Suzhou hosts a mix of traditional festivals and political observances. Holidays associated with the Communist Party are still widely recognised and usually last for a single day which is pegged to the Western calendar. Conversely, the more traditional holidays coincide with phases of the moon and therefore are celebrated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Chinese New Year, falling in February or March, is by far the most cherished annual event.
New Year’s Day: locally, the Western New Year pales in comparison to the Chinese celebration held later in February or March. Even so, this is a public holiday that warrants a day off. Increasing interest in international affairs has placed a growing impetus on the 1st January.
Chun Jie: the Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival) usually falls in February or March and lasts for 15 days. Families gather together, clean their house, settle debts and wear new clothes. Red envelopes containing cash are given to children and young (unmarried) adults. The celebration culminates in an impressive fireworks display.
Lantern Festival: the New Year festival always comes to a close on a full moon. At this time, lanterns marked with auspicious characters and animal symbols are hung about Suzhou.
International Women’s Day: on the 8th March, there are a number of events held that recognise the cultural achievements of women. Men work while their female counterparts are given a half- or whole-day holiday.
Suzhou Bookworm International Literary Festival: for two weeks in March, Suzhou hosts book signings, workshops and literary discussions for domestic and international visitors alike.
Qing Ming Festival: this is a day when the Chinese pay tribute to their ancestors and deceased family members. Families travel to cemeteries, sweep the headstones and plots and leave a token amount of food at the grave site.
Ya Shenxian: the birthday of Taoism’s eight immortals is observed in mid-April. It is said that he disguises himself as a human and visitors Suzhou on this day to spread peace, happiness and prosperity. Celebrants take to the streets and ultimately end up at any number of Taoist temple fairs.
Art of War Festival: held on 12th May, elaborate re-enactments of important Wu-era battles are staged at the China dome in Suzhou. This is a large-scale, ticketed event that welcomes tourists.
Founding of China’s Communist Party: held on 1st July, this day is set aside to recognise the official founding of the Chinese Communist party which took place nearby in Shanghai.
Army Day: on 1st August, 1927 the Communist Party mounted their first resistance against the Chinese Nationalist Party. Today, the Chinese government capitalises on this day to stress the importance of unity between citizens and the armed forces.
Silk Festival: 20th to 25th September is the best time to explore the offerings of the local silk industry. Multiple silk trade shows are hosted alongside exhibitions and entertainment geared towards generating interest in the tourist sector. Countless varieties of silk and double embroideries are on sale at markets across Suzhou.
Confucius’ Birthday: the sage and his teachings were previously criticised by the Communist Party, though these elements of Chinese culture are gradually regaining their previous importance. Confucius’ birthday (28 September) is observed in Suzhou’s Confucian Temple.
National Day: the People’s Republic of China was founded on 1st October, and today the entire first week of the month is set aside for travel and sightseeing. Parades are held in major cities and tourist destinations can become packed with domestic sightseers. Though crowds can be quite heavy, this is an exceptional opportunity for people-watchers to take in the burgeoning middle class as they enjoy their newfound mobility and rediscover their homeland.
Winter Solstice: a traditional and ancient observance, many of China’s provinces no longer celebrate the solstice. However, Suzhou’s former Wu Kingdom recognised this occasion (22nd December) as the first day of the New Year. Locals may eat traditional red beans and sticky rice or dumpling soup to drive away evil spirits.
Christmas Day: previously unobserved in China, Christmas Day enjoys increasing commercialisation today. Locals are beginning to invest in Christmas trees and you may even catch sight of Shengdan Laoren, a local variation on Santa Claus.
The hotel service, environment, room, and breakfast buffet were excellent.The design of spacious grounds conforms to old Suzhou garden architecture.The location is convenient to old city gate and cana...
