With just one day to visit, we only got a glimpse of life in Suzhou, China. Sitting about 100km west of the big city of Shanghai, we could sense the more relaxed lifestyle the instant we got off the train. Life in Suzhou had an almost tranquil atmosphere despite being one of China’s most affluent cities.
Suzhou is Jiangsu province’s second-largest city. Located in the basin of the Yangtze River, it’s an economic business hub with plenty of things for visitors to do.
While the city is known for its Kunqu style of opera and Pingtan (a type of storytelling), it’s the Suzhou gardens that are the big attraction to visitors.
We had an advantage over many visitors. We were in Suzhou with an English-speaking (multi-lingual) friend who has lived in nearby Shanghai for over 20 years and visits Suzhou often.
Of course, we can’t get much of a feel for life without living there, but we can make observations about life in Suzhou and discuss them with our friend. Below we offer our photographic discovery of everyday life in Suzhou.
Key things to do in Suzhou
Our day consisted of:
- Observing everyday life in Suzhou
- Visiting gardens
- Be serenaded while being paddled down the canals
- Strolling along the waterways
- Sampling various food
- Touring a silk factory
Observing everyday life
Our observations of life in Suzhou in photos:
Visiting gardens
Today, there are more than 50 gardens in Suzhou. According to the UNESCO world heritage gardens listing, the nine classical gardens regarded as the finest embodiments of Chinese “Mountain and Water” gardens include:
- Humble Administrator’s Garden
- Lingering Garden
- Net Master’s Garden
- Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty,
- Canglang Pavilion
- Lion Grove Garden
- Garden of Cultivation,
- Couple’s Garden Retreat
- Retreat & Reflection Garden
We visited the Couple’s Garden, as it is the favourite of our friend who brought us here for the day. The photos of the three other gardens below are supplied by DepositPhotos.
Be serenaded while being paddled down the canals
Not only tradition, but this is also just fun. Thanks to our friend showing us the way, we did this from the Couple’s Garden Retreat.
Strolling along the waterways
As we strolled along the canals and waterways, we had more opportunities to observe everyday life in Suzhou.
Sampling various food
When it came to identifying food, once again, we were happy to have our friend with us.
Touring a silk factory
Another area of speciality is silk. We saw the entire process from silkworm through a blanket and even had a chance to help stretch one of the 100 layers of silk inside a blanket.
Getting to Suzhou
Being relatively close to Shanghai (100 km) main ways to get to Suzhou are on the bullet train, with a private driver, or on a tour.
Bullet Train
We travelled from Shanghai to Suzhou via the bullet train. They are the world’s fastest trains and the easiest way to get to Suzhou. Part of the track runs over the world’s longest bridge.
The trip from Shanghai took only about 30 minutes. Outside the Suzhou train station, we were able to find a taxi, and our friend negotiated and hire a driver for the day.
Hire a private guide
Throughout China (and much of the world), we have successfully used private guides. When we can, we book private guides here, as we can choose our specific guide prior to travel and we have flexibility over what we see and do.
When choosing your guide, our top recommendations are to check their language ability, read the tour options to see if they do the kinds of things you like, read the specific guide’s reviews, and then make contact before you hire them. Reserve your private guide here.
Have you observed life in Suzhou?
Other places in China we have visited:
Tonkin Voyage Travel
Thanks so much for your useful and informative post! I really like your authentic photos that take the daily life of the Suzhou locals. It seems that this small town has not been commercialized.
Mark Lent
Hi Rhonda,
My name is Mark Lent and I live and work in Suzhou and teach photography at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in the SIP. Would love to talk to you about speaking with my students next semester and maybe taking them on a shoot. If this would interest you, you can contact me at the e-mail I am providing.
Adrienne Lee
My husband and I visited Suzhou last May during a trip to China. We took a cruise down the canal and walked through the marketplace. Amazing! The bridges definitely reminded us of bridges in Venice. It’s probable that Marco Polo was inspired while trading for silk during his visits in the 1200s and took the design back to Italy. For us it was an educational tourist experience. For the locals it was just another day on the canal.
Rhonda Albom
So you know what a special place Suzhou is. It’s nice to see it through the eyes of visitors, so we can really appreciate it.
LadyInRead
China and it’s many wonders are on our travel-to-do list.. Looking at Suzhou through your camera was a fascinating peek indeed – thank you!
And I have many photographs from my past travels too (though nowhere as extensive as yours. well someday!) and your blog does inspire me to work on my travel posts with tips and info and insights 🙂
And thanks for your comment on my travel photos!
Rhonda Albom
It was other blogs that encouraged me to add them. We all help each other.
Esme
Great photos. I found China to be very interesting. It was the first Asian country that I had visited. Japan is very different than all the other Asian countries I have gone to. I was really impressed with how clean and orderly it is. The food here was incredible. Thank you for stopping by.
Rhonda Albom
We all found China interesting too, and yes loved the food. Especially the hot pot we learned how to properly eat while in the Szechuan province.
Kreete
I would love to go to China one day and experience the bullet trains! Suzhou looks very peaceful from your photos and indeed the canals remind me of Venice. I love the photos with local people on it. It gives the photos so much meaning.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Kreete, that was my goal of the photos.
