended to spend 3-5 hours. Since the ground is mostly stone steps, it is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes. Seniors should pay attention to safety when going up and down. 🚌【Transportation Guide】: It takes about ten minutes to ride a shared bike from Wanda Plaza Sunshine City, but there's no guarantee there will be bikes available for your return trip. I didn't find a designated parking spot for shared bikes. 👉【Itinerary】: I entered from the north gate and climbed to the pagoda from the middle route, then moved left and right, making a circle back. I didn't have time to see the south side at all, and probably only visited the northern part of the entire scenic area, about 1/3 of it. It is recommended to listen to the audio guide as you walk. It's hot, so half a day is enough. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby Lingering Garden and Xiyuan Temple, and then visit Shantang Street after dinner, if you have the energy and don't mind sore feet. 🧡【Preparation Before Trip】: Sun protection is a must! Bring water. It feels like summer in Suzhou now, with temperatures up to 31 degrees Celsius. 🧡【Unexpected Gains】: In the scenic area, many tourists asked me to help them take photos. Fortunately, everyone was satisfied with the photos, and I didn't lose face as a photographer. A girl from Hebei generously asked me to take photos for her with my phone. It was a pleasant experience, even though I was a little late getting back. Most of the photos have the Tiger Hill Pagoda as the background, basically taken in the order of the tour route from the north gate.

Wandering through the streets of Gusu City with friends felt like stepping into a different world. We walked along the ancient canals 🚶♂️🚶♀️, capturing moments with photos 📸 at every turn. The traditional white houses 🏘️ and the gentle curves of the rooftops 🏯 created such a peaceful vibe. It was a perfect day to explore, snap some pictures, and enjoy the timeless beauty of the city 🌿. The quiet streets, the soft murmur of the water 🌊, and the charming scenery made it feel like we were part of history, if only for a while ⏳. #discoverchina #china #travel #suzhou

