preface

There is heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below. Growing up in the Central Plains region, I always have an indescribable affection for Jiangnan. I can't remember how many times I have come to Suzhou, but each time my feelings are different. Suzhou is charming and has a charm. The thousands of years of Suzhou culture have made this charming and rich land shine brightly on the land of China.

The launch of the "Gusu 8:30" event has made Suzhou's night economy a highly explosive brand of the year, and in this charming night scene, Suzhou Xiangcheng blooms with its own unique charm. If the night in Xiangcheng is a display of vitality and excitement, then the day in Xiangcheng is more like a collision of new and old. The luxurious financial center and convenient transportation hub have gained more favor from tourists. Inheriting intangible cultural heritage, exploring the origins of history, checking in at popular locations, and experiencing the unique charm of Xiangcheng may be the essence of this journey

The footsteps of travel have never stopped since the beginning. That restless soul, at the end of this summer, came to Suzhou Xiangcheng, encountering its original intention again from the hot air and various small scenic spots worth feeling in Suzhou, and meeting its persistent self.

About Suzhou Xiangcheng

As Wu Zixu said, "Xiangcheng is a place where people want to build a city." Under the water of Yangcheng Lake and the Taihu Lake Lake, Xiangcheng was a place of prosperity in the Spring and Autumn Period. Through the vicissitudes of time, the prosperity of Xiangcheng not only lasted for two thousand years, but also shone even more brightly.

Driven by the times, the charm of Xiangcheng District is not limited to its rich resources and long history. There are many places on this land that people can indulge in. Experience Suzhou, starting from Xiangcheng District.

scheduling

Day 1: Arrive at Xiangcheng, Suzhou and stay at the Yangcheng Xike Hotel in Suzhou. Enjoy dinner at Shibazao in the land of fish and rice. Experience handicrafts in the village lake house

Day 2: Visit Lotus Island - Yangcheng Fishing Hidden Lunch - Check in to Suzhou Second Workers' Cultural Palace - Experience Suzhou Second Library - Visit Suzhou Imperial Kiln Brick Museum, Experience Brick Making - Check in to Vitality Island Night Market, Dinner - Check in to Suzhou Zhonghui Pullman Hotel

Day 3: Visit Wuzhen Taoist Temple - Visit Fengmenglong Village, Experience Engraving Printing - Fengmenglong Village Farmhouse Lunch - Afternoon Return

About attractions

Murakami Lake House Experience Handicraft

The beauty of Suzhou lies in its scenery, people, architecture, and the combination of humanistic architecture and natural landscapes. On the banks of Yangcheng Lake, as the first homestay, Murakami Lake House adds some artistic atmosphere to the poetic and pastoral life here, and also illuminates the night by the lake with warm lights.

Design architect Wang Bin was born in Suzhou, he loves this place, and he also understands it. Not only has it created a comfortable accommodation space, but it is also a unique cultural space! The gentle light, natural wood color materials, and warm space created have become a place for the soul to rest, and also a popular check-in spot for young people.

There are many projects to experience in the Murakami Lake House, especially the ceramic art of ink pottery painting, which has been loved by many customers. The long exhibition shelf is filled with shiny and warm porcelain, each piece is purely handmade, full of love for life.

In the handicraft experience workshop, watching the gradual changes in the clay, feeling the teacher's proficiency in techniques, I also marveled at my own lack of technical proficiency. This is really a skilled job. Although I have learned it once or twice before, it is still difficult to make a perfect vessel. Let's just experience it in life!

Lianhua Island

The vast Yangcheng Lake, Lotus Island, as its name suggests, is as beautiful as a thriving lotus flower alone in the center of the lake. Riding on a clean cruise ship to the island, wherever you can see, it is a beautiful green, a tranquil folk song that moves people's hearts.

The cool green path is lush with branches and leaves, bringing a touch of coolness in the scorching summer. The blooming lotus flowers have become the most beautiful scenery among the green leaves. Lotus Island can satisfy many people's imagination of vacation, with vast lakes that soothe people's hearts.

