Coming to Suzhou, China, an old town known for its canals, bridges and classical Chinese
gardens, Today, it is a destination for tasty Lake crabs and foliage in the fall. We are
deeply inspired by the cultural values coming from this town, and we are taking you to experience
it from modern to ancient times through a famous poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge".
Through the Gate to the East Building that represents modern China, we arrive in the
heart of Suzhou, welcoming by the sleek and modern setting at W Suzhou that is inspired
by traditional local elements.
As our view elevates from the ground to the lake-front suite, we prepare ourselves a wonderful
sunset toast at the rooftop before taken by the moonlight on the Jinji Lake and the light
show among Suzhou’s skyline.
And after a quick change, we are led by the delicate embroidery and silk works from the
region to our first dinner at Su Yan. We indulge ourselves with gourmet Chinese dishes including
the roasted duck and famous Yangcheng Lake Crab. It is the epitome of modern Chinese
dining with wonderful hospitality and experience above the city lights.
Waking up to this stunning rooftop pool with a view is the best way to restore energy before
starting the day. The airy yet personal space makes you feel like you are resting above
all the hustle and bustles in the city center.
While we are fully charged, we join with W insiders and visit Sung He Lou, founded in
1757, to taste the notable noodle culture that goes from breakfast to dinner. You get
to choose your toppings for the noodles in either red or clear broth.
After understanding the history of the old town, we head to the nearby YangCheng Lake
to experience the “Cult of Crab”, an autumnal obsession for the hairy crabs from the region.
People pour in from all over China and the world for this delicacy of Suzhou during the
crab season. There are never too many lake crabs and dishes spinning on the lazy Susan.
Then we arrive at Suzhou Museum, one of the latest masterpieces of acclaimed architect
I.M. Pei. As a tribute to his hometown, the architect brought together both his modernist
sensibilities and the Suzhou vernacular to house the impressive treasures across many
dynasties. The design takes cues from traditional Suzhou whitewashed walls, dark-gray tile roofs
to intricate garden landscaping. The setting and cultural references truly offer us a chance
to be on a time journey.
And suddenly, we find ourselves in between the canals in Zhouzhuang, one of the most
famous water townships in China, noted for its profound cultural background, well preserved
ancient houses and elegant watery views.
The "Oriental Venice" has long been a haven for scholars, poets, artists, and skilled
craftsmen, and it still is today. We make our way through the stone bridges across the
canals on the rowing boat, witnessing the distinctive views and ways of life in the
water town.
Among the old mansions and alleyways, there are histories and memories frozen in time
but still alive. You started to realize and comprehend why this place has a unique and
significant spot in Chinese culture.
Follow the nostalgic atmosphere, we settle into the exclusive TongLi House for a hidden
retreat. This historic mansion was once abandoned and now given a new life as a five-room-only
guest house with impeccable and luxurious details.
We enjoy practicing Tai Chi exercise with a pure state of mind and strength in the bamboo
courtyard followed by the performance of Chinese Ballad singing, Pingtan.
With all the senses being satisfied, the living experience is simply balanced and delightful
at the same time.
As the chilly wind blows through the foliage in Tianping Mountain in the morning, we start
a series of cultural discoveries around the old town of Suzhou:
from the largest Buddhist bell at the famous Hanshan Temple and Monastery; to the exquisite
architecture, elegant art form and delicate beauty at Humble Administrator’s Garden
and Tuisi Garden which are among the four most important Chinese gardens in history.
They best represent the prosperity, prestige, and aesthetics from different eras and dynasties.
And finally, through the mysterious bamboo forest, we arrive at Tiger Hill, a site that
was built from two and half thousand years ago as the final resting place of Wu King
HeLu, the founding father of Suzhou. A legend states that a white tiger appeared on the
hill to guard the tomb following his burial, hence the name.
At the end of the intricate trails and temples in the area, we made it to the top of the
hill by the leaning Yunyan 云岩 Pagoda that has been serving as a symbol of ancient Suzhou
for years.
After dark, the water town comes alive at PingJiang Road, along with Kunqu Opera performance
by the famous master Lu. Originated from this region, Kunqu is one of the oldest Chinese
operas and the only ancient theater work that remains alive in the world.
After the mesmerizing melody at the theater, we are left in the cold with the moonlight,
empty canals, and the street light reflections on the water.
The scenery describing from the poem, "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge” by Tang Poet JiangJi,
pretty much sums up the elements and the elegance we have encountered in Suzhou, with a bit
of loneliness and sadness as the night falls.