Suzhou Slow Travel Notes | Unlock the elegance and fireworks in Suzhou in 3 days If Jiangnan is the poetry and distant place in the bones of the Chinese people, then Suzhou is the most graceful chapter in this poem. The beauty here is hidden in the ripples created by the rowboats in the early morning and in the fragrant sugar porridge fireworks wafting through the streets. Avoid the crowds and spend 3 days with me to explore the texture of Suzhou and be a "local" for a day! 📍Pingjiang Road: The old dream of Suzhou in the sound of oars and lights 📅Recommended time: 6:00 in the morning or 17:00 in the evening Avoid the crowds, take a rowboat (40 yuan per person), and listen to the boat girl singing Pingtan songs in the soft Wu dialect. In the twilight, light and shadow flow on the pink walls and black tiles, as if time is going backwards. Must-eat list: - Dumb Fried Dumplings (Linton Road Store): Bite into the crispy crust and the hot and sweet soup will gush out instantly. - Chicken Feet: Braised chicken feet with a cup of mung bean soup, which brings out the leisurely feeling of old Suzhou. - Sugar porridge: Pan Yulin’s sweet-scented osmanthus and red bean paste or Zhuo Lin’s sugar porridge, sweet and sticky with the tenderness of the south of the Yangtze River. Filming Guide: The weeping willows on the river bank of Maokong Bookstore, the bluestone bridge and the trumpet creepers are all in the same frame, wearing a cheongsam and holding a round fan, frozen in the ink painting. 📍Shantang Street: Dreams of the Waterside People Night tour essence: Although the main street is bustling, when you turn west into the residential area behind Xinmin Bridge, you will see mottled white walls and hanging vines, and the original atmosphere of the water lane. After nightfall, the reflection of lanterns at the "Qili Shantang" stone tablet sways. Take a boat from the ancient theater pier (45 yuan) to watch the lights on both sides of the river light up one after another. Market taste: The fresh meat wontons at Qiujuan Snack Shop have thin skin and tender fillings, and the fried dumplings at Rongyanglou are crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside. These are the flavors that Suzhou people have been eating since childhood. --- ### 📍Jinji Lake: The A and B sides of modern Suzhou 🌇Check-in route: Take a photo at Moonlight Pier and the silhouette of the "Big Pants" at Oriental Gate → Meditate on the famous quote wall on the 72-step staircase of Eslite Bookstore → Wait for the sunset over Jinji Lake on the terrace on the 3rd floor → Cycle around the lake on the "Cherry Blossom Track" and watch the neon lights dancing on the round 3D giant screen. Tips: The Taiwanese braised pork rice and taro ball ice cream at Yongfeng Food Store on the B1 floor will comfort your tired stomach. --- ### 📍Lion Grove: The thousand-year whisper of magnolia and gardens🌸Limited romance (March-April): Magnolia flowers cascade down from the eaves and corners, instantly lighting up the black, white and gray garden with pink and white. 🎞️Hidden camera: An overhead shot from the second floor of the parking lot restroom shows the magnolia and the layers of eaves in the same frame, creating an ancient style masterpiece with ease. --- ### 📍Suzhou Museum: I.M. Pei's Geometric Jiangnan shuttles through the stone rockery cut by light and shadow, and sees the collision of Wu treasures and contemporary art. The lotus pond in the main courtyard and the literati elegance of the Song Painting Studio are both stages for light and shadow games. ⏳ Visiting order: Main Hall → Wu Pagoda National Treasure → Lotus Pond → Stationery Exhibition Hall → Courtyard Stone Rockery. --- ### 🎏3-day itinerary planning Day 1: Elegant Gardens Humble Administrator's Garden→Suzhou Museum→Lion Grove→Pingjiang Road Night Tour Day 2: Ancient and modern collision Shantang Street Morning Fireworks → Eslite Bookstore → Jinji Lake Sunset + Music Fountain (Friday and Saturday nights) Day 3 Small secret place Yangcheng Lake Church (autumn and winter reeds with solid color windbreaker blockbuster) → Dushu Lake Egret Garden Cross → Shiquan Street Cafe --- ### 📝Travel Tips 1️⃣ Gardens and museums need to be booked in advance on "Jundao Suzhou" to avoid closing on Mondays. 2️⃣ Choose the dusk time for cruises on Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street, where you can enjoy both light and shadow and cost-effectiveness. 3️⃣ Suzhou Metro goes directly to most attractions, and shared bicycles + walking can better experience the texture of the streets and alleys. The soul of Gusu can be found in the winding paths of the gardens, in a bowl of sweet porridge on the old street, and even more in the slowed-down time. Follow this guide to meet Suzhou, which is more than just an "Internet celebrity"! Interaction at the end of the article: Who would you most like to go on this Jiangnan date with? @TA, let’s meet in Suzhou, our next stop!

Introduction: I've always wanted to visit this legendary temple. First of all, I want to clarify that there is an entrance fee of CNY 5 even if you arrive before 8 AM. It is not free unless you are eligible for discounts. You should enter the temple first, then exit through Xiyuan. Perhaps because it was a Saturday, it was extremely crowded. Unlike other smaller temples that are mainly visited by local elderly people, this place attracts many tourists of all ages. Everywhere you look, there are people burning incense, donating coins, kneeling in prayer, eating noodles, and buying buns. Even on a cloudy day, Xiyuan Temple has a sense of tranquility. The many cats in the temple seem to be still asleep, but they are awakened by the visitors. According to the driver, the temple sells millions of bowls of vegetarian noodles every year. If you haven't tried the vegetarian noodles in the temple, you must give them a try. Guanyin Noodles (bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and gluten) cost CNY 15 per bowl, as do Jixiang Noodles (vegetarian chicken, pickled vegetables, edamame, and greens). Ruyi Noodles (wood ear, roasted bran, daylily, and bean sprouts) cost CNY 10. It was too crowded, so I didn't eat the noodles because I had already bought CNY 5 worth of raw noodles and cooked side dishes (bamboo shoots and mushrooms) at Dinghui Temple. Photo 15 shows how crowded it was. Turn left at the Drum Tower and walk west, and you will see many people lining up to buy buns. They cost CNY 2 each, sold in sets of 5 for CNY 10. The buns are really good and big, like small steamed buns, with plenty of mushroom, vegetable, and tofu filling, as shown in Figures 18-19. You can enter the temple to eat noodles, and then line up to buy buns. Although the line is long, it moves quickly, and you can get to the front in about 10 minutes. ⛺[Things to Know]: Enter the temple from the middle and exit the garden from the west. Enter the temple to eat noodles, and exit the garden with buns. You can also visit the nearby Lingering Garden. 🛬[Itinerary]: Take bus 317 directly to the temple. Allow about 1–2 hours for taking photos, strolling around, and eating noodles. 🧡[About Portrait Rights] The portraits in the photos involve portrait rights. They are shared on Trip.com for non-commercial purposes only. If there is any infringement, please contact me to delete them. Please do not misuse them for commercial purposes. Thank you.

