Suzhou

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Suzhou Travel Guide

Travel Author

Stig Albeck

City Map

City Introduction

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu Province, China. It is a city with a long history, which began with the founding of Suzhou in 514 BC by General Wu Zixu on the orders of King He Lu of the Wu State. Suzhou quickly became an important center of trade and culture in the Yangtze River Delta. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), the city became a vital economic center thanks to the construction of the Grand Canal, which connected Suzhou to other major cities in China. During the Song Dynasty, which ruled from 960–1279, Suzhou experienced a period of prosperity, when the city became known for its agricultural production, crafts, and trade.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which ruled China from 1368 to 1911, Suzhou continued to develop as a cultural and economic center. The city became famous for its silk factories and for its classical Chinese gardens, which attracted scholars and artists from all over the country. Suzhou was nicknamed “Paradise on Earth” due to its natural beauty and prosperous economy, and this is clearly evident in today’s modern city, which is still characterized by its many beautiful historical sites. The historical charm attracts many tourists today, and the contrast from the region’s modern cities such as Shanghai to peaceful Suzhou is striking.

The most famous attraction in Suzhou is the classical Chinese gardens, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the most famous are the Humble Administrator’s Garden/拙政园 and the Lingering Garden/留园, which are two special examples of garden art, significance and design. The Humble Administrator’s Garden was built in 1509 and is the largest classical garden in Suzhou and is known for its waterscapes, magnificent rock formations and elegant pavilions. The Lingering Garden, covering an area of ​​23,300 square meters, represents the style of the Qing Dynasty and is famous for its beautiful buildings and harmonious landscapes. There are also other gardens to see on a tour of Suzhou.

Another important attraction in Suzhou is the Suzhou Museum, whose museum building was designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei. The museum opened in 2006 and houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from Suzhou’s long history. The museum displays ancient bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. It is an exciting and thorough look at Suzhou’s history, which can help put the city and its characteristics into perspective. You can also step back in time by taking a walk in Suzhou’s old town, where you can wander along the narrow streets and canals, visit traditional teahouses and experience the authentic atmosphere of a historic Chinese city.

Other Attractions

Day Trips

Tongli Ancient Town
同里古镇

Tongli Ancient Town is one of the most famous water towns in China. It is located in Wujiang District, close to the larger city of Suzhou. Founded during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Tongli is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings, ancient stone bridges and network of canals, which have helped to give Suzhou and the surrounding area the nickname of the Venice of the Orient. The city is divided into seven small islands, connected by 49 bridges, and its layout is designed to integrate waterways and streets in a harmonious way.

There is a generally beautiful atmosphere in Tongli, and there are several attractions that can be seen along the way on a tour of the city. One of the most famous is Tuisi Yuan/退思园 (Tuisi Garden), often referred to as the Retreat & Reflection Garden. It is a garden designed by Yuan Long and built between 1885 and 1887 during the Qing Dynasty. The garden is known for its elegant and simple style, with buildings located close to the water, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. Tuisi Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an excellent example of classical Chinese garden art. You can also visit Chongben Hall and Jiayin Hall, which combine residences with artistic gardens.

Tongli is not only known for its gardens, but also for its many historic bridges in its beautiful surroundings. The so-called Three Bridges, Taiping Qiao/太平桥 (Taiping Bridge), Jili Qiao/吉利桥 (Jili Bridge) and Changqing Qiao/长庆桥 (Changqing Bridge), are some of the most famous and each has its own unique meaning to the locals. Taiping Bridge symbolizes peace and tranquility, while Jili Bridge stands for good luck and fortune, and Changqing Bridge represents longevity. These bridges are not only architectural landmarks, but also important cultural symbols. Tongli is also home to several temples, pagodas and traditional residences, which give visitors an insight into the city’s rich history and culture.

 

Zhōuzhuāng
周庄

Zhouzhuang is a relatively small city, but it is very popular for its many lakes and canals, as well as the preserved historic residential houses and neighborhoods that lie down towards the canals through the city center. The city is known as one of the most famous water cities in China, and its history extends over more than 900 years. The city’s main attractions are the atmosphere by the water, and the city is best seen from one of the boat trips offered on the atmospheric canals. Zhouzhuang is surrounded by and divided by lakes and rivers, which gives the city its characteristic water landscape.

