more...

There are some worthwhile activities for children in Suzhou, many of which are equally attractive to adults. Suzhou Amusement Land and the water villages outside the city are fun for people of all ages, while the Suzhou Zoo is a great alternative for families with children who need a break from the traditional garden tours on the local tourist track.

more...

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.

more...

Suzhou’s myriad natural environs are its principal attraction. These classical gardens are distinct from the well-manicured Western variety. Instead of carving the earth into symmetrical (if not artificial) parkland, the designers of these gardens capitalised on the raw and unexpected aspects of nature. Each garden is a place of reflection, a meditation on a particular aspect of nature—be it an element, a landmark or a natural phenomenon. Most of these gardens were also planned in conjunction with towering pagodas and ancient temples.

more...

There is no airport in Suzhou so most incoming international travellers connect first through Shanghai. There are two major airports in Shanghai: Pudong International and Hongqiao for domestic connections. There are multiple buses departing daily from Suzhou’s Water Garden Hotel for Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai. From here, a shuttle bus brings passengers to Pudong International.

more...

more...