Travel Guide

The Humble Administrator's Garden is located at No. 178 Dongbei Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City. It is one of China's Four Great Classical Gardens and the largest and most famous garden in Suzhou. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Humble Administrator's Garden is centered around water, with mountains and rivers winding through it, exquisite halls and pavilions, and lush flowers and trees, embodying the rich characteristics of the Jiangnan water towns. It is known as the 'Mother of Chinese Gardens'. The entire garden is divided into three parts: East, Central, and West, each with its unique features. The East Garden is open and spacious, the Central Garden is the essence of the entire garden, and the West Garden features delicate architecture. The Humble Administrator's Garden is an important window for understanding traditional Chinese garden art and Jiangnan culture.

Lion Grove Garden, located at No. 23 Yuanlin Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, is one of China's four most famous classical gardens, and is known as one of the 'Four Famous Gardens of Suzhou' along with Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, and Canglang Pavilion. The garden was first built in the second year of the Zhizheng reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1342) by Monk Tianru to commemorate his teacher, Monk Zhongfeng. Lion Grove Garden is famous for its unique rock formations. The rockeries are made of Taihu stones and resemble a group of dancing lions, hence its name. Within the garden, the labyrinthine rock caves, pavilions, towers, and flowing streams showcase the essence of Chinese classical garden art, and it has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

Tuisi Garden is one of China's famous classical gardens, located in Tongli, Wujiang City, Jiangsu Province. The garden was built in 1885 by Ren Lansheng, an impeached official from Anhui Province. Its name is derived from an idiom in the 'Zuo Zhuan' (Commentary of Zuo): 'A gentleman, when advancing, thinks of dedicating himself to loyalty; when retreating, thinks of rectifying his mistakes.' It was designed by Yuan Long, a painter from the Wu School, and was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 2001, as part of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou.

Tiger Hill Scenic Area is located in Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is a famous tourist destination and a World Cultural Heritage site, renowned for its unique natural scenery and rich historical relics. Legend has it that it was named either because its shape resembles a crouching tiger, or because a white tiger appeared to guard it. The hill is over 30 meters high, covers an area of approximately 20 hectares, and boasts a history of tourism spanning over a thousand years, with numerous poems and calligraphies left by literati throughout the ages. Wu Wang Helü is buried here, and the Yunyan Temple, founded in 327 AD, is also located on the hill.

Yipu Garden, also known as one of Suzhou's classical gardens like Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, and Lingering Garden, is the best-preserved example of a Ming Dynasty classical garden in Suzhou. It was founded in 1541 by Yuan Zugeng, originally named 'Zuiying Hall'. In 1620, Wen Zhenmeng acquired and rebuilt the garden, renaming it 'Yaopu' (Medicine Garden). In 1659, Jiang Cai rebuilt it again, renaming it 'Jingting Mountain Villa'. Later, Jiang Cai's son, Jiang Shijie, inherited the garden and renamed it 'Yipu' (Art Garden) because Guanyin was enshrined within. In 2000, Yipu Garden was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Yipu Garden covers an area of 3967 square meters, divided into an eastern residential complex and a western garden. Its exquisite layout and profound cultural heritage embody the highest achievements of Chinese classical garden art.

Tongli Ancient Town, located in Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, is one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan. With its dense network of waterways, it is known as the 'Oriental Venice'. The ancient town was founded in the Song Dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years. It boasts unique Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complexes, including several well-preserved gardens, temples, former residences of celebrities, and ancient bridges. Among them, the World Cultural Heritage Retreat & Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden) is one of its most representative attractions. Visitors can stroll through ancient alleys, admire small bridges over flowing water, taste local delicacies, and experience the tranquility and charm of this water town.