Paula McInerney
Yo continue to take photos that capture the essence of a place, despite the short time spent there. Kudos to you
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Paula, that is our goal.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
That first photo and the one in your Pinterest photo are very scenic. I would have guessed that it was merely part of some large park, not an integral part of Suzhou if you had not told me. The daily life photos remind me of Penang, Malaysia in some ways, probably because of all the Chinese influence there.
Rhonda Albom
It is in an interesting town worth an exploration.
Pedro
What an amazing post! Each photo more special and unique than the other. The very first one, of the lady on the steps by the canal felt so personal, that I had to go through every single one of them. I felt as if I was there.
Rhonda Albom
wow, thanks Pedro. I am glad you enjoyed my photos.
Suze
I have only been to Hong Kong and Macau – this looks like a lovely city and your photos came out really well. You have to admire the idea of using bamboo poles to hang up washing – very clever
Rhonda Albom
We were just talking about going to Hong Kong and Macau. I hope you love them both.
Megan Jerrard
Loving your throw back posts as you slowly make your way through your archived photos … Suzhou looks like quite the charming and peaceful place, and I love that there are UNESCO world heritage gardens to explore!
Rhonda Albom
Thansk Megan, there are more to come.
Viajar pela história - Catarina Leonardo
I really liked your photos. Suzhou is a place that i have heard but never been. It seems so unique, calm… Beautiful place.
Rhonda Albom
It is both calm and beautiful.
Joan Torres
I like when people write this kind of posts. It’s just unbelievable to think how easy is to get off the path, even in places that receive a lot of tourists. You just need to get out of the main street and suddenly, you’ll find yourself immersed in the everyday local life. I love the picture of the man doing laundry by the way. I think I’ve never seen this in a developing country.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Joan. We try to get off the beaten path as often as we can.
Travelera
Id love to visit Shanghai and planning to do it in March! so I really like to see the pictures for a day trip to this town that we probably do. My plan is to stay four days in Shanghai. Any other recommendations, trips that we could do?
Have a great day Rhonda xxx
Travelera
I have booked the trip now! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Yay! I hope you enjoy it.
Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers
What an interesting and photogenic city. Such a short trip on the bullet train makes it’s very achievable for independent travellers who prefer not to do an organised tour although the boat on the canal sounds like a must do experience.
Rhonda Albom
There are many options for taking a boat on the canal. We actually took a boat from inside the garden.
Rob+Ann
Definitely reminds us that “we are more alike than different.” Only I have to use the bathtub to rinse my mop. 😉 Great photos. We’re very intrigued by the gardens now! There is something almost magical about a little garden away from the hustle-bustle. Great stuff!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I use a bucket to rinse the mop.
Shannon
Love the photos! Thanks for hosting!!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Shannon
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe
This is the kind of place I want to visit when we get to China in June. The big, busy cities are not my choice over these really pretty and authentic places.
Rhonda Albom
It’s an easy day trip from Shanghai. Take the fast train and it will save you an hour on the return.
annette charlton
Your photos really capture everyday life. I have enjoyed my trips to China, as have my younger children.
Rhonda Albom
We took our children when they were already teens. I am not sure they would have liked the crowds in some of the bigger cities when they were young, but they enjoyed all that we visited as teens.
Kerri
This is the kind of place I love. A little unheard of, out of the big cities, and where you can see real life. Loved the man washing his clothes. THis to me is a real sign of village authenticity.
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. We love to get off the beaten path and find the real life in a city. Meeting and communicating with the people is how we really discover what a town is really like.
Ruth Rieckehoff
I have been to the city but we were only able to visit the Suzhou Museum. So bad we didn’t have time to wander around the city. This is a place I need to visit again. #wkendtravelinspiration #TPThursday
Rhonda Albom
The Suzhou Museum is one place we didn’t visit. There is so much to see everywhere.
Ahila
Lovely glimpses of life in Suzhou.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Ahila, that’s what I strived to do.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels
I’ve heard of Suzhou, but never been. I’ve heard of how pretty it is, and your photos definitely do make it look that way!
Rhonda Albom
It’s the gardens that really make it so lovely. I know I only shared one garden here, as I wanted to show the essence of the city.
Amy Franks
oh the river looks like a lovely scenic spot.
Rhonda Albom
It was, scenic and relaxing
Mel and Marcus
A great collection of pictures which seem to really capture the essence of the place. We have yet to visit China and it was good to see the day to day life in a traditional Chinese town away from the big cities.
David @ Travelsewhere
Very different, yet interesting approach to sharing a destination Rhonda – I like it! Your photos do help convey what life is like for people in Suzhou but also show what the city looks like. I’ve yet to visit China so I always like to get glimpses of what it is like.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks David. We always try to step off the beaten path. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Mindi Hirsch
We didn’t make it to Suzhou when we were in China. We thought about it but instead went to nearby Hangzhou, home of the West Lake, where we had friends. Next time, I want to go to Suzhou and try the Jiangsu style of cuisine.
