What beautiful things does Suzhou, China have to offer?

China is known as a vast country with a rich history and culture, boasting countless attractions that draw visitors from around the world. While Lijiang - the "Venice of the East" impresses with its ancient houses along the banks of the Naxi River, and Zhangjiajie is famous for its majestic limestone mountains, Suzhou is considered the "paradise on earth" with its ancient gardens, picturesque canals, and rich historical and cultural sites.

1. Where is Suzhou? How to get to Suzhou, China?

1.1 Suzhou - the "paradise on earth" that captivates visitors

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu Province, China. This destination is located in the Yangtze River Delta, about 110km northwest of Shanghai and south of Nanjing.

With over 2500 years of history, Suzhou is one of the oldest and most famous cities in China. Mentioning Suzhou, one cannot help but be amazed by its ancient gardens, picturesque canals, and long-standing historical sites. Additionally, when traveling to Suzhou, China, you will be immersed in the delicate flavors of local specialties and the bustling markets filled with unique products.

Along the romantic canals, exploring the traditional cultural beauty through activities such as tea tasting or watching art performances, helps tourists have an ideal relaxing trip when visiting Suzhou.

1.2 How to get to Suzhou, China

There are many ways to travel to Suzhou from Vietnam, but the most common is by air. Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Suzhou. Therefore, tourists can book a flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and then travel to Suzhou. This is the most reasonable, time-saving, and cost-effective route.

Currently, Vietjet's flight tickets to Shanghai start from only 490,000 VND. Book your tickets today to enjoy the best prices. For more details, click HERE.

After arriving in Shanghai, depending on the airport you land at, you can choose to travel to Suzhou by high-speed train, slow train, coach, or bus. Typically, if traveling by high-speed train, it takes about 25-45 minutes. If taking a slow train from Shanghai to Suzhou, it will take about 1 to 2 hours. Meanwhile, the bus ride takes an average of 1.5 hours.

Once in Suzhou, tourists can choose from various means of transportation such as taxis, subways, buses, or try unique means like rickshaws, motorbikes, boats, or bicycles depending on the sightseeing areas.

2. When is the best time to travel to Suzhou, China?

Suzhou has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season offers tourists different experiences. However, to fully enjoy the beauty of the city and participate in many activities, the best time to travel to Suzhou, China, is during spring and autumn.

Spring (March to May) has mild weather, with temperatures ranging from 10-22°C. During this time, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Suzhou, making it perfect for visiting famous gardens, strolling through ancient gardens, or taking a boat ride on the Suzhou River. In March, Suzhou also hosts the plum blossom festival, attracting many tourists.
Autumn (September to November) is when the scenery in Suzhou turns a brilliant golden color, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere. The weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, suitable for outdoor activities. The Mid-Autumn Festival in the lunar month of August is also a favorite event for many tourists visiting Suzhou.

If you enjoy hot and humid weather and love festival activities, you can travel in the summer. This is also the peak tourist season in China with a large number of visitors. Additionally, visiting Suzhou in winter allows tourists to enjoy the cold weather and the beautiful snowy scenery in this "paradise on earth".

3. Must-See Sights in Suzhou

"Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou," implying that Suzhou and Hangzhou are "paradises on earth" that captivate tourists. So, what beautiful attractions does Suzhou, China offer?

3.1 Visit the Tranquil Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang in Suzhou

Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is a famous destination in Suzhou, known for its serene beauty and ancient architecture. Located about 30 km southeast of Suzhou's center, it boasts a nearly 1,000-year history with well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The main attractions in Zhouzhuang that draw tourists include the Double Bridge, the Shen Wansan Mansion, the Zhang Residence - home of a wealthy merchant from the past, and the Quanfu Temple with its unique ancient architecture.

What beautiful attractions does Suzhou, China offer?

In Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, you can take a boat ride along the canals, enjoy the scenery and ancient architecture, visit small museums in old houses, or savor local delicacies at traditional eateries.

3.2 Enjoy the Scenery at the Humble Administrator's Garden

The Humble Administrator's Garden is one of the most famous gardens in Suzhou, located in the northeast of the city within the old town, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, the garden is divided into three main parts: East, Central, and West, and is known for its harmonious blend of architecture, water, rocks, and plants.

Visitors to the Humble Administrator's Garden will be enchanted by its poetic natural beauty. The garden features clear lakes reflecting the blue sky, gently curved bridges, lush green hills, and vibrant flower gardens.

The Humble Administrator's Garden offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil space, helping them escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

See more: Self-guided travel tips for China for those who don't know Chinese

3.3 Stroll Through the Ancient Town of Tongli

Tongli Ancient Town is located about 18 km east of Suzhou's center and is famous for its ancient architecture and canal system. With a long history dating back to the Song Dynasty, Tongli was once an important commercial and cultural center, attracting many merchants and scholars to live there.

The highlight of Tongli is the traditional wooden houses built along the canal banks. These houses are made of ebony and bricks, showcasing classic Chinese architectural style.

In Tongli, you should walk along the ancient streets and admire the traditional architecture.

3.4 Pray at Hanshan Temple

Hanshan Temple has a history of over 1,500 years, having witnessed many ups and downs along with China's history. The temple is built in the traditional Chinese Buddhist architectural style with curved roofs and majestic Buddha statues. It is divided into several areas such as the Han Tower Pavilion, the Abbot's Office, the Grand Hall, the Arhat Hall, and the Prominent Tower Courtyard.

At Hanshan Temple, visitors can admire the ancient bell tower built during the Ming Dynasty, standing over 30 meters tall and weighing more than 200 tons.

Visitors can participate in Buddhist ceremonies, pray, or simply stroll through the temple grounds to enjoy the serene atmosphere.

4. Must-Try Culinary Specialties in Suzhou, China

The "paradise on earth" Suzhou is not only famous for its poetic scenery but also attracts tourists with its rich and exquisite cuisine. Here are some specialty dishes in Suzhou that you must try:

Steamed Taihu Lake Fish: This dish is made from fresh fish caught in Taihu Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China. The fish is steamed with traditional spices such as ginger, scallions, and rice wine, creating a delicious and flavorful dish.
Wansan Braised Pork Hock: This dish is made from pork hocks braised with soy sauce, ginger, scallions, star anise, and other spices. The dish is rich, flavorful, and melts in your mouth.
Nine-layer Cake: This cake is made from glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, and honey, shaped like a nine-layered mountain, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.
Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab: This dish is made from fresh hairy crabs caught in Yangcheng Lake. The crabs are steamed or boiled and served with salt, pepper, and lemon juice or chili fish sauce. The dish is sweet, rich, and nutritious.

See more: Chinese cuisine: Discover the 8 regional culinary schools

Are you looking for an ideal travel destination where you can immerse yourself in poetic nature, delve into historical culture, and enjoy exquisite cuisine? Come to Suzhou - "paradise on earth," promising to bring you unforgettable experiences by flying with Vietjet to China today with ticket prices starting from only 490,000 VND.

Especially, to make your trip more economical and complete, don't miss the 0 VND ticket program for international flights, held every Friday for you to explore. For more details, click HERE.

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