The Suzhou Museum was founded in 1960, originally located in the Prince Zhong's Mansion of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. In 2006, it moved to its current location, designed by the renowned Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. The new building covers an area of over 19,000 square meters, combining traditional Chinese design, Suzhou local characteristics, and modern style. The architecture features sloping roofs, traditional black, white, and grey color schemes, and white stucco walls, while incorporating glass roofs and steel structures to introduce natural light. The museum houses approximately 30,000 artifacts, including excavated relics, ancient calligraphy and paintings, and handicrafts. Permanent exhibitions include 'Treasures of Wu Land', 'National Treasures of Wu Pagoda', 'Elegance of Wu Zhong', and 'Calligraphy and Painting of Wu School'. In 2018, the number of visitors exceeded 2 million.

Lingering Garden is a famous classical Chinese garden, originally built in the 21st year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1593 AD), located at No. 338 Liuyuan Road, outside Changmen Gate, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. The garden is divided into four parts: East, Central, West, and North, and is renowned for its exquisite garden art, hailed as one of China's Four Famous Gardens. In 1997, Lingering Garden, along with seven other classical gardens in Suzhou, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The garden also features two UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage arts: Pingtan (storytelling and ballad singing) and Guqin music.

Canglang Pavilion is a famous classical garden in Suzhou, China, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1044 AD by Su Shunqin, a poet of the Song Dynasty, and is the oldest of Suzhou's UNESCO gardens, preserving its original Song Dynasty layout. The garden's name comes from a verse in Qu Yuan's 'The Fisherman' from 'Chu Ci': 'If the Canglang waters are clear, I can wash my hat-strings; If the Canglang waters are muddy, I can wash my feet.' This verse implies the integrity of an upright official who would rather withdraw from politics than compromise his principles. Su Shunqin chose this name to express his feelings after being demoted. Canglang Pavilion covers an area of 1.6 hectares and is divided into two main parts. The garden is situated on a tributary of the Fengxi River, forming a lotus pond. There are 108 windows in the garden, each with a unique design.

Guanqian Street is a famous commercial street in the center of Suzhou, with a total area of 0.52 square kilometers. This old street, with over 1300 years of history, is famous for its grand Taoist architectural complex, including the Zhenqing Taoist Temple (later renamed Xuanmiao Temple) with nine rooms. There are also about ten temples on the street. Guanqian Street is named for its location in front of Xuanmiao Temple and has undergone multiple renovations since 1930. In June 1982, the street was designated as a 'pedestrian street' by the municipal government, and a new night market was established. Guanqian Street is known as one of China's four famous pedestrian streets (the other three are Nanjing Confucius Temple, Shanghai City God Temple, and Beijing Tianqiao). Guanqian Street is themed around dining, shopping, and entertainment, featuring hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars, stores, and clubs. These buildings have an antique style, surrounded by colorful signs and neon lights. This 760-meter long street is divided into three sections: East, Middle, and West. The East section features historical ancient buildings, the Middle section is mainly Xuanmiao Temple, and the West section primarily consists of fashion stores. Strolling along Guanqian Street is a favorite pastime for locals. Today, the restored Guanqian Street attracts not only Suzhou locals but also tourists from all over, as it blends commerce, culture, religion, and cuisine. The street is home to many famous century-old shops, such as Huangtianyuan, Sanwanchang, and Caizhizhai, which are renowned both domestically and internationally. It is the presence of these century-old shops that makes Guanqian Street not only a typical commercial street but also a showcase of Suzhou's culture. Tourists are drawn to these century-old shops for the wide variety of Jiangnan delicacies available. At the same time, some shops boast over a century of history, leaving a deep impression on visitors, and many tourists come to Guanqian Street specifically to enjoy the food.

Suzhou Museum West is a museum located in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. It primarily collects ancient Chinese art, paintings, calligraphy, and handicrafts. Designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum opened in 2006. Its architecture blends traditional Chinese design with modern elements, characterized by sloping roofs, traditional black, white, and grey color palettes, and innovative use of glass and steel. The museum houses approximately 30,000 items, including excavated artifacts, ancient paintings and calligraphy, and ancient crafts. Permanent exhibitions include 'Treasures of Wu Land', 'National Treasures of Wu Pagoda', 'Elegance of Wu Zhong', and 'Paintings and Calligraphy of Wu School'.

Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, located in Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, is China's first water town. It is famous for its unique Jiangnan water village style with small bridges, flowing water, and riverside homes, boasting nearly a thousand years of history and being a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. The town features crisscrossing rivers, numerous ancient bridges, and residential houses built along the water, preserving a large number of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings.

The Pingjiang Road Historical Block, formerly known as Shiquanli, is a historical area located in the northeastern part of Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. As part of Suzhou's well-preserved old town, it was listed as a 'National Historical and Cultural Block' in China in 2015. The main street, Pingjiang Road, is built along the Pingjiang River, stretching 1606 meters from Ganjiang East Road in the south to Baitai East Road in the northwest, close to the Humble Administrator's Garden and Suzhou Museum. The entire historical block covers an area of 0.4 square kilometers, featuring 51 alleys and approximately 3 kilometers of canals. It is renowned as the center of Suzhou's artistic life, dotted with bookstores, local opera theaters, and teahouses where people enjoy traditional storytelling and 'Tanci' performances.

Shantang Street, approximately 3829.6 meters long, connects Changmen Gate and Tiger Hill. It was built by Bai Juyi during the Tang Dynasty when he excavated the Shantang River, using the excavated silt. Due to its long history and rich cultural heritage, this street is known as 'Gusu's First Street' and was listed as a 'National Historical and Cultural Street' in China in 2015. Today, Shantang Street is a famous tourist destination in Suzhou, where visitors can admire well-preserved ancient buildings and bridges, and experience the unique charm of a Jiangnan water town.

The Suzhou Stone Carving Museum is located within the Suzhou Confucian Temple. It is one of China's renowned museums of epigraphy, housing a large collection of precious stone carving artifacts and showcasing the essence of ancient Chinese epigraphic art.

Hanshan Temple, located in Fengqiao Town, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, approximately 5 kilometers west of Suzhou Ancient City, is a famous Buddhist temple. The temple was first built during the Tianjian period of the Southern Dynasties Liang (502-519 AD) and is widely known for the poem 'A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge' by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji. The imagery in the poem, 'From Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City, the midnight bell reaches the passenger boat,' has made the sound of Hanshan Temple's bell a cultural symbol, attracting countless domestic and international tourists and devotees for pilgrimage and sightseeing.

Xiyuan Temple, also known as Xiyuan Jiechuanglü Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, west of Lingering Garden. The temple was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, later destroyed, and became part of a large classical garden called 'Xiyuan'. During the Ming Dynasty, Xiyuan belonged to a high-ranking official. After his death, his son donated the garden to the temple. Most of the buildings were destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in 1860 and were rebuilt after the war. Xiyuan Temple is famous for its sculptures, Arhat Hall, and Liberation Pond. The Liberation Pond once housed two famous long-lived Asian giant softshell turtles; one died in 2007 at the age of 400, and the other has since disappeared.

Ouyuan Garden is a famous classical garden in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with other classical gardens of Suzhou. The garden was built in 1874 by Lu Jin, then prefect of Baoning Prefecture, and later acquired and rebuilt by Shen Bingcheng, magistrate of Susong County. Shen Bingcheng renamed it 'Ouyuan Garden', meaning the garden is composed of two parts, and also implying harmony between husband and wife. The garden covers an area of 0.33 hectares, centered around a residential area, and divided into eastern and western parts, a layout not common in classical gardens. The design of the garden is full of unique elements, especially in the forms and details of many garden buildings, such as the Taoist Temple Tower. Ouyuan Garden is located at the confluence of canals, surrounded by water on three sides, and can be directly accessed by boat. The West Garden consists of several buildings surrounding a small grotto and a library annex, connected to the central residential structure. The East Garden is the main body of the entire garden, composed of a grotto and a pond, surrounded by covered corridors connecting various buildings, and featuring a smaller orchard.