[Introduction]: I arrived late at the Master of the Nets Garden yesterday, and there was already a line hundreds of meters long. The garden is no longer a quiet private garden, but a popular tourist attraction. The reason for its popularity? It's a photography hotspot with countless picturesque spots. Many tourists come to the Master of the Nets Garden to take photos of the magnolias and crabapple blossoms. Young people today are all about beautiful photos and aesthetics. Suzhou gardens are suitable for various styles, whether it's the glamorous and sexy Republican-era cheongsam style or the graceful and elegant ancient Hanfu style. If you plan to take photos, dress up, do your makeup, and hire a good photographer. ⛺[Things to know]: It is recommended to tour the garden counterclockwise. 🛬[Itinerary]: Two hours doesn't feel like enough time. It's recommended to set aside half a day. Arrive early, enter as soon as the garden opens at 7:30 am, take your time exploring, and leave around 10:30 am. The crowds in the garden from around 10:00 am to 3:00 pm are beyond your imagination. 🧡[Tips]: Suzhou has been hot these past few days, so remember to bring a bottle of water and travel light. On weekends, attractions in the Suzhou Museum and Humble Administrator's Garden area are very popular, and Bus No. 5 is much slower than usual. It's recommended to take the subway. [Regarding portrait rights] The portraits taken incidentally involve portrait rights and are only shared on Trip.com for non-commercial use. If there is any infringement, please contact me to delete them. Please do not misuse or use them commercially. Thank you.

This newly opened celebrity chicken pot shop is really crowded! Signature yellow beef with authentic Guizhou sour soup pot! It's really delicious, I think everything I boil is delicious😋 A new shop is opening! There are many discounts Seating + vegetables + rice + drinks + sauces = $18 per person! $450 per person, and unlimited all you can eat! ! Boss, you are so generous There will also be high-mountain flowing water pouring wine and beautiful women's hot dance performances! ! Today I finally had Guizhou chicken pot with my sister🍲 📍Gui Erjiu specialty street stall chicken pot

[Master of the Nets Garden] Located in a small alley, the Master of the Nets Garden features a rockery on the south side and a lake on the north side. The entrance is full of spring, but at this time, the trees are still bare. If you wait until the most beautiful April day, the green trees will be even more beautiful. Walking through it, you can deeply feel the aesthetics of the courtyards and gardens where the ancients lived. A home is a combination of house and garden, and living in it allows you to deeply appreciate the careful arrangement of halls, studies, pavilions, and terraces, each room with different living functions. The calligraphy, couplets, furniture, and furnishings between them are even more ingenious. The Master of the Nets Garden has the largest waterside pavilion in Suzhou gardens, the Yangguang Pavilion, named after "nourishing nature, prolonging life, and being as bright as nature." Figures 1-8. [Huanxiu Villa] Enter the Huanxiu Villa History Museum from the south gate. It is recommended to take a closer look and understand its historical evolution and cultural history. After passing through the Yougu Hall and the main hall of Huanxiu Villa, you will see the classic rockery landscape. Along the west side, there are pavilions, buildings, corridors, and a boat, with five changes along the way, which is amazing. Figures 9-13. [Chang Garden] This is a commercial garden hotel that requires advance reservation for free visits. Show the successful reservation screenshot to enter the garden. This place is very elegant, and the requirements for the staff are also very high. You can enjoy cocktails and admire ancient paintings and albums in the entrance hut. The small courtyard is rectangular from north to south, surrounded by various pavilions and different buildings. Cocktails, coffee houses, and tea rooms are all available. It is recommended to stay here for a day when there are fewer people, enjoy the quiet and petty bourgeois life in the small courtyard, and feel like the owner of the garden. Figures 14-20. ⛺[Special Note]: The entire Suzhou Garden Management Office's work is extremely meticulous. The garden's cleaning staff constantly cleans. In Huanxiu Villa, I even saw the cleaning staff wiping the dust off the outdoor rockery with a feather duster, which was deeply shocking. In order to protect the cultural heritage left by our ancestors, we should not step on the rocks with our feet at will. We should have a sense of awe for culture and visit in a civilized manner. 🛬[Itinerary]: These three gardens are very close, and you can visit them all in one morning. I started from Sunshine City, took bus No. 923 for half an hour to Yangyuxiang Station, and walked to Chang Garden. The Yangyuxiang Station is also a wooden and stone structure with garden characteristics, which I admire about Suzhou.