The beauty of Lianhua Island Scenic Area is comprehensive, created by nature and also by humans. On the lush green grassland of Lotus Island, don't forget the beauty of architecture, lines, and colors. These different things make Lotus Island stand out.

Suzhou Second Workers Cultural Palace

The work of a master is well deserved, and the Suzhou Second Workers' Cultural Palace, adorned with a huge halo, is destined to attract much attention.

As a worker's cultural palace, its mission is to serve its employees. Therefore, the cultural palace has a variety of fitness venues, theaters, cinemas, multifunctional halls, and training classrooms, with a reasonable layout and rich and complete functions. This is an all-weather worker's home.

If you just love the facilities here, perhaps the Second Workers' Cultural Palace wouldn't have become so popular. Whether it's locals or tourists, I believe everyone will be attracted by the aesthetic charm of this building. The 17 meter high atrium, with sharp and angular lines and wanton light, has become a must visit point in Suzhou.

The huge glass curtain wall makes light and shadow a magical painter, and different angles and times can create different landscapes. The white aluminum ceiling and natural wood decorations make the design harmonious and eye-catching.

The charm of the Workers' Culture Palace is majestic and grand, yet it is filled with every detail. Such a masterpiece is being sought after and designated as a popular check-in spot for internet celebrities, which is a fortunate thing.

Suzhou Second Library

The museum tells the story of the city's past and present, while the library represents the temperament of the city. It is no longer just a place to read books, gradually becoming a venue for citizens to relax and unwind. The library can satisfy those poetry and distant places that cannot be reached by footsteps.

As a new landmark of Suzhou culture, the Second Xiangcheng Library and the Second Workers' Cultural Palace, like others, were both completed under the spotlight and did not disappoint!

At a height of 7 floors, every detail is striving for excellence, inspiring people to enter the hall of books. The fragrance of books is lingering and refreshing. The public reading space is divided into different areas, and the overall design is mainly simple and elegant. The collision of white, wood, and dark gray makes the space appear light and comfortable.

Knowledge is not limited to books, and culture is not limited to words. The Second Library presents a different cultural space to the world. The Music Library showcases the charm of music culture in various forms, and vinyl records lead people to explore the deeper world.

My favorite architectural analysis has left me standing for a long time and feeling a lot. The fragrance of books adds vitality, and the culture beautifies Xiangcheng. The Second Library injects unique cultural genes into the blood of Xiangcheng, nourishing the brain and soul of the people of Suzhou in every line and every page of text. May the inner world be rich, and may life be full.

Suzhou Imperial Kiln Golden Brick Museum

Taking intangible cultural heritage as the theme, showcasing the past and present of a brick is currently unique in Suzhou. Tasting Xiangcheng, one cannot miss the Suzhou Imperial Kiln Golden Brick Museum. Gold bricks were once exclusively used for imperial use, but with the changing times, the art of gold bricks has been shelved and can only be seen here.

On a land of over 10000 square meters, there is a garden style museum with distinctive architectural features. Bricks are used here with exquisite craftsmanship, and different tiling techniques give it a high-end aesthetic. The long corridor created has a simple and atmospheric beauty, with light falling through the pores on the ground, mottled and charming.

Opening objects, making objects, and applying them, a brick is analyzed clearly. People only know how to appreciate flowers, but they do not know how difficult it is to plant them. Even seemingly ordinary objects are equally hard won.

There is a gold brick making experience area set up in the museum, where you can personally experience the complex craftsmanship and strict standards of the finely grained and densely textured gold bricks, and appreciate the wisdom and perseverance of the older generation of craftsmen.

In addition to the gold bricks, there are also exhibitions of representative works of intangible cultural heritage such as tapestry weaving, straw weaving, and Lumu Cricket Basin. "Ten Wonders of Xiangcheng" are also among them. The museum not only promotes the gold brick culture, but also calls for people to pay attention to the intangible cultural heritage. The essence left by the old ancestors should not disappear in the hands of our generation.

