Things to do in Changshu

We enjoyed a leisurely backpacking trip through Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces this weekend. This time, we visited Yushan Mountain in Changshu. Relatively speaking, we went uphill from Xingfu Temple and then downhill south. What impressed me most was how plump and healthy the fish at Xingfu Temple were – you could even touch them! Yushan Mountain isn't very high, and the scenery is just so-so; we just came for a casual weekend stroll and hike.

The park is quite large, and families can easily spend half a day there. Even during holidays, it doesn't feel crowded. The park has beautiful greenery, and you can choose to take a sightseeing bus or a bamboo raft. The way of exploring the park by moving around and seeing different scenery is particularly good. I would recommend it to other friends.

The core of the Shajiabang Scenic Area is mainly located in Hengjing Old Street, but there are also performances to watch in other areas. The scenic area is quite large, so it's recommended to buy a ticket for the electric shuttle bus upon entry, which allows you to hop on and off at each stop. There's also a play area for children near Grandma Sha's vegetable garden, where you can feed the animals. If you plan to eat crab there, it's advisable to plan your time accordingly; we finished the whole tour in about 3 hours.

It was great, perfect for a family trip! We originally planned to climb the Eagle Trail, but changed our plans due to rain. We hiked from Yujing Wenhua Square to Yushan Gate, then walked to Jianmen Scenic Area, wandered around the area, and then took a bus back! It was quite fun, with all the stops along the way. I suggest the scenic area replace the buses with electric ones; it would be more environmentally friendly, as the noise is too loud and we had to constantly smell gasoline fumes! Overall, it was a very enjoyable family trip!

Strolling through the Humble Administrator's Garden with friends was so relaxing! As a representative of Suzhou gardens, it's truly remarkable. Just inside the entrance, you're greeted by a vast lotus pond. A gentle breeze rustles the lotus leaves, carrying a delicate fragrance – incredibly pleasant. The plaques at the Humble Administrator's Garden add to the ambiance, and the ancient buildings throughout offer picturesque views at every turn. The winding corridors make it perfect for taking scenic photos or capturing stunning moments on social media. When you get tired, you can simply find a spot under a corridor to rest, gazing at the flowers, trees, and rocks in the courtyard. It's a truly relaxing experience, perfect for a leisurely stroll with friends. I highly recommend visiting this place when you're in Suzhou!

In the summer, a popular delicacy in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai area is collectively known as "zaohuo" (糟货), originating from coastal areas like Ningbo. It's made by marinating ingredients in a high-quality "zaolu" (糟卤), and can be cooked or raw, depending on personal preference and the characteristics of the ingredients. It's essential to choose a high-quality bottled zaolu. Supermarkets also sell cheap, bagged zaolu for a couple of yuan, but the taste is inferior, mainly because it uses Shaoxing wine instead of premium Huadiao wine. Almost anything can be marinated: chicken wings, chicken feet, dried tofu, edamame knots, boiled pork, prawns, etc. Chilled in the refrigerator, it's a perfect summer treat, a true delight. Good zaolu can generally be used for marinating two or three times consecutively; after that, the flavor will become less intense.

The Lion Grove Garden is definitely worth a visit; the garden's owner truly had a passion for stones! Stone enthusiasts should definitely take a good look. The Stone Forest Maze is quite interesting; even men who don't want to explore it might accidentally end up having to wander through it!

Tiger Hill Park in Suzhou is a national 5A-level scenic area, renowned as the premier scenic spot in Wuzhong. The park features the Tiger Hill Pagoda, often called the Leaning Tower of Pisa of China, the Thousand-Man Stone, and the Sun Tzu Pavilion. The inscription at the Tiger Hill Sword Pool is particularly striking, displaying a powerful and vigorous style. It is a highly recommended tourist attraction.

Today's visit to the Suzhou Museum, guided by Ms. Xu Hui, was incredibly enriching. Previously, I only knew of the warm patina of the celadon ware and the exquisite craftsmanship of the pearl reliquary pagoda; I could only see the surface of the objects. Many hidden details, the historical context, and the stories behind them—without your patient explanations, I would likely have simply rushed past them, missing their true meaning. Your explanations were unhurried and concise, seamlessly blending historical facts with engaging details, allowing the coldly displayed antiquities to slowly acquire the warmth of time. Although this trip had other regrets, your thoughtful explanations allowed me to truly understand a part of the profound cultural heritage of Jiangnan. I am deeply grateful and thank you very much.

I've memorized "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" since I was little, and this time I finally got to visit Hanshan Temple in person! 🌿 Yellow walls and black tiles, the faint scent of incense—stepping inside instantly brought a sense of peace. Take your time to explore the stele gallery. The stele inscribed with Yu Yue's poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" is here; every word carries poetic meaning across a thousand years. You can climb the bell tower and ring the bell to pray for blessings. The deep, resonant sound carries far, seemingly carrying away all your worries.