Diaohualou, located at No. 58 Zijin Road, Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, is an ancient building with a unique architectural style and exquisite carving art. It is renowned for its superb carving techniques and profound historical and cultural heritage, making it one of the important attractions in the Dongshan area of Suzhou. The carvings inside the building are rich in content, including figures, birds and flowers, mythological stories, etc., all lifelike, showcasing the charm of traditional Jiangnan architectural art. At the same time, Diaohualou also carries rich historical stories and humanistic sentiments, serving as an important window to understand the history and culture of Suzhou Dongshan.

The Baodai Bridge, also known as the Precious Belt Bridge, is a stone arch bridge located near Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. It is situated at the confluence of the Grand Canal and Dantai Lake, approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southeast of Suzhou city center. The bridge was first built in 816 AD during the Tang Dynasty, and subsequently rebuilt multiple times. The existing structure primarily dates from a reconstruction during the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty (1446), and was repaired during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1873). It is entirely built of stone, with a total length of 317 meters (1040 feet) and 53 arches. The three central arches were widened to allow larger vessels to pass through. The Baodai Bridge was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in 2001.

Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park is located in the western part of Suzhou High-tech Zone. It is a natural wetland park integrating ecological sightseeing, popular science education, and leisure tourism. Based on natural landscapes and wetland ecological resources, the park is a typical representative of Taihu lakeside natural ecology, boasting rich flora and fauna resources and unique wetland landscapes.

Ligongdi is located in Suzhou Industrial Park, within the Jinji Lake Central Business District. It is a tourist attraction primarily focused on water sightseeing and leisure entertainment. It is a long, narrow causeway that divides Jinji Lake into two parts. Along the causeway, there are various restaurants, bars, cafes, and specialty shops, making it a leisure district that integrates dining, entertainment, shopping, and culture. Ligongdi attracts numerous tourists with its unique lakeside scenery and modern commercial atmosphere.

Qionglong Mountain is the highest peak in Suzhou, located in the southwest of Suzhou, with an elevation of 341.7 meters. Sun Wu, a famous ancient Chinese military strategist, once lived in seclusion here and wrote the military masterpiece 'The Art of War'. Qionglong Mountain boasts Suzhou's longest winding mountain road and is also Suzhou's only provincial-level nature reserve.

Luzhi Ancient Town, located in Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, 18 kilometers east of Suzhou city, is an ancient water town in Jiangnan with a history of over 2500 years. It is famous for its unique waterways, ancient bridges, water town scenery, and profound cultural heritage. The ancient town preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and boasts numerous scenic spots and historical sites, such as Baosheng Temple, Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall, and Shen's Residence. It is known as the 'First Water Town of China,' was listed as one of the 'Top Ten Historical and Cultural Towns in China' in 2003, and received the 'Heritage Protection Award' from UNESCO in 2004.

Jinji Lake Scenic Area is located in Suzhou Industrial Park, covering an area of 7.18 square kilometers, with an average depth of about 2.5-3 meters, and is an important scenic spot in Suzhou. There are two artificial islands within the scenic area. The northern and western parts of the lake are concentrated areas for shopping and entertainment facilities, while the eastern and southern parts are covered with large green spaces. Jinji Lake was originally a shallow marsh pond. After landscape planning and renovation by AECOM in 2003, it became one of the largest lakeside parks in China.

The Master of Nets Garden is an outstanding representative among Suzhou's classical gardens, located at No. 11 Kuojiatou Alley, Daichengqiao Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City. It was first built during the Southern Song Dynasty and is one of the paradigms of Chinese garden art, renowned for its exquisite layout and delicate, compact features. It has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The garden skillfully integrates art, nature, and architecture through techniques such as relative dimension, contrast, juxtaposition, sequence, depth, and borrowed scenery, creating a unique metaphysical masterpiece. The eastern part of the garden is a residential area, while the western part is the garden itself, arranged around the 334-square-meter 'Rosy Cloud Pool'. Plants and rocks are used to create seasonal scenery, and it also includes three side courtyards to the east and south. Major attractions within the garden include Ming Dynasty cypresses, centuries-old pine trees, and the Cloud-Shrouded Grotto.