Rhonda Albom
I think Hangzhou is more popular. We chose Suzhou on the recommendation of a friend who lives in Shanghai.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute
You’ve definitely inspired me to visit Suzhou! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
It’s an easy trip from Shanghai.
Amila
I enjoyed my time going through this photo story.It is great to experience the real life of locals outside the tourist areas…
Rhonda Albom
We do try to do this as much as possible.
Elyn MacInnis
Was it really 4+ years ago? In many ways it seems like yesterday. What beautiful photos you have of Suzhou. I enjoyed seeing them!
Rhonda Albom
I can’t believe it either. My original post had only tiny photos and only a few of them. It has one of us.
Nat Deduck
What a cool place to visit! We never heard of this place before! Loving the pictures and this is definitely inspiring! We would love to go back to China to visit Suzhou!
Rhonda Albom
There are so many interesting cities in China. I could go back for quite a while and still barely see it all. I did love Suzhou, and it was easy to get to.
Brooke
So much fun to see your photos of Suzchou, it allowed me to relive my experience of visiting the canals a few years ago. I also admire your shots in the city outside of the touristy areas. I was on a tour, so I wasn’t able to explore everyday life as much as I wish I had.
Rhonda Albom
I have a friend who lives in Shanghai and she took us to Suzhou. She speaks the language and hired a driver she knew, so we could go exactly where Elyn wanted to take us.
Anda
China is such a fascinating place, I hope to get there someday. I love the pictures you took in Suzhou. You always capture the atmosphere of the place you photograph.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Anda. Interesting that you say that. After much thought, I finally decided on the blog’s new tagline, “Capturing the Essence of travel through photography.”
Trekking with Becky
I love taking day trips from major cities, but I’ve never been in Shanghai long enough to do it. I just assumed that it would take too long to get to Suzhou and that I’d be on too much of a time crunch with the long layovers I’ve had, but maybe not if I have nearly a full day. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Remember to take the bullet train to get there. It takes only about 30 minutes, compared to an hour on other trains.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Tanja.
tara tyler
so many amazing pictures – you’ve been to so many places! i love seeing the world through your eyes – gorgeous and true life.
Also enjoyed the desert and blue city photos and that above ground graveyard in Spain. Wild!
Thanks for always supporting me – and sharing the world with me!!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Tara. That’s why I blog 🙂
Comedy Plus
I’ve not been to China. I know this doesn’t surprise you. You’re the traveler. I’m the stay at home kind of gal. Okay, I’m the boating kind of gal. I would have loved seeing all this in person.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
LOL – true, but this town does have a boating element to it.
Ava Meena
Lovely – especially the canals. Glad you are rediscovering your travels!
Rhonda Albom
The canals were a bit magical.
Jill
I love your glimpse into everyday life – sometimes hitting all the tourist “high spots” you don’t get to see the people on motorbikes heading to work, or eating street food. Lovely.
Rhonda Albom
We make an effort to get off the beaten path when ever we can.
Lexa Cain
My first thought was – It’s so clean! So not all 3rd world citizens care nothing for cleanliness — it’s only some, like mine. I love the first pic and the zigzag bridge. Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Inside the Chinese Gardens is another world. You walk through the gates into pristine tranquillity.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Not sure I’d want to wash my clothes in that canal. And wow, so many mopeds.
Rhonda Albom
The man was using water from the well. I am not sure what water was used on the clothes hanging at the canal. And as for the mopeds, that’s why I snapped the shot.
Paula McInerney
I would love to visit Suzhou, based on your photos alone. Amazing
Rhonda Albom
Then I am doing my job well 🙂
Mary {The World Is A Book}
The photos are beautiful and really gave us a glimpse into everyday life in Suzhou. I haven’t heard of it before but I love the idea of a boat tour through the canals and being serenaded. What a memorable experience with the silk process.
Rhonda Albom
It’s actually rated quite high as a tourist destination now. We selected it as my friend Elyn lives in Shanghai and wanted to share it with us. Great choice Elyn 🙂
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – I’d love to visit … but also like to see Shanghai and spend some time in both areas … looks just amazing – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
We spent about 4 days in Shanghai and one in Suzhou. Not enough, but I always say that.
Lolo
Your pictures really give a good impression of what every day life is like in this region! Pinned for later as one day I hope to do a big tour of China, or maybe just a little bit at a time haha #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
There is so much to see it China, it is hard to pick where to go. Suzhou is a wonderful day trip from Shanghai.
Kim Marie
If i had it on me.. I probably would have spent 100 dollars in that tea shop lol… and I already have more than enough here so far and there’s a teavana near the medical building my doctors are at!
Rhonda Albom
I am more of a coffee drinker, but either way, I wouldn’t want to ever run out of tea.
Dawn Rae
I love your photos. You have a way of making me feel as though I’m there. I love the little details of every day life that you include.
Rhonda Albom
Excellent. That is my goal.
Kat
That’s one way to get your washing done! I love your photos, especially the one taken out of the moving car – you’ve got a steady hand! And the rest of your trip sounds lovely, especially seeing the silk being made into a blanket.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Kat. I have always been told I have a steady hand. Another secret for shooting out a window – super fast shutter speed.