Suzhou trip review: I wouldn't recommend visiting in March!

Inspired by a song, I embarked on a journey to Suzhou. "Above there is heaven; below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou. Within the city are gardens; outside the city is Taihu Lake. Suzhou's scenery is beautiful, oh so beautiful. In spring, apricot blossoms bloom, and tea is picked in the rain..." Humming the tune of "Beautiful Scenery of Suzhou," the poetic and picturesque city, overflowing with ancient charm, unfolded before my eyes like a delicate painting, enticing me to embark on this journey in the beautiful month of March. Recommended Reasons: Suzhou in March, vibrant with spring, offers pleasant temperatures and is one of the most beautiful seasons in this region of rivers and lakes south of the Yangtze River. During this time, Suzhou not only has fewer tourists, but accommodation and transportation prices are also more affordable. Moreover, Suzhou's gardens, ancient towns, and cuisine are all unique, making it an ideal place to experience the culture and natural beauty of the Jiangnan region. Itinerary: Day 1: Humble Administrator's Garden - Suzhou Museum - Pingjiang Road Morning: Upon arrival in Suzhou, head to the Humble Administrator's Garden to admire the essence of Jiangnan gardens. The Humble Administrator's Garden is one of the four most famous gardens in China, featuring winding streams and mountains, pavilions, terraces, and towers arranged in perfect harmony. Lunch: Savor Suzhou cuisine at a restaurant near the Humble Administrator's Garden, such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and clear soup fish maw. Afternoon: Visit the Suzhou Museum, I.M. Pei's final masterpiece. The building itself is a work of art. Evening: Stroll along Pingjiang Road, immerse yourself in the charm of the ancient street, and sample local snacks like plum blossom cakes and fermented glutinous rice balls. Day 2: Tiger Hill - Hanshan Temple - Shantang Street Morning: Visit Tiger Hill, exploring the Tiger Hill Pagoda and Sword Pond. Tiger Hill is a landmark attraction in Suzhou, and a flower festival is held every March. Lunch: Enjoy Suzhou snacks near Tiger Hill, such as pan-fried dumplings and sweet porridge. Afternoon: Visit Hanshan Temple, listen to the ancient temple bells, and experience the poetic Jiangnan. Evening: Explore Shantang Street, experience the ancient and modern charm of "Seven-Mile Shantang," and purchase some handicrafts as souvenirs. Day 3: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town - Jinji Lake Morning: Visit Zhouzhuang Ancient Town and experience the charm of the "No. 1 Water Town in China." Stroll through the ancient streets and alleys, admiring the Twin Bridges, Shen Hall, and other attractions. Lunch: Enjoy local specialties in Zhouzhuang, such as Wan San's蹄 (braised pig's trotter) and Grandma's Tea. Afternoon: Return to the city center and visit Jinji Lake, admiring the picturesque scenery. You can choose to cycle or stroll along the lakeside. Evening: Enjoy dinner near Jinji Lake, followed by the stunning night view of the lake. Recommended Attractions: 1. Humble Administrator's Garden: A representative of Jiangnan gardens, known as one of the "Four Famous Gardens of China." 2. Suzhou Museum: A perfect blend of modern architecture designed by I.M. Pei and traditional gardens. 3. Pingjiang Road: A well-preserved ancient street, ideal for strolling and enjoying snacks. 4. Tiger Hill: A landmark attraction in Suzhou, featuring the Tiger Hill Pagoda and Sword Pond. 5. Hanshan Temple: Famous for the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji's poem "Night Mooring Near Maple Bridge." 6. Shantang Street: Suzhou's ancient commercial street, known as "Seven-Mile Shantang." 7. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: A representative of Jiangnan water towns, known as the "No. 1 Water Town in China." 8. Jinji Lake: The largest artificial lake in Suzhou, perfect for leisurely walks. Transportation Guide: Arriving in Suzhou: Suzhou does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Sunan Shuofang International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao/Pudong International Airport. You can take the high-speed train directly to Suzhou Railway Station, which is located in the city center and offers convenient transportation. Local Transportation: Suzhou has a well-developed subway network. You can choose to travel by subway, bus, or taxi. Purchasing a Suzhou Tong card is recommended for convenient public transportation. Local Cuisine Recommendations: Suzhou Cuisine: Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, clear soup fish maw, eel in oil, etc. Songhelou and Zhu Hongxing are recommended traditional restaurants. Snacks: Plum blossom cakes, fermented glutinous rice balls, pan-fried dumplings, sweet porridge, etc., can be enjoyed on Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street, and other areas. Specialty Restaurants: Yangyang Chinese Restaurant and Luk Lai Fine Dining near Jinji Lake. Accommodation Recommendations: Near Pingjiang Road/Guanqian Street: Convenient transportation, close to many attractions, suitable for walking tours. Near Jinji Lake: Beautiful environment, convenient transportation, suitable for visitors who prefer a modern urban atmosphere. Tips: 1. Book in advance: Popular attractions such as the Suzhou Museum and the Humble Administrator's Garden require online reservations in advance to avoid queuing on-site. 2. Flower viewing guide: March is the flower viewing season in Suzhou. You can visit Xianying Lake Park and Suzhou Botanical Garden to admire cherry blossoms. 3. Clothing guide: The temperature in March is around 10-18°C. It is recommended to bring a thick coat and an umbrella. 4. Avoid scalpers: Purchase attraction tickets through official channels to avoid buying scalped tickets. 5. Cultural experiences: Don't miss traditional art performances such as Suzhou Pingtan and Kunqu Opera, which can be experienced at teahouses near Pingjiang Road. During my few days in Suzhou, accompanied by the melodious tune of "Beautiful Scenery of Suzhou," I embraced the spring blossoms, gazed upon the ancient charm, and danced with the mountains and waters. Every beautiful moment in this city is etched in my heart. As I depart, I am filled with nostalgia, looking forward to returning and continuing the wonderful story of Suzhou.