SuZhou

NileGuide Expert tip:

Nearby Ancient Water Towns are a great second attraction

Description:

• As far back as 900 AD SuZhou had a reputation for beauty, elegance and reverie, as well as an important producer and exporter of silk. Located directly on the Yangtze River, the sale and transportation of silk became the city's primary objective, and lush gardens, pavilions and temples were built to entertain and encourage silk traders, royalty and an elaborate upper class that flourished amid the beauty of the township. Today the city's beauty not only survives, but is enhanced by its contrast to the modernity of nearby Shanghai. Plan to spend an entire day amid the sprawling gardens, pavilions, stone bridges and temples, but avoid the major industrial area of Suzhou, which is an ugly and stark compilation of Soviet-style buildings.
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