Vitality Island Night Market

During the day, Xiangcheng was quiet and beautiful, with a touch of artistic style. However, at night, Xiangcheng changed into another piece of clothing, with brilliant lights and flowing colors. With the popularity of night economy and street vendor culture, Vitality Island in Xiangcheng has become the hottest and best night market in Suzhou.
By the way, enjoy Xiangcheng and don't forget to check in on the new landmark of the high-speed rail new city. There are a series of activities such as neighboring markets, lipstick art exhibition areas, food blocks, photography competitions, campus talent competitions, and parent-child interactions, allowing you to fully experience the fashionable night of the high-speed rail new city

It's not dark yet, and various full-time and part-time vendors are starting to set up stalls. White collar workers in office buildings during the day may be selling their handmade works at this moment. Designers who are addicted to drawing also have the good craft of braised chicken feet, looking forward to the arrival of destined people. Under the night, everyone starts to release another version of themselves.

The fireworks of the human world are the most soothing to the hearts of ordinary people. Snacks, delicacies, and small vendors are always present in the night market. The bustling night market, with a dazzling array of products, makes me feel that my eyes are not enough. The most surprising thing, of course, is the long lost "trap". Back in childhood, it was so simple.

Wuzhen Taoist Academy

Many people may not be familiar with the Wuzhen Taoist Temple, but Gu Kaizhi certainly has a lot of knowledge. As a renowned painter, Gu Kaizhi is said to be worshipped as a god by the people on the west bank of Yangcheng Lake. The current Wuzhen Taoist Temple is a temple built for Gu Kaizhi.

In the bustling city, I found a secluded place for cultivation, separated by a wall. Outside was bustling, while inside was tranquil. The architecture of Wuzhen Taoist Temple may not be well-known within the temple, but it still stands out due to its Suzhou local characteristics and customs.

When visiting here, I happened to be holding a prayer ceremony and watching the ceremony proceed. Although I am an atheist, I was still moved. One side nurtures the other, while the other side protects the city. Faith is a light in a person's heart, guiding them towards good deeds.

Feng Menglong Village

There are no ancient buildings with a long history here, nor do they bring huge economic benefits. It is famous because it is the birthplace of the folk literature master Feng Menglong. This is Feng Menglong Village, a village that has conquered many people with its unique cultural charm.

Fengmenglong Village may seem like a very ordinary Suzhou village, with white walls and gray tiles, and standard Soviet style residential buildings, but in fact, it hides the essence of the world. It has the same gentle and moving beauty as the city of Suzhou, gentle and gentle in every detail.

There are many orchards at the entrance of Fengmenglong Village, and it is currently the peak season for grapes. Grapes are full and sweet, and the prices are super affordable. I couldn't help but buy a string of "sunshine roses" and take them home! Picking is also a very popular rural experience nowadays, I don't know if it's possible to pick here.

In the midst of summer, Feng Menglong Village is also in full bloom and beautiful, with clusters of purple flowers and graceful lotus flowers. A small village is also a paradise to escape from.

Upon arriving at Feng Menglong Village, the former residence of Feng Menglong, the Feng Menglong Memorial Hall, and the academy are all must visit places. Here, the life and achievements of Feng Menglong are showcased. Feng Menglong is a famous historian, writer, thinker, and opera performer, and his works such as "Yu Shi Ming Yan", "Jing Shi Tong Yan", and "Xing Shi Heng Yan" are representative works of the Chinese literary community.

Nowadays, Feng Menglong culture has influenced many people, and Suzhou has also established many related associations and bases to vigorously promote Feng Menglong culture. Not only his literary city, Feng Menglong was also a generation of upright officials. His dedication to the world and the people, as well as his clean mindedness, have become the spiritual benchmark of contemporary people.

In addition to displaying in bookstores and former residences, you can also take a look at their past busy farming life.

There is also a special activity in Fengmenglong Village, which is to experience woodblock printing. Although movable type printing was invented during the Song Dynasty, woodblock printing is still commonly used and has important significance for the dissemination of Chinese culture.

About Food

Shibazao, a land of fish and rice

The first meal upon arriving at Xiangcheng was at Shibazao, a land of fish and rice located by Yangcheng Lake. A quaint restaurant with a large stage, showcasing classic Soviet style Pingtan and Wu Nong's soft language, light and gentle, this is a restaurant that maximizes Soviet style charm.

