Suzhou is located in the centre of the Yangtze Delta, in the South of Jiangsu Province, with Shanghai to the East, Zhejiang Province to the South, Wuxi City to the West and the Yangtze River to the North.

Since 42% of the city is covered by water, Suzhou is known as the 'Oriental Venice'. Taihu Lake, 4/5 of which is in the territory of Suzhou, is one of the four largest fresh lakes in China, laced with scenic spots. The city is cut by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from North to South. With its mild climate, fertile landscape and picturesque beauty, it is no wonder that Suzhou is called 'paradise on earth'.

Built in 514 BC, Suzhou is an ancient city with a 2,500 year old history. The unique characteristics of the past are still retained in present-day Suzhou. The double-chessboard layout of Suzhou, with streets parallel to canals has been preserved immaculately. Strolling through the streets, you can feel the unique lingering charm of this landscape left by its long history.

The Chinese saying goes - 'Gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them’. These attractions attain their high reputation not only for their sheer volume in just one city but more so because of the pure spectacle they provide. At present more than 60 gardens are kept intact in Suzhou, and a series of them have been listed in the World Heritage List, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden and the Garden of Master of Nets.

Alongside these classical gardens are the exquisite water towns. Zhouzhuang, Mudu and Tongli Town should not be missed by any visitor with plenty of Ming and Qing dynasty preserved buildings can be found. The natural sights and human landscape compliment each other's beauty, which will leave any visitor in awe.
 

Being the cradle of Wu Culture, Suzhou plays a vital role in Chinese cultural history, in particular for its schools of art. A prime example is the Wumen Fine Arts School, represented by famous names like Shen Zhou, Wen Zhengming, Tang Yin and Qiu Ying, whose poems, calligraphy and paintings are considered to be historical artefacts. Pingtan, Kun Opera and Suzhou Opera are praised as 'three flowers' in the cultural history of Suzhou; furthermore, embroidery, fans and brocade produced in  Zhouzhuang, an ancient water town Suzhou are demanded worldwide.

As one of the famous tourist cities in China, Suzhou has made a great improvement to its basic facilities and tourist functions. But this page provides just a snapshot of a fantastic city that can cater to anybody’s needs, wants and dreams in every sense. So please, come and join us…