Suzhou Dushu Lake Christian Church, also known as Dushu Lake Church, is located by Dushu Lake in Suzhou Industrial Park. It is a modern-style church renowned for its unique architectural design and beautiful lakeside scenery. The overall architecture of the church is distinctive, with a spire structure at the top symbolizing upward aspiration and hope, harmoniously blending with the surrounding natural environment. The interior space of the church is solemn and bright, and worship services are frequently held there. It is not only an important place for believers to conduct religious activities but also a popular spot for tourists to visit and take photos due to its picturesque views. Especially in the evening or on clear days, the church appears exceptionally serene and beautiful amidst the lake and mountains.

Shiquan Street is a historic street in Suzhou's ancient city, rich in Wu culture. Ancient buildings line both sides of the street, featuring white walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water, showcasing the typical charm of a Jiangnan water town. It gathers numerous specialty restaurants, handicraft shops, art galleries, and tea houses, making it an excellent place to experience Suzhou culture, relax, and shop. At night, the street lights illuminate, creating a unique charm, making it an ideal spot for a stroll and to experience Suzhou's slow pace of life.

Bao'en Temple (Beisi Pagoda) is located in Gusu District, the center of Suzhou, and is an ancient temple with over 1700 years of history, famous for its towering Beisi Pagoda. The Beisi Pagoda is a landmark building in Suzhou and one of the tallest and oldest existing pagodas in the Jiangnan region. Visitors can climb the pagoda to overlook the panoramic view of Suzhou. The temple grounds are serene, with ancient trees reaching to the sky, solemn Buddhist halls, and a rich atmosphere of Buddhist culture. Baodai Bridge, located in the southern section of the Suzhou Grand Canal and belonging to Wuzhong District, is a 53-arch stone bridge built during the Tang Dynasty, with a total length of 317 meters. It has been inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage list for its unique design and exquisite craftsmanship. It is not only a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering but also a symbol of Suzhou's ancient charm, showcasing the wisdom of ancient bridge construction.

Panmen Scenic Area is located in the southeastern corner of the ancient city of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and is the site of Panmen, one of the eight gates of ancient Suzhou. With its unique style combining the three scenic spots of the water and land city gate, Wumen Bridge, and Ruiguang Pagoda, it has become an iconic attraction in Suzhou. The scenic area not only features well-preserved ancient city walls and water and land city gates but also exquisite garden landscapes and historical buildings, showcasing Suzhou's profound historical and cultural heritage.

Yiyuan Garden (Garden of Pleasance), also known as Yiyuan, is a classical garden located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Built in the late Qing Dynasty in the late 19th century, it is one of the later-built Suzhou gardens. Yiyuan Garden was originally a private garden built by official Ge Wenbin during the Guangxu period of the late Qing Dynasty. It is considered one of Suzhou's most representative gardens, featuring gardens, lotus ponds, residences, artificial villages, and ancestral halls. Due to its integration of various elements from Suzhou gardens, it is sometimes regarded as a culmination of Suzhou garden culture.

Suzhou Shangfangshan National Forest Park is located in Huqiu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is a national AAAA-level scenic spot that integrates natural scenery and historical culture. The park has lush vegetation and pleasant scenery, making it a good place for citizens to relax and sightsee.

Zhenze Ancient Town is located in Wujiang District, Suzhou City. It is an ancient Jiangnan water town with a long history and rich cultural heritage. The ancient town is famous for its unique architectural style, tranquil flagstone streets, and gurgling rivers, and is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. It preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing the typical charm of a Jiangnan water town. Visitors can stroll across ancient bridges, taste local delicacies, and experience the slow pace of life in the water town.