【Opening】：On a whim, I suddenly wanted to see the magnolia blossoms at Ou Yuan Garden, even though it was my first time there. The white magnolias in Suzhou had already finished blooming and mostly fallen, their peak bloom being from the end of February to around March 10th. The purple magnolias were still in bloom, and wow, I was stunned as soon as I entered. A group of photographers with their long lenses and tripods had already aimed at the purple magnolias on the west side of the entrance, while the white ones on the east side had mostly withered. I snapped a few photos and then retreated. I wandered around the courtyard and took a few more pictures, but the drone overhead was giving me a headache, and there were so many tour groups, so I quickly left. Gardens are best visited when there are fewer people, and a light rain would make it even more wonderful. Unfortunately, when it rains, the flowers may not be in bloom, and when they bloom, there may not be rain, but good light is also nice. ⛺【Travel Tips】You can reach Ou Yuan Garden by various means. If you have time and are in the mood, you can walk. If you're in a hurry, you can ride a shared bike, but the road is paved with small bricks and can be bumpy. 🛬【Itinerary】：It's recommended to go early in the morning for better lighting and fewer people, making it easier to take photos. If possible, it's best to do some research beforehand, otherwise, just wandering around won't be very rewarding, and it'll just be a quick visit. I'm going back to do some research later. Nearby, you can stroll along Pingjiang Road and see the original old streets and local life. 🧡【Tips】：The garden pass allows only one entry per garden per day, and you can enter directly using facial recognition. You can also visit the nearby Lion Grove Garden and Humble Administrator's Garden. 【Regarding Portrait Rights】The portraits taken involve portrait rights and are shared on Trip.com for non-commercial use only. If there is any infringement, please contact me for removal. Please do not misuse or use them commercially. Thank you.

Theme: Canal Stories + City Wall Sunset Route: Xiangmen City Wall → Suzhou City Wall Museum → Dongyuan → Ouyuan → Shantang Street (West Section) Highlights: Xiangmen City Wall: Climb the city wall to overlook the moat, visit the City Wall Museum, and learn about the history of Suzhou city gates. Dongyuan: Former zoo site, enjoy spring outings and boating, encounter black swans and cherry blossom forests. Shantang Street West Section: Avoid the crowds, visit the Shaanxi Guild Hall, Five People's Tomb, collect the 'Seven Cats' stone carvings, and experience the authentic water town life. Recommended Activity: Shantang Night Tour: Take a boat ride to enjoy the flickering lights and experience the blend of ancient and modern in the 'land of wealth and prosperity.'

Theme: Hidden Gardens + Historical Districts Route: Huanxiu Villa → Yipu Garden → Wuqiu Lane → Xizhong Market → Taohuawu Historical and Cultural District Highlights: Huanxiu Villa: A World Heritage garden famous for its rockeries. In spring, green vines climb the walls, creating a serene and less crowded atmosphere. Yipu Garden: A delicate garden loved by locals. Enjoy tea by the water at Yanguang Pavilion, with rose walls blooming from April to May. Wuqiu Lane and Xizhong Market: Old streets retaining the style of the Republic of China era. Recommended spots include the old brand soup dumpling restaurant and Changmen Yaoji Soy Milk. Taohuawu District: The former residence of Tang Yin, with peach blossoms in spring. Discover niche cultural shops and Jiangnan gardens perfect for taking vintage-style photos. Recommended Experiences: Yipu Tea Room: Bring your own tea leaves and sit by the water to experience the slow life of Suzhou. Taohuawu: Check in at Tang Yin's Shrine and enjoy the panoramic view of the ancient city and the Oriental Gate from the top floor.

