Where osmanthus blooms: A fragrant journey through Suzhou

Osmanthus is the city flower of Suzhou. This year's blossoms are already in bloom, and the city has added a lively osmanthus market and a variety of themed activities. Follow this osmanthus tour route and switch your life into fragrant mode.

Route: Guihua Park (Osmanthus Market)桂花公园→Master of the Nets Garden网师园→Shiquan Street十全街→Canglang Pavilion沧浪亭
Transport: Take Metro Line 5 to Zhuhuiqiao Station竹辉桥[地铁站] and then walk to Guihua Park
Recommended time: 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
Best spot: Throughout the park

Admission: Free
The park is home to over 40 varieties of osmanthus. An osmanthus market is currently being held, bringing together food, crafts, intangible cultural heritage, and cultural products related to the flower. The park is located along the Ancient Moat Ring Fitness Trail, so climbing the city wall to take in Suzhou's skyline is also recommended. 

Best spot: Small Hill and Osmanthus Fragrance Pavilion

Admission: 30 yuan (Jan-Mar, June, Nov-Dec), 40 yuan (Apr-May, July-Oct)
Though osmanthus is scattered across the garden, the most enchanting spot is undoubtedly the Small Hill and Osmanthus Fragrance Pavilion wrapped in the gentle fragrance.

Food recommendations: Sugar-roasted chestnuts, taro syrup with osmanthus, sweet porridge with gorgon fruit
Who says osmanthus can only be admired? On Shiquan Street, you can taste it, too. The sugar-roasted chestnuts infused with osmanthus fragrance at Xiaoliwang, the taro syrup with osmanthus at Grandma Mung Bean Shop, the sweet porridge with gorgon fruit at Dududu Sweet Porridge, a cup of osmanthus latte at a random cafe... Strolling down the street means encounters with osmanthus flavors at every turn.

Best spots: Pure Fragrance House, Enlightenment Hall明道堂, Smelling Prunus Mume Pavilion闻妙香室

Tickets: 15 yuan (Jan-Mar, June, Nov-Dec), 20 yuan (Apr-May, July-Oct)
There are over 10 old osmanthus trees at the Pure Fragrance House, making it a must-visit spot.

The Suzhou Tourist Information Center has recently introduced a special stamp themed around osmanthus. You are welcome to visit the branch on Fenghuang Street to collect it.

Location: Fenghuang Street Service Center of Suzhou Tourist Information Center (276 Fenghuang Street, Gusu District; by the entrance of Dinghuisi Lane)

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hotline: 0512-65212273

Source：iSzhou