Sanshan Island is located in Lake Taihu, Suzhou, and consists of nine islands of varying sizes. It is renowned for its unique lake and island scenery, rich historical and cultural relics, and pristine natural environment. The island features natural landscapes such as Banbifeng Peak, Twelve Zodiac Stones, Stone Forest, and Yixiantian (A Ray of Sky), as well as cultural attractions like Sanshan Temple and ancient building complexes. It is an ideal place for outdoor recreation, farm stay experiences, and getting close to nature, earning it the reputation of "Penglai Immortal Island in Lake Taihu."

The Gate of the Orient, also known as the Gate of the East, is the second tallest building in Suzhou, second only to the Suzhou International Financial Center. It is designed to be a symbolic gateway to the city, emphasizing Suzhou's continued importance in modern China. The building stands 301.8 meters (990 feet) tall and is located in the heart of Suzhou's China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) district. Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2016, costing 700 million US dollars. Its location precisely marks the intersection of Suzhou Old Town's historic S-W axis with the western bank of Jinji Lake. Its design has been mocked by many Chinese netizens and Western media for 'resembling a pair of trousers,' leading to a series of online memes. A low-rise building extends from the base of the structure, combining with the high-rise to form the Gate of the Orient, a mixed-use development comprising office space, residential serviced apartments, a luxury hotel, and a large shopping mall.

The Suzhou Pingtan Museum of China is located at No. 3 Zhongzhangjia Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is a specialized museum dedicated to showcasing and preserving the art of Suzhou Pingtan. Suzhou Pingtan is a comprehensive form of folk art performance popular in the Jiangnan region of China, integrating storytelling (pinghua) and ballad singing (tanci). It originated in the Song Dynasty and is deeply influenced by Wu-Yue culture. This art form is shaped by Pingtan artists and is widely popular in the Jiangnan area. Through rich historical materials, precious cultural relics, and multimedia displays, the museum introduces visitors to the origin, development, characteristics of different schools, and unique performance forms of Suzhou Pingtan, including storytelling, comedic banter, instrumental music, and vocal singing. Suzhou Pingtan is renowned for its artistic characteristics of 'reason, flavor, wonder, charm, and subtlety,' serving as an important window into Jiangnan culture and traditional folk art.

The Suzhou Garden Museum is China's first garden-themed museum, located on the west side of Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden. It systematically introduces the history, art, culture, and gardening techniques of Suzhou gardens. Through rich exhibits, models, pictures, and multimedia displays, the museum vividly presents the essence of Suzhou gardens, 'recreating the universe within a small space,' making it an important window for understanding Suzhou garden culture.

The Suzhou Fengqiao Scenic Area is located on the bank of the ancient Grand Canal, west of Suzhou City. It is renowned for its unique natural scenery, profound historical and cultural heritage, and the widely beloved Tang poem 'A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge'. The scenic area features famous historical sites such as Fengqiao Bridge, Hanshan Temple, and Tieling Pass. It is an excellent destination to experience the ancient charm of Jiangnan water towns and to seek poetic inspiration. As night descends, the sound of Hanshan Temple's bell blends with the rhythmic splash of oars on the canal, creating a classic nightscape of Jiangnan.

Jiangnan Botanical Garden, also known as Suzhou Taihu Garden Expo Park, is located in Wuzhong District, Suzhou City. It is a large botanical garden integrating plant scientific research, popular science education, garden art display, and leisure tourism. The garden gathers a variety of rare plants and combines the characteristics of Jiangnan gardens to create unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes. It is not only a great place to get close to nature and learn about plants, but also an ideal spot for family outings and leisurely strolls.

