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

I came to this city because of a song: "Up above, there's heaven; down below, there's Suzhou and Hangzhou. Gardens within the city, Taihu Lake beyond. Suzhou's scenery is beautiful, oh so beautiful! Apricot blossoms bloom in spring, tea pickers busy in the rain..." Humming this tune, "Beautiful Scenery of Suzhou," the poetic and picturesque city, overflowing with ancient charm, unfolds like a delicate painting, enticing me to embark on this journey in the beautiful month of March. Recommended reason: In March, Suzhou's temperature gradually warms, and everything comes back to life, brimming with spring vitality. Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and other flowers bloom in the ancient city, the gardens become lush, and the ancient water towns are even more vibrant. It's the perfect time to experience Suzhou's gentle beauty and rich heritage. Itinerary: Day 1: Classical Gardens and Historic Districts Morning: Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of the four most famous gardens in China, known for its exquisite layout, abundant flowers, and elegant architecture. In March, the willows sprout, and the lingering fragrance of plum blossoms fills the air. Stepping into the garden is like entering a traditional Chinese painting. Suggested visiting time: 2–3 hrs. Lunch: Enjoy authentic Suzhou cuisine at a restaurant near the Humble Administrator's Garden, such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and eel in oil. Afternoon: Visit the Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, which perfectly blends modern architecture with traditional Suzhou elements. The museum boasts a rich collection, showcasing Suzhou's history and culture through ancient calligraphy and paintings, as well as exquisite artifacts. Book tickets in advance and bring your ID. Suggested visiting time: approx. 2 hrs. Evening: Stroll along Pingjiang Road, an ancient street filled with the charm of a Jiangnan water town. Explore the unique shops and food stalls, savor Suzhou snacks like crab-apple cake and sweet congee, and experience Suzhou's nightlife. Day 2: Religious Culture and Ancient Town Charm Morning: Visit Hanshan Temple, renowned for the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji's poem "Night Mooring Near Maple Bridge." Ancient trees tower over the temple, and the melodious bell tolls create a rich Buddhist atmosphere. Suggested visiting time: 2–3 hrs. Lunch: Have lunch near Hanshan Temple and try the local vegetarian cuisine for a unique experience. Afternoon: Head to Tiger Hill, known as the "Number One Scenic Spot in Wu." Explore the historic Tiger Hill Pagoda, Sword Pond, and other attractions with their legendary stories. Here, you can experience the ancient charm of Suzhou. Suggested visiting time: approx. 2 hrs. Evening: Choose to stay overnight in Tongli Ancient Town to admire the night view and experience the tranquility of a water town at night. Day 3: Modern City and Natural Scenery Morning: Visit Jinji Lake, the central scenic spot of Suzhou Industrial Park, where modern skyscrapers contrast with the beautiful lake and mountains. Take a walk or bike ride along the lake, enjoy a boat tour, or catch the musical fountain show for a spectacular audiovisual feast. Lunch: Enjoy a variety of cuisines at the malls or restaurants around Jinji Lake. Afternoon: Visit Eslite Bookstore, a comprehensive space integrating culture, art, and creativity. Immerse yourself in the world of knowledge and art. Afterward, head to the Gate of the Orient, a uniquely shaped building and a new landmark of Suzhou, for a photo opportunity. Recommended Attractions: Lion Grove Garden: One of the four famous gardens of Suzhou, renowned for its maze-like rock formations. In March, the garden is dotted with spring flowers, adding to its charm. Tickets: CNY 40/person (Apr–Oct), CNY 30/person (Jan–Mar, Jun, Nov–Dec). Shantang Street: Known as the "Number One Street of Gusu," this ancient street with its old bridges and canals is illuminated by red lanterns at night, exuding the charm of a Jiangnan water town. Free admission. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: The first water town in China, preserving a large number of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings. Take a boat ride through the canals and experience the unique charm of the water town. Tickets: CNY 100. Transportation Guide: External Transportation: Suzhou is served by Sunan Shuofang International Airport, which is some distance from the city center. You can take the airport bus, subway, or a taxi to the city. Suzhou Railway Station and Suzhou North Railway Station are major transportation hubs with high-speed trains and bullet trains connecting to cities across the country. Local Transportation: The subway is convenient and can reach most attractions. Buses are also readily available, and some routes offer scenic views. Taxis and ride-hailing services are easily accessible. Cycling around the city on shared bikes is also a good option, offering flexibility and allowing you to stop and admire the street scenery. Local Food Recommendations: Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish: A famous Suzhou dish, the fish is deep-fried until golden brown and served with a sweet and sour sauce. It's beautifully presented and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Suzhou Noodles: Thin and chewy noodles in a delicious broth, topped with various ingredients like braised pork or fried fish. Pan-fried Buns: Crispy on the outside, golden brown on the bottom, and filled with juicy meat. The soup bursts out with every bite. Plum Blossom Cake: Adorable in shape, attractive in color, soft and glutinous, and sweet but not greasy. Accommodation Recommendations: Gusu District: Close to attractions like the Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road, with many characteristic inns and hotels offering a taste of Suzhou's ancient charm and convenient access to transportation. Industrial Park: Suitable for visitors to Jinji Lake and Eslite Bookstore, with good accommodation options and comprehensive commercial facilities. Tips: Book attraction tickets in advance on official platforms or travel apps to avoid delays. Suzhou's weather in March is changeable, so bring an umbrella. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so pack a light jacket. Some Suzhou dishes are sweet. If you don't have a sweet tooth, inform the restaurant in advance. Be mindful of product quality and prices when shopping in tourist areas to avoid unnecessary expenses. Download the "Su e Xing" app for convenient access to public transportation. During my 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. Leaving with a sense of longing, I look forward to returning and continuing my Suzhou story.