Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
14
SUZHOU
Suzhou's intricate mosaic of canals and classical gardens is as im-
pressive today as it was when Marco Polo first visited and dubbed
this ancient city the 'Venice of the East'.
DISTANCE:
6km (3.7 miles), plus taxis
TIME:
A full day
START:
Pan Pacific Suzhou
END:
Suzhou Silk Museum
POINTS TO NOTE:
The easiest and most efficient way to get to
Suzhou is on the high-speed train from Shanghai, which takes just 30
minutes. The genius of Suzhou's classical gardens is that every sea-
son reveals something different. Avoid the crowds and come during
winter, when the gardens take on a stark beauty.
The ancient city of Suzhou, founded in 600 BC, flourished with the completion of the Grand
Canal and neighbouring Hangzhou's emergence as the imperial capital. Silk production
thrived, and imperial officials laid out classical gardens - almost 200 during Suzhou's peak.
The 70 remaining gardens are now a World Heritage site and form the soul of the city - each
has its own distinct personality and offers a microcosm of the world, perfectly balanced in
terms of harmony, proportion and variety.
