Introducing iSuzhou's new series: What's in Suzhou's Countryside

What's in Suzhou's Countryside?

With the nation advancing rural vitalization on all fronts, Suzhou has developed a number of distinctive villages, showcasing the city's dedication to modernization in the new era.

iSuzhou proudly presents its new video series: What's in Suzhou's Countryside. Focusing on some of the city's most representative villages, the series invites international students who live and study in Suzhou to explore these villages in person, discovering the unique stories of Suzhou's rural revitalization.

Episode 1

Jijiadun Village

Village Promotion Ambassador

Jude from Madagascar

Located in Kunshan, Suzhou, Jijiadun Village is dubbed the "Ideal Village," a hub for art, food, and crafts. In 2020, the village was selected as a "beautiful leisure village in China." Now, let's start our journey with Jude!

Jijiadun was once a traditional Jiangnan village. But everything changed in 2015, when the government introduced a professional management team to redevelop the village. That's how the "Ideal Village" we see today came to be.

Currently Jijiadun is home to over 100 "new residents." You will find themed homestays, cafes, meeting spaces, bookstores, markets, craft studios, and even family-friendly areas. Pretty much everything you could imagine about a peaceful countryside life is right here.

As the Chinese saying goes, "来都来了" (since you're already here), so you've got to try something unique to Jijiadun. Let's go!

Dundun Goose

Dundun Goose is the guardian of Jijiadun. It's so adorable that you just can't resist taking a photo with it!

Dundun Mini Train

Riding the mini train, you can enjoy the beautiful countryside scenery. It's fun and relaxing at the same time.

Handicrafts

There are so many handicraft studios in Jijiadun, and Jude decided to make a ceramic on her own. After processing and firing, a piece of clay can turn into delicate objects. "It's so amazing," Jude couldn't help but exclaim. From soft to hard, from clay to beautiful ceramics - that's the magic Chinese craftsmen have been working for a thousand years.

Art Exhibition

At an exhibition featuring poetry written by children from rural areas, Jude was amazed by a poem of a 12-year-old. "Reading that poem, I think it's so nice and talented. I really didn't expect an art exhibition in countryside!"

Water Sports

Situated in a typical Jiangnan water town, Jijiadun is perfect for water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. Gliding through the canals in a kayak, you will see a side of Suzhou's that's totally different from what you get on land. And you may even come across a group of ducks!

What a relaxing day! "I highly recommend Jijiadun if you want to escape the city for a weekend." This is the perfect countryside getaway for Jude. What about yours?

Source: iSuzhou