What are the beautiful sights and famous specialties in Suzhou, China?

Suzhou, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," is a city located in Jiangsu Province, in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and eastern China. With a history of over 2,500 years, this place embodies a blend of traditional elements with cultural beauty, landscapes, and cuisine. UNESCO has listed several classical gardens in Suzhou as World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

For tourists visiting China, you cannot miss Suzhou, which is known as a fairyland in China.

From Vietnam, there are currently no direct flights to Suzhou. You will need to fly to Shanghai and then take a high-speed train to Suzhou. If you fly with Vietjet, the airfare to Shanghai is currently offered at a promotional price starting from 490,000 VND. See more details [HERE]

1. What are the beautiful sights in Suzhou, China?

Suzhou is a city with exceptional beauty, blending natural landscapes, traditional Chinese aesthetics, and modern urban development. The charm of Suzhou lies in its classical gardens, ancient water towns, and rich cultural heritage.

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou (Suzhou Yuan Lin) are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. These are the largest and most famous gardens in China, impressing visitors with their sophisticated landscape design, complex arrangements of pavilions, rockeries, and ponds.

For visitors who love classic beauty and want to step back in time, the ancient towns along Suzhou's interlaced canals are must-visit destinations. Zhujiajiao and Tongli, with their maze-like canals, stone bridges, and perfectly preserved traditional architecture, are ideal stops. A boat trip through these towns offers a tranquil experience and picturesque views that seem unchanged for centuries.

If you ask what is beautiful in Suzhou, China, you cannot overlook Jinji Lake, located in the bustling center of Suzhou, symbolizing the city's modern face. The lake area features beautiful riverside promenades, shopping districts, and impressive modern architecture, showcasing Suzhou's successful blend of tradition and development.

From serene gardens to bustling river towns, from ancient temples to modern museums, Suzhou offers a rich experience for visitors.

See more:10 Most Beautiful Ancient Towns in China Tourists Should Not Miss

2. Specialties of Suzhou, China

Suzhou cuisine is famous for its fresh local ingredients, such as seasonal vegetables and special freshwater fish. Most dishes here are elaborately and meticulously prepared.

2.1 Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab

In Yangcheng Lake, Suzhou, China, there is a special crab known for its fantastic flavor, combining rich and nutritious meat. To preserve the natural delicious taste of the dish, locals here only prepare it by simple methods such as boiling and steaming. The crab is usually served whole, accompanied by vinegar mixed with ginger. This dish is best enjoyed in autumn when they are full of roe in the shell.

2.2 Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish

This dish impresses tourists with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. A whole mandarin fish is cut into a diamond shape and then deep-fried until the meat puffs up, resembling the bushy tail of a squirrel. This dish is served with sweet and sour sauce. The contrast between the crispy outer layer and the soft inner meat is the highlight of this dish.

2.3 Taihu Three Whites

With a unique name, Taihu Three Whites is a specialty dish of Suzhou, China. This special soup is made from three main ingredients: chicken, duck, and goose. These meats are boiled, sliced into thin pieces, and mixed with broth, onions, ginger, salt, pepper, and other seasonings.

The diversity, sophistication, and freshness of the cuisine are one of the factors that attract tourists to Suzhou, China.

2.4 Nine-Layer Pagoda Cake

True to its name, the nine-layer pagoda cake resembles a nine-tiered tower. The people of Suzhou, China, often make this cake using glutinous rice flour mixed with sugar and fruit powder, then bake it in the oven. The cake has a green color from mugwort leaves, with a sweet and fragrant red bean filling inside. It is usually made during festivals such as the Lunar New Year, Qingming Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.

2.5 Cherry Steamed Pork

This is a specialty dish in Suzhou, China, made from fresh, thinly sliced pork. As the name suggests, these thin slices of pork are covered with a layer of dried cherries and then steamed until tender. The dish has an enticing aroma, sweet and chewy pork flavor, combined with the slight tartness of the dried cherries. During festivals or lavish feasts, Suzhou residents often serve this dish.

2.6 Wansan Braised Pig Trotters

When visiting Suzhou, China, tourists should not miss the meticulously prepared Wansan braised pig trotters. The pig trotters are marinated according to a traditional recipe and then braised until tender. The result is a golden, juicy pig trotter that melts in the mouth, delighting visitors.

Many signature dishes make up Suzhou's culinary identity.

2.7 Suzhou Mooncakes

Unlike the dense, overly sweet mooncakes found elsewhere, Suzhou's mooncakes have a unique crust. The crust is flaky, multilayered, and made using a special recipe, with an eye-catching color and a distinctive flavor that is unforgettable. They can have sweet or savory fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or even meat.

2.8 Osmanthus Cakes

These small cakes have a golden exterior made from glutinous rice flour and are fragrant with osmanthus flowers. They have a soft texture, are slightly chewy when bitten into, and have a mild sweetness. Suzhou's osmanthus cakes are often enjoyed as a dessert or paired with tea.

See more: Chinese Cuisine: Explore the 8 Local Culinary Schools

3. Where to Enjoy Suzhou's Specialties?

To enjoy Suzhou's specialties, you can visit the following places:

Pingjiang Road: This ancient street features traditional architecture and many small eateries famous for snacks and street food. Here, you can walk leisurely and enjoy the peaceful scenery while savoring delicious local dishes.
Songhelou Restaurant: Established in 1737, Songhelou is one of Suzhou's four most famous restaurant chains. The restaurant serves traditional local cuisine with seasonal delicacies carefully selected for their ingredients.
Deyuelou Restaurant: With over 400 years of history, this ancient restaurant specializes in Suzhou's local dishes, offering a menu of up to 300 dishes. Among them, the most famous are the elaborately prepared freshwater fish dishes.

If you are looking forward to a memorable trip to Suzhou, do not hesitate to book your flight to enjoy Suzhou's beautiful scenery and specialties fully.

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