Once under-the-radar among North American travelers, Suzhou has become a must-visit destination for those planning the ultimate China itinerary. UNESCO World Heritage-designated classical gardens, romantic canals and dynasties-old culture and heritage are the city’s top draws, but there are also plenty of ways to step outside of the tourist role and truly experience Suzhou like a local. Recommendations are below, with additional inspiration available on Suzhou Tourism’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and via TravelToSuzhou.com.
Try the Mandarin Fish at Songhelou on Shantang Street
There is no better place to try Suzhou’s most famous dish than at its most famous dining establishment, established in the 1737. Locals and tourists alike flock to Songehlou on historic Shantang Street for a taste (and plenty of photographs) of the unique Mandarin fish. First created in Songehlou’s kitchen more than 200 years ago, the freshwater fish is carefully sliced to produce individual, French fry-style pieces that can be picked off and enjoyed individual after the fish is deep fried and topped with a bright sweet and sour sauce. Many locals say it looks like a squirrel, but Americans and Canadians often note the resemblance to a porcupine. Either way, enjoying Mandarin fish at Songelou is a quintessential Suzhou experience.
View the musical fountain show on Jinji Lake
On Friday nights from 8 – 8:30 p.m., Suzhou’s modern SIP District draws crowds of locals for the weekly music fountain show on Jinji Lake. Dancing water choregraphed to lights and music brightens the night. From sundown until 10 p.m., artistic designs are projected onto the pants-shaped “Gate to the East,” Suzhou’s tallest building. It’s a spectacle to behold, but travelers who want to experience a bit of the magic without the crowds can head to the outdoor deck of Toro Loco at the W Suzhou. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the fountain from above with a drink in hand.
Browse the styles at China’s largest shopping center
After browsing Shantang Street’s souvenir shops and perusing the fashions on Pingjiang Road, do as the locals do and head to Suzhou Center in the SIP District. This mega-mall, Suzhou’s largest, opened its doors in late 2017, boasting more than 600 retail brands and 645,000 square feet of lush greenery across its numerous outdoor terraces, rooftops and landscaped bridges. In addition to countless international and regional stores and eateries, Suzhou Center boasts an Olympic-size ice rink, children’s theme park, a snowboarding simulator, children’s pony rides and more.
Learn the art of dumpling making from local home cooks
Endless culinary choices await in Suzhou, but sometimes nothing is more satisfying than a homecooked meal. Travelers can get in on the action with a dumpling making class led by a local in their own home. Travelers can work with a trusted travel professional to arrange experiences that provide cultural enrichment, lasting connections and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of Su cuisine.
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