Dining here should not be a wrong choice. It happens to be the season of eating in June, and the crabs have been carefully cut and placed on a plate, making it more convenient to eat. Steamed chicken soup bowls, farmhouse grass chicken soup, and soy sauce river shrimp are all classic and authentic Soviet style dishes. Even me from the Central Plains ate happily, no wonder there are so many diners coming to this restaurant.

Yangcheng Fishing Hidden

Eating is no longer just a carnival of taste buds, modern people pay more attention to a comprehensive sensory experience. Eating at Yangcheng Fisherman's Hidden Restaurant is a pleasure in taste, vision, and smell. Hidden at the end of the famous beautiful leg grove in Yangcheng Lake, you can enjoy a beautiful scenery, with a secluded forest and a faint fragrance, making you feel relaxed and happy.

The neoclassical decoration style makes people think that rural leisure stands out in front of them. The independent private room design is private and elegant, with low luxury and exquisite taste, and is not as beautiful as a powerhouse.

However, Yangcheng Yuyin did not neglect the quality of the dishes due to the beauty of the architecture and environment. The typical local cuisine of Yangcheng Lake has a light and pleasant taste, and is particularly comfortable after eating. The exquisite dishes, fresh ingredients, and the chef's superb cooking skills make people linger in the cup.

Chuan Daxian - New Style Barbecue

This is a barbecue restaurant recommended by the website on Vibrant Island Night Market. The reviews are very good, different from the style of many barbecue restaurants. The decoration style of Chuan Daxian is a free spirited martial arts style, especially unique.

All the dishes ordered were signature recommended dishes, without stepping on the thunder. The most distinctive feature is his family's salt grilled fish. The whole fish is tightly wrapped in salt, and after being crushed, it reveals a plump and tender fish meat. The taste is very fresh and tender, and the shrimp taste is also good. The shrimp meat is compact, tender, and delicious. The lamb skewers are fragrant but not greasy, and even ordinary stir fried instant noodles are very delicious. The per capita price is not high, very affordable.

Mingya Liuzao Family

This is Fengmenglong Village, a restaurant worth checking in. The renovated farmhouse of our own building is simple and concise, and most of the dishes are local and authentic Suzhou cuisine. The Braised pork belly with thick oil and red sauce is very delicious, which is also the specialty here. Chopped chili fish head is quite flavorful, and I really like their scrambled eggs, which are very fragrant... If you don't mind wild eels, you can also try them.

Regarding accommodation

Suzhou Yangcheng Xike Hotel

Choose a comfortable hotel to reward yourself and start the journey well. Located within the Beauty Leg Peninsula, the Suzhou Yangcheng Xike Hotel has healed me after a long journey of fatigue with beautiful scenery, thoughtful service, and professional quality.

In the scorching summer, the Xike Hotel brings me a refreshing and simple yet stylish atmosphere. The bright color scheme appears warm but not tacky, and the entire building, whether in the lobby or guest rooms, is designed with flexible lighting, making the entire hotel look very comfortable and stress relieving.

The children's playground, high-quality bedding, and high-end bathrooms all showcase the strength and dedication of Xike Hotel in every detail. A good night's sleep is what one strives for in life.

Suzhou Zhonghui Pullman Hotel

Pullman belongs to the Accor Group, with a light luxury style decoration design that combines modern business fashion and elegance with the minimalist elegance of the new Chinese classical style. Walking in is a kind of enjoyment.

The comfort of the guest rooms goes without saying, and with the support of high-tech performance, the accommodation experience is sublimated, creating infinite possibilities between one room and the world.

A rich breakfast bar, a fully equipped gym, a relaxing spa room, and a diverse and high-end supporting space are all plus points. If you like to stay in a hotel, it's just that simple.

Postscript: It is said that traveling is about going from the place where one is bored to the place where others are bored. In fact, this also indicates that one should be good at discovering the beauty around them and the scenery at their doorstep. This is precisely a kind of attitude towards life, a positive life