Prepare to be enchanted by the timeless charm of Suzhou, a city where ancient China seamlessly blends with the vibrant pulse of modern life. Dubbed as the 'Venice of the East', this bustling city in Jiangsu province is famed for its ethereal classical gardens, majestic canals, and rich silk heritage. Delve deeper into the city's silk-laden history, dine on delicious local fare, and bask in the peace and beauty of its traditional gardens - Suzhou is a city that caters to the whims of every traveler.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Trip.com | -9% | |
| 2. Cheap | Agoda | -7% | |
| 3. Average | Booking.com | -2% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Expedia | 4% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Hotels.com | 8% |
Gusu District: As the city center, Gusu is home to many of the city's signature gardens and canals. It's the perfect area if you want to be at the heart of all action.
Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP): A more modern and upscale area, SIP offers chic accommodations with access to international dining and shopping outlets. It's also home to the stunning Jinji Lake.
Pingjiang District: If you desire an old-world charm, stay in the Pingjiang district. It's lined with traditional homes, teahouses, and shops, all sitting alongside the beautiful Pingjiang Road.
Shantang Street Area: Near the famous Shantang Street, accommodations here give easy access to Suzhou's vibrant street life, canals, and traditional architecture.
Suzhou New District (SND): Offering a blend of traditional and modern China, SND is an excellent area for travelers seeking a quieter but still accessible location.
The Humble Administrator's Garden: As the largest garden in Suzhou, it is renowned for its unique design and ethereal beauty.
Tiger Hill: A historic site known for its natural beauty and the leaning Yunyan Pagoda, often called the 'Leaning Tower of China'.
Pingjiang Road: This ancient street offers a slice of Suzhou's old lifestyle with its well-preserved buildings, quaint shops, and serene canals.
Master of the Nets Garden: Smaller but elegantly designed, this garden features exquisite pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. At night, enjoy traditional Chinese music and dance performances.
Suzhou Silk Museum: Learn about Suzhou's rich silk history and see live demonstrations of silk production from cocoon to weaving.
Suzhou-Style Mooncake: Unlike the Cantonese version, Suzhou mooncakes are savory, filled with minced pork and encased in a flaky crust.
Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish: A dish symbolic of Suzhou, it's made with a local fish known for its tender meat and cooked in a sweet and sour sauce.
Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish: A culinary spectacle, the fish is deep-fried and served with a tangy-sweet sauce, the dish resembles a squirrel tail, hence its name.
Whitebait Soup: This clear soup made with tender whitebait and tofu is a refreshing and light dish loved by the locals.
Suzhou Noodles: These thin, delicate noodles are served in a rich broth with various toppings like braised pork, bamboo shoots, and shrimps.