Explore Suzhou, Wuxi & Nanjing
Discover stunning gardens, lakes, rivers & water towns in Suzhou, Wuxi & Nanjing:
SUZHOU (1 HOUR 49 MIN BY TRAIN FROM HANGZHOU)
Suzhou is located in southern Jiangsu Province in the center of the Yangtze Delta. Shanghai lies to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Wuxi City to the west and the Yangtze River to the north. The city is divided by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from north to south. Since 42% area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, it is praised as the 'Venice of the Orient'. Built in 514 BC, this is an ancient city with over 2,500 years of history and numerous points of interest. The unique characteristics of the past are still retained today. The double-chessboard layout of the city, with 'the streets and rivers going side by side while the water and land routes running in parallel', is preserved intact. Here are just 5 of the amazing experiences in Suzhou:
1. HUMBLE ADMINISTRATOR’S GARDEN
The beautiful waterside City of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province in South China is most famous for its elegant classical gardens. Among these, the Humble Administrator's Garden, covering about 52,000 sq. meters (12.85 acres), is the largest and most renowned. Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has garnered many special honors. It is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site and has also been designated as one of the Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State as well as a Special Tourist Attraction of China. Along with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Resort of Chengde in Hebei Province and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou, it is considered as one of China's four most famous gardens. No other classic garden in the country has been honoured more than this one.
2. LINGERING GARDEN
Occupying an area of 5.8 acres (about 23,300 square meters), the Lingering Garden is located outside Changmen Gate in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Originally a classical private garden, it is one of the four most famous gardens in China. Possessing typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colors of the buildings. In 1997, it was recorded on the list of the world heritage by UESCO.
3. MASTER OF THE NETS' GARDEN
Sometimes the smallest package can contain the most magnificent gift. The Master of Nets Garden is a clear example of this. It is the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, yet it is the most impressive because of its use of space which creates the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size. Even more than the architectural achievement is the mood of tranquility and harmony that it embodies.
4. TIGER HILL
Tiger Hill, known also as Surging Sea Hill, is a large hillock covering about 3.5 acres (14,100 square metres) and only 118 feet (36 metres) in height. Climbing it, you will find a number of historical sites some of which can be traced back over 2,500 years to the founding of Suzhou. Although the hill is relatively small it has rich history.
5. ZHOUZHUANG WATER TOWN
Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water townships in China, is situated in Kunshan City which is only 18 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well-preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), the small town was a part of the fief Yaocheng and called Zhenfengli.
SLEEP AT KEMPINSKY HOTEL SUZHOU
Kempinski Hotel Suzhou, surrounded by the stunning natural scenery of Jinji Lake and Dushu Lake, is located within Suzhou Industrial Park. The hotel is adjacent to the 27-hole Jinji Lake International Golf Course and has 458 luxury guestrooms and suites and an impressive selection of Meeting & Conference (MICE) rooms, including the 1,914 sq m Grand Ballroom, seating up to 1,200 guests. The hotel also offers an over 4,000 sq m garden of outdoor space, facing the magnificent Dushu Lake.
EAT AT WANG HU GE
Wang Hu Ge Chinese restaurant offers authentic Huai Yang cuisine for lunch and dinner and is the perfect place to enjoy marvellous lake views in a harmonious atmosphere. Master Chef Simon Wu has over 20 years of experience and brings with him a talented team of chefs to prepare traditional Huai Yang regional dishes. Guests can also taste some seasonal favourites in this modern and elegantly designed restaurant that also offers a selection of 11 private venues to choose from.
WUXI (50 MIN DRIVE FROM SUZHOU)
Wuxi is located on the banks of Taihu, one of China's largest freshwater lakes. Surrounding Taihu are walking trails, a 115m-tall Ferris wheel and parks such as Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle). Explore the following sites in Wuxi:
1. LI GARDEN
Liyuan or Li Garden is a Chinese garden on the shore of Li Lake. It is named after Fan Li, a senior minister of the state of Yue who retired to his hometown after conquering the state of Wu.
2. TAIHU LAKE
Located in the southern part of the Yangtze River delta in Wuxi, Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater lake in China. With a surface area of about 2,338 square kilometers (about 902 square miles), it is a famous scenic spot in China and is famed for its lake, hills and splendid man-made scenery. Taihu Lake is just like a bright pearl set in the Yangtze River delta. It crosses Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, where 48 islets of different sizes and 72 peaks and peninsulas along the lake combine to form a panorama of great natural beauty. The best place to view the beautiful lake is on the Turtle Head Islet. Turtle Head Islet is an islet stretching into the water, whose shape is really like the head of a turtle protruding from the water.
