Popular Chinese legend has it that, " In
heaven there is paradise, and on earth
there are Suzhou and Hangzhou ". Suzhou has been praised
as a "paradise on earth" since ancient times. Being only two hours
from Shanghai, Suzhou has enjoyed great prosperity and recognition over
the years due to its extraordinarily design. The classical and traditional
Chinese styles in the local region make it a distinct change from the modernity
of nearby Shanghai.
Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze basin, founded in about
600 BC but actually claiming it's fame one thousand years later after
the Grand Canal was built. The great location that the city affords helped
Suzhou become a prosperous trading area and the silk industry especially
prospered here. Suzhou had become the leading silk producer in China by
the 14th Century when this quaint retreat became popular with visitors
from the imperial court at Hangzhou. Artists, scholars and painters all
retreated to this "Venice of the East" to seek inspiration and
relaxation. The population is now approximately 5.7 million as the city
spreads even further.
Suzhou is noted for its grand gardens. The gardens embody the harmonious
principles of Chinese garden construction which dictate that gardens should
attempt to create a microcosm of the universe in a confined space. Amongst
the most charming are the Garden of the Master of the Nets and the Humble
Administrators Garden. The intimate gardens here are particularly pleasant
on a misty day and Suzhou's narrow streets and lanes can be very intimate
and relaxing.
Suzhou's cultural sites and temples are also worth a visit. Hanshan Temple's
distinctive atmosphere and construction are unforgettable. The Temple
of Mystery and West Garden Temple are both excellent examples of Taoist
and Buddhist tradition respectively. Also, Tiger Hill is a great spot
to explore and spend a lazy afternoon in a historical setting. Suzhou's
profound cultural and historical background as an ancient capital has
helped make this one of China's premier tourism destinations.
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