When Suzhou is mentioned, the first thought in every Chinese mind is of its gardens. It is said that the gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them. The history of the classical gardens of Suzhou can be traced back to 6 BC. By the time of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou City had become a garden city with more than 200 gardens. Having experienced a long history, only a part of the gardens are preserved perfectly. Because of their ingenious man-made landscape and the ideal of harmony between heaven and human beings, the gardens have gained a high reputation world wide. Canglang Pavilion (Blue Wave Pavilion), Lingering Garden, Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove Garden are the four top gardens in Suzhou, representing the architectural styles of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties respectively. The latter three gardens were added to the World Heritage List in 1997. Additionally, the Garden of the Master of the Nets will definitely appeal to you, as it is the best example of small and medium-sized gardens.

   The Master-of-Nets Garden in Suzhou, Jiangsu

In contrast to the huge buildings in the north, the water townships of Suzhou are designed in the typical style of southern China, renowned for their charming watery view and ancient residential houses. Zhouzhuang, inheriting the splendid culture of Wu, is the best example of water country in China. There, you can enjoy a view like a Chinese landscape painting, just like that described by Ma Zhiyuan (a poet of Yuan Dynasty) in his lyric - a household on a creek flowing under a stone-bridge nearby. Besides Zhouzhuang, some other water townships, such as Tongli Town, Mudu and Luzhi, are also recommended.

   The ancient bell in Hanshan Temple of Suzhou, Jiangsu

After a splendid visit to the water townships of Suzhou, you should turn your attention to Tiger Hill which is named the No.1 sight in Suzhou and has a profound cultural background. The poem Mooring by the Maple-Bridge at Night written by Zhang Ji (a Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty) has given a world-wide reputation to the Hanshan Temple (Cold Mountain Temple) and the Maple-Bridge of Suzhou since imperial times. If you are a beginner in Chinese culture and art, the above destinations should not be missed in your journey to Suzhou. Possessing wonderful gardens, exquisite water townships, charming natural scenery and splendid history and culture, Suzhou is praised as 'paradise on earth'.

Panmen Scenic Area, including Ruiguang (Auspicious Luster) Pagoda, Water and land City Gates, Wumen Bridge and other historical sites and landscape, are located to the southwest of Suzhou City. No.2 tourist bus departing from the railway station can take you there directly. Bus No.30 also goes there directly from Suzhou Amusement Park, which is the best park in Suzhou.

Additionally, majestic temples, such as the Temple of Mystery and Xiyuan Temple, are two famous destinations in Suzhou. The former one is located at No.94 Guan Qian Street and regular buses Nos.1, 2, 4, 8, 20, 38 and tourist special routes Nos. 1 2, 4, 5 can be used to get there. Xiyuan Temple can be reached by taking tourist special routes Nos. 1, 2, 3 and regular buses Nos. 6, 10, 11, 17.

Exquisite gardens, meandering water and green mountains around Suzhou City attract a great number of visitors every year from both home and abroad.