Discover the Beautiful World Heritage Gardens in Suzhou

Suzhou, an ancient city located on the banks of the Yangtze River, is often regarded as China’s paradise on earth, alongside Hangzhou. For centuries, it has been a haven for artists, scholars, and skilled craftsmen, boasting stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to nine ancient gardens recognized as World Heritage Sites and is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Shanghai by train. Join us as we explore Suzhou and highlight some fascinating places that beautifully intertwine history, culture, and nature.

Suzhou’s Ancient Gardens: Landscape Architecture that Blends Beauty and Wisdom

A must-see landmark in Suzhou is the Classical Gardens, which date back over two millennia. Once the private retreats of high-ranking officials, nobles, and scholars, these gardens are masterpieces that mirror the forms of nature while integrating aesthetic philosophies into the lives of ancient Chinese intellectuals.

Zhouzheng Garden or the Humble Administrator’s Garden (Photo Credit: iStockphoto)

Today, Suzhou boasts more than 50 gardens, nine of which have been designated as World Heritage Sites, including:

Zhuozheng Garden (Humble Administrator’s Garden): The largest and most renowned garden in Suzhou.
Huangshi Garden (Master of the Nets Garden): A stunning garden that harmoniously combines art, nature, and architecture.
Liu Yuan Garden (Lingering Garden): Famous for its intricate design, revealing diverse landscapes from various perspectives.
Huan Xiu Shan Zhuang Garden (Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty): A maze-like garden that aims to simulate a world steeped in nature’s profound wisdom.

Zhouzheng Garden in Autumn (Photo Credit: iStockphoto)

Tips: Osmanthus, the city flower of Suzhou, blooms in October during the autumn season. The delightful fragrance of osmanthus is often used in local teas and sweets, easily found throughout the city.

Suzhou Museum: A Museum of Contemporary Art

The Suzhou Museum is a contemporary architectural gem that houses over 30,000 cultural relics. Designed by renowned Chinese-American architect I.M.Pei — who is celebrated for his work on the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong and the Louvre Pyramid of the Louvre Museum in Paris — the museum artfully merges traditional Chinese architectural elements with a modern twist, allowing it to seamlessly blend with the surrounding classical architecture.

Suzhou Museum (Photo Credit: iStockphoto)

Historic Street: Home of Local Way of Life

Pingjiang Road is a historic street dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty, exemplifying a well-preserved ancient city. Stretching 1,606 meters alongside a picturesque canal, this vibrant street is lined with unique shops, delicious local delicacies, artisan crafts, and beautifully decorated inns. At night, the scenery is as enchanting as during the day, with many small stone bridges crossing the canal, leading to alleys that preserve the traditional lives and homes of local residents.

Houses along the Pingjiang River (Photo Credit: Seele An on Unsplash)

Must-Try Menu: Aesthetic of Taste from the Sea

Dining in Suzhou transcends mere sustenance; it offers an aesthetic experience. Every autumn, as hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake become available for a limited time, locals and visitors alike flock to savor this delicacy. Renowned for their thin shells and tender meat, these crabs are best enjoyed steamed with your favorite dipping sauce. If you find yourself in Suzhou, indulging in hairy crabs is an absolute must!