Editor's Note:
As the Chinese proverb goes - “If heaven is paradise, then Suzhou and Hangzhou are paradise on earth.” While neighboring Hangzhou readies for the G20 summit from September 4-5, twin city of Suzhou glimmers only 160 kilometers away. Known as the “Venice of the East” for its picturesque canals, Suzhou boasts 2,500 years of history and China’s finest examples of ancient gardens. Photos: CFP/IC
Canglang Pavilion
Canglang Pavilion, or the Surging Waves Pavilion, is one of nine classical gardens in Suzhou recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its history dates back almost 1,000 years to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and it is considered to be the oldest existing garden in Suzhou. Wandering the grounds, tourists from around the globe enjoy a shared experience of exquisite elegance.
Yipu Garden
Yipu Garden is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) characteristics give it a sense of simplicity, elegance and openness that change with the seasons.
Tiger Hill scenic area
A Suzhou landmark and popular meetup point, Tiger Hill is a perfect combination of cultural and natural landscapes. With a history of more than 2,500 years, its beauty was immortalized by Song Dynasty (960-1279) renowned poet Su Shi, who praised the spot in verse - “It is a lifelong pity to have gone to Suzhou without a visit to Tiger Hill.”
Hanshan Temple
Hanshan Temple, located west of Suzhou, was built in the Liang Dynasty (502-557). But it was the poem “Mooring to the Maple Bridge at Night” by Tang Dynasty (618-907) Zhang Ji that immortalized the spot in Chinese culture. In particular, the ringing of the temple’s bell on New Year’s Eve attracts thousands of tourists from home and abroad.
Zhouzhuang Water Township
Zhouzhuang is one of the most famous water townships in China. Its well-preserved ancient buildings and streets offer tourists a chance to experience the charm of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, as well as appreciate the folk culture of Suzhou.
Tongli Ancient Town
Another well-known township in the Suzhou area is Tongli Ancient Town, which dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Tongli boasts a number of historic and cultural sites that include well-reserved examples of Ming and Qing architecture that cover 65,000 square meters, accounting for 61 percent of the town’s total building area, according to its government website.
Taihu Lake
Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater lake in China, and holds around 90 islands. The lake is renowned for its unique limestone formations known as “Taihu stones,” and is home to such famous scenic spots as Turtle Head Isle, Liyuan Garden and Taihu Lake National Wetland Park.
Suzhou Museum
Suzhou Museum, established in 1960, is a comprehensive regional museum famous for its collections of paintings, calligraphy and handicrafts. The old exhibition building sits upon the site of the former residence of the head of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, while the current building was designed by the celebrated Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei.
Twin Pagodas
The twin pagodas of Dinghui Temple are matching structures sitting side by side. Piercing into the clouds, the two pagodas are an imposing sight, and are steeped in legend.