There are 14 stone bridges in the city; they cross canals and rivers. The Shide and Yongan Twin Bridges are the best known, and they are Zhouzhuang’s landmarks. The bridges were built around 1600 during the Ming Dynasty and are known as Shuang Qiao or Double Bridges. The Shide Bridge has a round arch, while the Yongan Bridge has a square arch, and they span two intersecting rivers, making them resemble an ancient Chinese key.

The Fuan Bridge is somewhat older, having been built in 1355 during the Yuan Dynasty. Next to the Fuan Bridge is the Shen House from 1742. The entire house complex covers an area of ​​approximately 2,000m², and it gives a good impression of the distinguished style that prevailed during the Qing emperors. The Shen House is one of the best-preserved examples of classical Chinese architecture and gives visitors an insight into life in ancient China. When visiting Zhouzhuang, you should also visit the Taoist Chengxu Temple, built between 1086 and 1093 during the Song Dynasty. The temple is one of the largest and best-preserved Taoist temples in the region, offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architectural details.

In total, Zhouzhuang has nearly 100 classical courtyards and more than 60 archways, making it an ideal place for those who want to explore authentic ancient Chinese buildings and enjoy the incredible waterscapes. It’s all about exploring, and you can also choose to get more out of your visit here. Zhouzhuang is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes both Kunqu Opera and Xuan Juan Folk Theater, and there are also annual events such as the Fast-Boat Race and Lantern Rowing Ceremony.

 

Shanghai
上海

Shanghai has great historical appeal and is a lively and interesting Chinese metropolis. Shanghai is one of China’s financial locomotives, and it has so many sights and modern landmarks, which is a showcase for the entire world of Chinese progress and prosperity in the global economy.

Enjoy the view of all the high-rise buildings and exciting works of modern architects, not least along the city’s port, where the district of Pudong rises impressively towards the old center. Skyscrapers stand beautifully next to each other, and from several of them you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Shanghai.

Read more about Shanghai

 

Hángzhōu
杭州

Hangzhou is one of China’s seven ancient capitals, it was founded more than 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. In the first centuries, the city was a small settlement, but after the construction of the city walls in 591, development took off. The city was thus very prosperous in the subsequent Tang dynasty from the 600s to the 900s, not least because of its fortifications and strategically good location at the southern end of the Grand Canal.

Hangzhou’s population exploded to nearly half a million in the 12th century, making it one of the world’s largest cities. Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in the 13th century, and he described it as undoubtedly the most beautiful in the world. Large parts of the city’s historic buildings were destroyed in the 19th century, but the sights are still so fine that the city is one of the most visited in China.

Read more about Hangzhou

 

Nanjing
南京

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province, China. It is a city whose history can be traced back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), when a fortress was built by the Yue State in 472 BC. After the Yue State was taken over by the Chu State, another fortress, known as Jinling, was built to control traffic between the Yangtze and Qinhuai Rivers. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, Nanjing was under the jurisdiction of the regions of Moling and Danyang.

The city, then known as Jianye, developed into a political and cultural center of southeastern China during the Three Kingdoms period, which lasted from 220 to 280 AD. This occurred when Sun Quan made it the capital of the Wu Kingdom from 229 to 280 AD. In 317, the city was again chosen as the capital of the Dong Jin dynasty, and it was renamed Jiankang in 313 AD. Nanjing became a refuge for exiled northern families and experienced significant growth and cultural flourishing under subsequent dynasties. 

Read more about Nanjing

Geolocation

In short

Suzhou, China Suzhou, China[/caption]

Overview of Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu Province, China. It is a city with a long history, which began with the founding of Suzhou in 514 BC by General Wu Zixu on the orders of King He Lu of the Wu State. Suzhou quickly became an important center of trade and culture in the Yangtze River Delta. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), the city became a vital economic center thanks to the construction of the Grand Canal, which connected Suzhou to other major cities in China. During the Song Dynasty, which ruled from 960–1279, Suzhou experienced a period of prosperity, when the city became known for its agricultural production, crafts, and trade.

About the Whitehorse travel guide

Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
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Author: Stig Albeck
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Language: English

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Stig Albeck

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