Suzhou
An enchanting city where classical gardens, tranquil canals, ancient stone bridges and picturesque lanes create a harmonious meeting of nature, history and living Chinese poetry.
Suzhou is a city of gardens, water, silk and poetry. Founded more than 2,500 years ago, it was the capital of the State of Wu and grew into an important centre of trade, culture and art in the Yangtze River Delta. Its canals, stone bridges and white houses with dark tiled roofs give the old city the appearance of a traditional Chinese painting.
The classical gardens are Suzhou’s heart. Behind plain walls lie complete worlds made of rock, water, plants, pavilions and winding passages. Every window frames a different picture, every bridge changes the point of view, and every detail is designed to create harmony between nature, architecture and people. Nine of the city’s gardens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Water accompanies Suzhou throughout the city. Canals cross the old quarters and connect with China’s Grand Canal, which brought goods, travellers and ideas here for generations. Along the waterside streets are old homes, steps descending to the canals and boats passing beneath arched bridges.
Suzhou is also known for its long traditions of sericulture, weaving and delicate embroidery. Alongside silk, the city cultivated poetry, painting, calligraphy and pingtan, a local art of storytelling and song accompanied by stringed instruments.
A tour reveals a place where aesthetics are not confined to museums, but live in the gardens, homes, streets and the way the city tells its story.
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