Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is a must-see place in Suzhou and it has been called the culture symbol of the city. Why does it have such a reputation?
Because of different dynasties, whatever literati or emperors all have a high regard of the hill and every attraction hide a legendary story. A famous poet Su Shi in Song Dynasty said that “it is a lifelong pity to visit Suzhou but not to see the Tiger Hill”. The most attractive spot is the Tiger Hill Pagoda, also called Pagoda of Yunyang Temple, which is famous for being a leaning tower. Anyway, in Tiger Hill, you can not only take in the beautiful natural scenery but also know more about the stories in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC).
Master of the Nets Garden
Master of the Nets Garden is not as big as others in the area, at barely more than half a hectare, it is actually the smallest, but it is considered one of Suzhou’s most exquisite gardens. The garden uses space ingeniously to create the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size, creatively directing the eye with its various adornments.
Suzhou Museum
Suzhou Museum is the top regional museum, which was founded in 1960 in the former residence of the Zhong Prince of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The building itself is an attraction, having been designed by I.M. Pei, the world renowned award-winning architect. “Chinese style with innovation, Suzhou style with creativity”. Its design, influenced heavily by its location next to a UNESCO classical garden.
Suzhou Silk Factory
Suzhou is considered to be the hometown of silk in China, silk products in Suzhou may be the best gifts for you to buy. Visit Suzhou Silk Factory to closely experience the silk history and culture in Suzhou, you may know the whole procedure of how silk formed from cocoons of silk worm, then finally made into silk products.
Zhouzhuang
Situated in Kunshan City which is near Suzhou, Zhouzhuang has a reputation of “No. 1 Water Township in China”. Thus, exploring the water town should be on the list of top 10 things to do in Suzhou.
The town is crisscrossed with various water ways and rife with ancient architectures in Ming and Qing Dynasties. The residence of Shen Wansan, a legendary merchant who possessed a large quantity of fortune in early Ming Dynasty, is an attraction you cannot miss. Besides visiting various former residences of Chinese celebrities, taking a wooden boat on the winding canals to enjoy the ancient stone bridges will give you a really unforgettable experience.
Jinji Lake
Having seen so many historical sites, Jinji Lake is a beautiful attraction you cannot miss to enjoy the modern aspects of the city. The lake is even larger than the West Lake in Hangzhou and you can have a riverside stroll or river cruise to enjoy the leisure.
In addition, the International Commercial Water Street lined with various famous brands from abroad and domestic is very attractive. At last, enjoying a fantastic bird’s eye view of the lake on the sky wheel is also a good option.