3. YUANTOUZHU PARK (TURTLE HEAD ISLE)
As an old saying goes, to visit Taihu Lake, Turtle Head Isle is the best place to go. It is a small peninsula resembling a turtle head located in the northwest of Taihu Lake in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, hence the name. Famous for its beautiful scenery, especially cherry blossoms, the place attracts lots of tourists every year. Inside the attraction, there are over 10 individual scenic spots, including Cherry Blossom Valley, Taihu Fairy Island sand Chongshan Yinxiu. With local countryside scenery and landscaped gardens in southern Chinese style, Turtle Head Isle is a top attraction you should pay a visit to in Wuxi.
SLEEP AT DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON HOTEL WUXI
Relaxing stay in the Wuxi New District, moments from tech and industrial corporations. Sunan Shuofang International Airport is eight kilometers away. Ming Dynasty artwork is on display in the Cen Jintan Personal Museum and they have a Chinese-style garden with seating. Enjoy the spa, indoor pool, and sports courts.
EAT AT SI YUAN
The finest Chinese specialities. Savour the finest Chinese specialties in the popular and relaxed Sui Yuan Chinese Restaurant. With 14 private dining rooms, this restaurant is the perfect choice for an intimate dinner, celebration or business lunch.
NANJING (45 MIN BY TRAIN FROM WUXI)
Lying on the south bank of the Yangtze River, Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is one of the most delightful destinations in China. Known as the capital city of six or ten dynasties in ancient Chinese history, it has a brilliant cultural heritage. Amazing experiences in Nanjing include:
1. CONFUCIUS TEMPLE
The Confucius Temple in Nanjing was a place to worship and consecrate Confucius, a great philosopher and educator of ancient China. It is also known as Fuzimiao in Chinese. Originally, the temple was constructed in the year of 1034 in the Song Dynasty (420-589). It suffered repeated damage and has been rebuilt on several occasions since that time. 1937 was the most destruction when it was burnt to ruin by Japanese aggressors. In 1984 the temple was rebuilt under the support of the local government.
2. DR. SUN YAT-SEN’S MAUSOLEUM
Covering an area of 80,000 square meters (about 20 acres), Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is located in Purple Mountain in the east suburb of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. As the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China, it is considered the Holy land of Chinese people both home and abroad. With deep historical significance, magnificent architecture and beautiful scenery, it is a must see when visiting Nanjing.
3. XIAOLING MAUSOLEUM OF MING DYNASTY
Xiaoling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty (Mingxiaoling) is one of the biggest imperial tombs in China. It lies in the eastern suburbs of Nanjing City at the southern foot of Purple Mountain. Emperor Chengzu, Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Queen Ma were buried there.
4. XUANWU LAKE
Situated at the foot of Purple Mountain in Nanjing, Xuanwu Lake is a beautiful scenic spot protected by China. It is also one of the three most famous lakes in Nanjing. Surrounding it are Circumvallation, Jiuhuashan Park and Jiming Temple.
SLEEP AT KEMPINSKY HOTEL NANJING
Conveniently located in the heart of the ancient Chinese capital, Kempinski Hotel Nanjing represents the glamour of the metropolitan lifestyle combined with timeless European flair. Standing in-between well-known cultural heritages and the bustling commercial centre, the hotel offers suitable accommodation for culture explorers and business travellers alike.
SLEEP AT HILTON NANJING
The modern Hilton Nanjing is part of Wanda Plaza, a luxury shopping outlet with high-end shops and restaurants. Located in Jianye District, it has a heated indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness centre and 6 dining options. Free parking is available.
SLEEP AT HILTON NANJING RIVERSIDE
Discover Nanjing from Hilton Nanjing Riverside hotel, situated on the banks of the iconic Yangtze River and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Hilton Nanjing Riverside offers 411 guest rooms and suites, modern in-room technology and extensive meeting, conference and recreation facilities. 7 minutes from Metro Line 4 Longjiang Station by shuttle bus provided by the hotel and 20 minute drive to the Xinjiekou.
EAT AT MING XUAN
Named after the world famous Ming Dynasty, this sophisticated Chinese restaurant offers a tempting selection of Cantonese and Huaiyang specialties. Hold a celebration meal or a unique business dinner in one of the private dining rooms, or eat in the stylish a la carte dining area.
EAT AT YUE YANG
Savour specialty dishes such as home made Dim Sum, BBQ and an extensive range of seafood and river fish in the private dining rooms.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit is from October to November. This short autumn season boasts comfortable temperatures and lacks the crowds and rain showers of summer – the peak tourism season. Winter travelers can encounter chilly weather, making urban exploration less enjoyable.
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