Linwu Cave is located on Xishan Island in Taihu Lake, Suzhou City, and is a renowned natural attraction within the Xishan Scenic Area. It is famous for its magical karst cave topography, with stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave displaying diverse and fantastical forms, earning it the title of 'The Ninth Cave Under Heaven'. Outside the cave, there are landscapes such as stone forests and plum gardens, making it a comprehensive tourist destination that combines natural beauty, geological education, and leisure sightseeing.

Luxiang Ancient Village is located in Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, and is one of the best-preserved ancient villages along Lake Tai. It features ancient building complexes with white walls and black tiles, deep alleys, exquisite carvings, and a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. The village has produced many famous figures and boasts numerous Ming and Qing dynasty ancient houses, ancestral halls, and archways, making it an excellent place to experience the ancient charm of Jiangnan water towns. Visitors can stroll through the ancient alleys, taste local specialty foods, and experience traditional culture.

Mingyuewan Ancient Village is located at the southern tip of Xishan Island in Suzhou's Taihu Lake. It is an ancient village with a thousand-year history. The village preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, nestled by mountains and water, with beautiful scenery. The ancient village attracts numerous tourists due to its unique historical culture and natural scenery. Major attractions in the village include Mingyuewan Stone Slab Street, the ancient pier, ancestral halls, and numerous quaint traditional houses. It is an excellent place to experience the ancient charm of Jiangnan water towns and feel the changes of history.

Xuanmiao Temple is a famous Taoist temple in China, with a long history, located in the heart of Suzhou's old city. It was originally built in the second year of Xianning in the Western Jin Dynasty (276 AD), initially named 'Zhenqing Taoist Temple'. It was destroyed by war during the Southern Song Dynasty, later rebuilt during the Chunxi era (1174-1189), and renamed Xuanmiao Temple in 1264. During the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, to avoid the taboo of Emperor Xuanye's given name, it was once renamed Yuanmiao Temple. The east-west street in front of the temple is Guanqian Street, a famous commercial pedestrian street in Suzhou. The oldest existing building within the temple is the Main Mountain Gate, entirely constructed of wood. The Main Mountain Gate faces north, with its main entrance facing south, and a side door on each side. Inside the temple, there are enshrined six Taoist deities, as well as statues of four marshals and two generals.

Located in Suzhou, the China Kunqu Museum is the first professional museum in China dedicated to the protection, inheritance, research, and exhibition of Kunqu Opera, aiming to showcase the history, development, and charm of Kunqu art.

Qiyuan Garden, also known as 'Xijia Garden', is located on the shore of Taihu Lake in Dongshan Town, Suzhou, and is the only Jiangnan garden in the Suzhou area facing Taihu Lake. It was built in 1933 and named after its owner, Cai Zhenqi, earning it the reputation of 'The First Garden of Taihu Lake'. The pavilions and towers within the garden are nestled against mountains and by water, with an exquisite layout, combining the elegance of Suzhou gardens with the grandeur of Taihu Lake's scenery. The garden contains historical relics such as Liuyi Well and Emperor Kangxi's Imperial Pier, making it an excellent place to enjoy the Taihu Lake scenery and experience Wudi culture.

Soochow University's Tiancizhuang Campus is located at 333 Ganjiang East Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, and is one of Soochow University's main campuses. Soochow University is a renowned institution of higher learning in China, with a history dating back to the establishment of Dongwu University in 1900. The university enjoys a high reputation in multiple disciplinary fields, is a key university under the national '211 Project', one of the first universities selected for the '2011 Plan', and also a 'Double First-Class' university. The Tiancizhuang Campus boasts a beautiful environment and numerous historical buildings, making it an important place for study and research.

Shigong Mountain Scenic Area is located in Jinting Town, Suzhou, and is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery and cultural landscapes. The scenic area features various forms of Taihu stones, standing by the lake, complementing the lake and mountain views. Shigong Mountain attracts numerous tourists with its unique rock formations, beautiful lake views, and rich historical and cultural heritage.

The Suzhou Silk Museum is China's first professional silk museum, showcasing the history, culture, craftsmanship, and development of Suzhou silk, serving as an important window into understanding Chinese silk culture.

