A number of new “check-in” spots sprung up in Suzhou last year, soon turning into popular go-to destinations. Why not pay a visit to them and have a brand-new tour around the city in the new year?
Suzhou Museum West
Suzhou Museum West started trial operation on September 25, 2021. It boasts several exhibition areas to showcase the history and crafts of Suzhou. Besides, it aims to cooperate with famous museums across the globe to explore diverse cultures through its international exchange hall.
Currently, the museum has four special exhibitions: The Brilliant Paintings in Royal Garden — Court Paintings of Qing Dynasty from the National Museum of China, A Prosperous City of Gusu, Spring Coming to Jiangnan — Special Exhibition of Emperor Qianlong’s Southern Inspection Tour, Emergence, and Aesthetics in Daily Life.
Kenda Art Museum
Kenda Art Museum features antiqued parquet floor tiles, flowered wallpapers and green velvet curtains. With such old-fashioned items as classic guitar, Steinway-style piano, record player, rotary dial phone, etc., the museum is brimming with artistic atmosphere.
An art exhibition, But is it Drawing? is being held and will last till February 18.
Taihu Lake
Taihu Lake is a perfect self-drive destination all year round. You can climb mountains, pick fruit and eat local fish, shrimps, crabs and special water shield. Enjoy the cool at Linwu Cave in summer and appreciate reeds and the windmill at Taihu Hubin National Wetland Park in winter. Go and find the beauty of Taihu Lake by yourself!
Haishi Shantang
Haishi Shantang has gained in popularity since it started trial operation in January. Situated on Shantang Street, it’s designed as a showcase for Suzhou-style life and culture unique to Jiangnan water town. Haishi Shantang provides a variety of nighttime leisure options including teahouse, café, late-night eatery, opera theater, shopping area and rooftop bar.
Tiger Hill Wetland Park
Tiger Hill Wetland Park is now at its best. Sunshine, forest, arch bridge and reed make for a perfect combination of scenery and create a tranquil vibe. If you’d like to give it a go, remember to make reservations via WeChat mini-program “虎丘湿地公园” (Tiger Hill Wetland Park).
Cats in Garden
Do you know that cute cat is actually a wow factor to the classical gardens besides the unique scenery? Well, now you have another reason to explore the gardens again! Adorable cats are sporting around in gardens and waiting for you! If you’d like to say hi to these cats, go and try you luck in Yiyuan Garden (怡园), Lingering Garden (留园) and Canglang Pavilion (沧浪亭可园售票处).
Shiquan Street
Shiquan Street is known as a delicacy hub. Apart from local specialties, you can also try Thai food, American food, Korean food and Japanese light food here.
It also features jade store, teahouse, café and bar, which are also good destinations to enrich your experience after a big meal here.
Garden Night Tour Program
Last year, many classical gardens in Suzhou, including the Master-of-Nets Garden (网师园), the Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园) and the Retreat and Reflection Garden (退思园), launched night tour programs for tourists to feel the different charm of gardens at night. Good news is that a new round of night tour will kick off in this spring. Please stay tuned.
