When we think about visiting a new place, we all want to see the most famous parts of that country, city, or area. We want to be able to witness in real life the sceneries that we see on the internet, and we want to experience the things that other people have. However, we also want to be able to find a special place that is not that famous, and that has not been covered by every influencer nowadays. We all want to have one special memory that is not shared by millions of others and we want to have a special story and a secret that we can share with others or keep to ourselves.
Suzhou is a city in China that many know about, and it is a popular tourist destination. Many people go and see the things they know about, but if you are one of those who are interested in visiting more than just the top tourist places, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we are going to talk about some of the hidden gems of Suzhou that most tourists never see.
1. Jinji Lake
The thing we are going to start with is something for those who are looking for a bit of romance when they visit this mesmerizing city. There are a lot of beautiful landmarks and breathtaking places, but if you want to have an amazing night out, or if you are looking for some romance during sunrise, then you should visit Jinji Lake.
The best thing about it is that you will be able to see the whole city skyline from just one place, and no matter if you are alone, with your partner, or with your friends, you are going to enjoy it.
No matter which time of day you choose to visit it, you are not going to regret it, but if you are looking for a recommendation on when to go, then it is best to visit it at dawn or dusk.
2. Master of the Nets Garden
Are you interested in garden art? Do you want to feel close to nature while still being in the city? If your answer is yes to these questions, then you should visit the Master of the Nets Garden.
As you probably already know, this city is known for its gardens, and there are dozens of them that you can visit. Ultimately, they are all popular, but some are lesser known than others.
This gem is located in the Gusu District, and one interesting thing that you need to know about it is that it is actually a World Heritage Site.
Here, you can witness beautiful architecture and cultural sights, and you can also enjoy some breathtaking garden art. Be ready to spend many hours here and that you may want to return to this garden every day for the rest of your stay, and possibly even for the rest of your life. You can also learn more about this place before visiting it, if you need more convincing about why this should be your top priority when you visit Suzhou.
3. Shantang Street
When we go to a new place, we don’t want to focus only on touristy destinations, and we want to experience a bit more of the culture, the food, and the people.
If you need to take a break from all the astonishing views, and if you want to just relax, walk around and meet locals, then you should visit Shantang street.
You may wonder what is so special about it, and why you may want to go there, and the answer is simple – history and tradition. Suzhou is known as the Venice of China, and if you want to be able to explore more about the canals and if you want to just enjoy a nice walk, then this street is for you.
Here, you can sit down and have a nice cup of tea, try the local snacks that are not available anywhere else in the world, and you can just mingle with locals and get to know about even more hidden gems that no one can tell you about except the people who live there.
4. Kunqu Opera
If you need a break from walking, and if you want to just sit back, relax, and still learn more about the culture and art, then you should definitely visit the Kunqu opera.
Here, you are going to witness some amazing performances that cannot be seen anywhere else, and you will be able to understand much more than just by reading about Suzhou or its history.
The actors here are some of the bests in the country, and no matter which play you choose to see, you are going to have a great time. Keep in mind that many locals go to see these performances, so it is better if you book your tickets in advance.
The good thing is that you can check out these operas in many different theaters in the city, so you have a lot of choices when it comes to time and dates. Nevertheless, take your time to explore it and see what you want to see, and be ready for the performance of your life.
Other things that you may want to check out include Pingjiang lane, the silk museum, as well as the water town. These places are all breathtaking, and chances are, you may not have too much trouble finding them free of tourists.
As we previously mentioned, some places can be explored only if a local recommends them, and if you can you should try to make friends with people who already live there. Know that no matter if you choose to visit only hidden gems or if you go to the most popular tourist attractions, you are not going to regret it. This place is filled with culture, history, and tradition, and it is overall one of the best sites that you can visit. Take your time, let yourself roam the streets, get lost, and find your way back. It is easy to get around here, and it is also easy to get confused about where you are going and where you want to be. Enjoy your time and share your findings with others.