Theme: Garden Aesthetics + Local Life Route: Suzhou Tourist Information Center (Northeast Street Center Station) → Suzhou Museum → Humble Administrator's Garden → Pingjiang Road → Couple's Retreat Garden → Shuangta Market Highlights: Suzhou Museum: Designed by I.M. Pei, featuring architectural art and Wu culture exhibitions. The spring courtyard is lush and perfect for photos. Humble Administrator's Garden: In spring, the garden is adorned with blooming crabapples and azaleas, complemented by water features, showcasing the oriental aesthetics of 'changing scenery with each step.' Pingjiang Road: Stroll along the river and experience the 'parallel water and land' chessboard layout. Recommended snacks include crabapple cakes and Suzhou-style soup dumplings. Couple's Retreat Garden: Suzhou's only 'love-themed garden,' with wisteria hanging in spring. Enjoy a classical afternoon tea in the garden. Shuangta Market: A renovated trendy market combining Suzhou snacks (egg pancakes, taro mochi) and cultural stalls, blending local flavor with modern design. Recommended Food: Pingjiang Road: Yaba Shengjian (pan-fried buns), Gorgon Fruit Sweet Soup Shuangta Market: Biluochun Milk Tea, Fermented Rice Balls

Suzhou is crowded with people during the New Year We really took a drip to shoot at 12 o'clock in the middle of the night The driver must have thought we were crazy. 12 o'clock midnight? Feeling of 0 degrees? Photograph?

Gusu is a historic and picturesque cultural city. Everyone sees Gusu differently. In the eyes of poets, Gusu is an endless source of inspiration. For painters, it's a vibrant landscape of ink and wash. For martial artists, it embodies chivalry and heroism. Since ancient times, Gusu has been an important town in the Jiangnan region, encompassing most of present-day Suzhou. The harmonious blend of culture and nature has inspired countless poets to create timeless verses. "Outside the city of Gusu, by Cold Mountain Temple, the midnight bell reaches the traveler's boat" describes Hanshan Temple, a famous temple in Gusu originally built during the Southern Dynasties. Although most of the current structures were rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, the overall style retains the solemnity of the Southern Dynasties. The traditional Jiangnan town style of the surrounding Fengqiao Town also captivates many visitors. While most people associate Gusu with its beautiful landscapes, the renowned novelist Jin Yong saw it as a representation of the world of martial arts. In his novel *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*, the Murong family's Yanziwu is located in Gusu. The real-life inspiration for Yanziwu is Xuanmu Mountain in Suzhou's Wuzhong District. South of Xuanmu Mountain, one can overlook Taihu Lake. To the east and west, two mountains connect to it, creating a picturesque location with excellent feng shui. The mountain boasts the Feizhu Spring with its splashing water, and on the back hillside stands the thousand-year-old Sheng'en Temple. Visiting this place evokes a sense of stepping into the world of martial arts. Both poetry and martial arts are often accompanied by fine wine. Many poets who visited Gusu wrote verses praising the local wines. "Poured like bamboo leaves, filling the cup with green, drunk like peach blossoms, blushing red on the surface" are lines from Bai Juyi's poem *Thanking Li Suzhou for Sending Five Wines*, praising Gusu rice wine. The local rice wine has a thousand-year brewing history, with a slightly sweet taste and a delicate fragrance. Enjoying squirrel-shaped mandarin fish with friends, sipping fragrant rice wine, and reminiscing about youthful dreams while enjoying the cool breeze is a true pleasure in life. In the midst of summer, Gusu's beauty is at its peak. Why not don a white robe and journey to Gusu, to experience poetry, wine, and the world of martial arts?