Suzhou: Stealing a Half-Day of Leisure in a Busy Life

In the height of summer, Suzhou's scorching heat is almost unbearable—the sweltering waves feel like they could "ignite" you, and saying it's hot enough to smoke is no exaggeration! If the heat in the north is like an oven, Suzhou's muggy, humid heat is more like a giant steamer, where even breathing feels like inhaling hot air. For this trip, I departed from Beijing and opted for a first-class sleeper on the D9 train to Suzhou. It turned out to be an excellent choice! Spending the night in a comfortable sleeper and waking up refreshed, I arrived in this city brimming with Jiangnan charm. I must say, this travel method not only saves time but also allows you to recharge—highly recommended! I booked a hotel near Beisita Metro Station, and its prime location made getting around incredibly convenient. Whether exploring the city by subway or walking to nearby attractions, everything was effortless. My first stop was Guanqian Street, a bustling and lively area packed with large shopping malls—a paradise for shopaholics. Wandering through the dazzling array of goods and indulging in retail therapy, time slipped away unnoticed. After leaving Guanqian Street, I embarked on a leisurely city walk along the western riverbank. Along the way, I stumbled upon attractions like Wufeng Courtyard, Qinbo Mansion, and the Tang Shaofu Bai Gong Memorial Hall. These spots aren’t particularly grand, and unless you’re passing by, they might not warrant a special trip. Still, strolling along the river, admiring the Jiangnan water town scenery, and feeling the gentle breeze was a delightful experience. Continuing along the river, I reached the Republic of China-style street, and further ahead lay the famous Shantang Street and Qili Shantang Scenic Area. Here, it’s a must to find a teahouse, sit down with a pot of tea, and quietly listen to a soft, melodic Pingtan performance in the local Wu dialect. The enchanting tunes transport you to another era, leaving you utterly captivated. After hours of exploring, hunger inevitably struck, and food became the next essential stop! I highly recommend Li Bai Xie, a restaurant renowned for its crab roe noodles and crab roe rice. The rich, savory aroma of crab roe coats every strand of noodle and every grain of rice, delivering pure bliss with each bite. A pro tip: try to snag a seat by the window on the second floor. There, you can savor the delicious dishes while enjoying the scenic river views outside, treating both your taste buds and your eyes to a feast. Plus, there’s a Chayan Yuese nearby—while waiting for your food, why not grab a popular drink? Sipping tea as you anticipate your meal adds an extra layer of relaxation to this culinary adventure.