Location

Master of Nets Garden is not only a representative work of Chinese classical garden. But also an typical Suzhou residential garden, listed as World Cultural Heritage Site. You may enjoy the blossoming of wonderful flowers and its scent lofting in the garden. Also, the very well-known mansion Dian Chun Yi is the place where the world-famous painter Mr. Zhang Daqian raised his tiger and set up a monument for his beloved pet.

Pavilion of Surging Waves is the oldest garden in Suzhou, as well as one of the World Cultural Heritage Site. The garden is mainly composed of mountains and rocks. Facing an earth mountain, Canglang stone pavilion is located on it. The Mingdao hall in the southeast of the rockery is the main building of the garden. In addition, there are Temple of 500 Sages, Kanshanlou, Cuilinglong Hall, Yangzhi Pavilion and Yubeiting.

Suzhou Museum of Inscribed Stone Tablets. Confucian Temple was founded by famous politician Fan Zhongyan, but is most notable for housing the four greatest steles of the Song dynasty. Uncover a stele that details the city’s old canal systems, roads and walls from the year 1229, or set your sights on one of the oldest astronomy charts in the world. The temple’s vast collection also includes 3,000 inscriptions and 10,000 rubbings.

Dinghui Temple has a history of 1800 years, and is a well-known ancient temple. It is one of the most popular gingko tree sights for locals. Autumn in Gusu becomes even more vivid with gingko leaves turning gold. There are two 200-year-old gingko trees standing side by side in front of the temple. The serene feeling gives joy to one’s feeling.

Located around the charming Grand Canal next to the Baodai Bridge, Museum of Wu is the very first cultural complex that delivering the Wu culture to China. They have permanent themed exhibition, including “Archaeological Surveys of Wuzhong”, and “Ballads, Hymns and Eulogies of Wuzhong”. Such exhibition provides comprehensive academic explanation of Wu Land and Jiangnan culture. We highly recommend you to visit their limited-time exhibition.

Wander around the architecture with unique charm of Jiangnan gardens and feel the trendy chicness. There are always some pop-up stores, limited time exhibitions which are well worth the visit in the Former Residence Garden!

You can’t miss out Beisi Pagoda if you ever visited Gusu, known as the "first pagoda of Jiangnan". The south corridor of Guanyin Hall of the Beisi Pagoda displays the giant lacquer carving "Prosperous Suzhou", representing the prosperity of Suzhou during the Qing Dynasty.

These days, younger generation are not too much into work, but into spiritual healing. The Xiyuan Temple is one destination we highly recommend, although it could be crowded. You will be able to pet the cats, feed the pigeons and wander around the garden. You will be able to savour a large bowl of vegetable noodles at just 10 yuan!