Crowne Plaza Suzhou

Suzhou has its own Times Square, 3km or 1 subway stop from Crowne Plaza Suzhou on the other side of Jinji Lake. The sweeping architecture of this new shopping and leisure complex comes alive at night, dazzlingly lit up by a huge LED screen to form a spectacle on the lake.

To see an undiscovered aspect of Suzhou, make the 45-minute drive from Crowne Plaza Suzhou to the ancient town of Tongli. Cross the 3-Stone-Bridges that represent peace, luck and celebration or just stroll along the canals in this tiny Venice of the East. Closer to the hotel, within the city centre is the popular Pinjiang Lu beside another canal with ancient buildings converted into restaurants.

Sampling Suzhou's nightlife. Ancient Ming Dynasty architecture sits alongside tea houses and modern restaurants in Shiquan Street, 7km away. Nearby Pingjiang Road, winding along a canal, is lined with jasmine trees and home to unique cafes and galleries. The quaint Shantang Street alongside another canal, a typical old China setting with shops, bars, restaurants, etc. is not to be missed.

Explore Tiger Hill, 15 minutes' drive from Crowne Plaza Suzhou and resembling a crouching tiger. You can visit the leaning Yunyan Pagoda and Sword Pond, thought to veil 3,000 swords, and the ancient rock-carved calligraphy dotting the leafy hillside.

Suzhou is famous for Chinese gardens like the peaceful Lingering Garden, 8km away. Learn about the garden's hidden legends while wandering among the rocks, bonsai trees and goldfish-filled waterlily ponds, with traditional music filling the air. From Spring to Fall, young and old alike can enjoy a yacht-cruise on the lake or the Amusement Park across the lake with a giant ferries wheel.