The Suzhou Arts and Crafts Museum was established in 2002 and officially opened to the public in January 2003. It is located at No. 88 Northwest Street, Suzhou, within a building known as "Shangzhi Hall," which dates back to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. Nearby the museum are also the Suzhou Opera Museum and the Suzhou Silk Museum. The museum houses nearly a thousand works, including: modern Suzhou embroidery, sandalwood products, tapestries, wood carvings, stone carvings, Ming Dynasty-style furniture, ethnic musical instruments, antique bronzeware, lacquerware, and metal crafts.

Cherry Pork is a traditional famous dish from the Suzhou region of Jiangsu Province, belonging to Su Cuisine. Its characteristics are a bright red color, cherry-like shape, tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture, moderately sweet and savory taste, and rich without being greasy.

An iconic glutinous rice porridge topped with red bean paste, osmanthus sugar, and brown sugar, it is a popular traditional dessert in Shanghai, Suzhou, and surrounding areas.

Stir-fried Eggs with Taihu Whitebait is a traditional famous dish from Wuxi, Jiangsu province. It uses Taihu whitebait, a local specialty, as the main ingredient, stir-fried with fresh eggs. The whitebait has tender flesh and a delicious taste, perfectly combined with the rich texture of eggs. It is characterized by being nutritious, light, and savory.

Osmanthus Euryale Seeds is a dessert primarily made from euryale seeds (gorgon fruit) and osmanthus flowers. It has a soft, glutinous, and sweet taste with the unique fragrance of osmanthus. It is common in the Jiangnan region, especially around Suzhou, and is often enjoyed as a seasonal dessert.

Suzhou soup dumpling is a type of soup dumpling from the Jiangnan region of Jiangsu, and is one of the representative dishes of Jiangnan cuisine. It has a thin skin, a generous filling, and a fresh, sweet soup, making it a traditional Suzhou snack.

Stir-fried Shrimp is a common home-style dish, primarily made with fresh shrimp, often paired with a small amount of vegetables such as peas and corn, and cooked by stir-frying. The dish has a refreshing color, tender texture, and a savory-umami flavor.

Suzhou Braised Pork is a traditional famous dish from the Jiangnan region, especially Suzhou, renowned for its unique preparation techniques and flavor. It typically uses high-quality pork belly with skin, which is slowly braised through multiple steps. The meat is tender and melt-in-your-mouth, fatty but not greasy, with a rich savory and sweet sauce.

Suzhou-style Braised Duck is a traditional famous dish from the Suzhou region of Jiangsu. It is made primarily with duck, cooked using a unique braising process with soy sauce. Its characteristics include a bright red color, tender and soft meat, rich soy sauce aroma, and a balanced sweet and savory taste, making it a representative poultry dish in the Suzhou cuisine.

Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish is a famous dish in Jiangsu cuisine, originating from Suzhou. The characteristic of this dish is that the mandarin fish is deboned and carved into the shape of a squirrel, then coated in batter and fried until golden brown, finally drizzled with sweet and sour sauce.

Crab Roe Tofu is a traditional Chinese dish, representative of Shanghai cuisine, made by cooking fresh crab meat and crab roe with tender tofu. It perfectly combines the sweetness of crab meat with the lightness of tofu, resulting in a delicate texture and delicious taste. It is a common delicacy on dining tables in the Jiangnan region.

Fengzhen Braised Pork Noodle is a famous traditional noodle dish from Suzhou, known for its tender braised pork, clear broth, springy noodles, and delicious flavor. Its distinctive feature is the milky white broth, which is unlike the dark soup base of traditional braised pork, offering a light yet rich and mellow taste.

Yan Du Xian is a Chinese soup dish from Shanghai and Jiangsu Province (Jiangnan region). It is made with cured pork, fresh pork, fresh winter bamboo shoots, and knotted tofu skin.