Citywalk routes to enjoy recently blooming trumpet creepers

Suzhou has entered meteorological summer recently. The stunning trumpet creepers, a common summer flower in the city, are starting to bloom across streets and alleys. Over the past couple of days, rainfall has helped ease the hot weather and we are having a cool weekend. In case you get itchy feet, here are some citywalk routes for appreciating the flower.

Route 1: Huangfeiji皇废基→Former Residence of Ye Chucang叶楚伧故居→Kenda Art Museum肯达美术馆→Wusa Road五卅路→Former Residence of Zhang Taiyan苏州章太炎故居→Former Site of the CPC Suzhou Independent Branch中共苏州独立支部旧址
Though not long, Huangfeiji lane will be frequented by swarms of people when trumpet creepers are in full bloom.

At the east end of the lane is the former residence of Ye Chucang, a member of the South Society, the largest literature and poetry organization in the Republic of China period (1912-1949). Originally built in the 1920s, the building is a municipal-level protected site and has recently reopened after a year of renovation. It has a cafe with a mini-exhibition showing the history of the city.

At the intersection of Huangfeiji and Jinfan Road is the Kenda Art Museum, a small yet distinctive art space.

A short walk away from the Kenda Art Museum is the former residence of Zhang Taiyan, a Chinese philologist, philosopher, and revolutionary. This Republic-era house is now a cozy space where you can browse books, view exhibitions, enjoy a bowl of noodles, and sip a cup of coffee.

Turn left onto Tiyuchang Road, and you will arrive at the former site of the CPC Suzhou Independent Branch. In 1921, the modern educator Zhang Jiyou founded Leyi Girls' Middle School here.

Route 2: Weng Tonghe Memorial Hall翁同龢纪念馆→Zhaoyuan Garden and Zengyuan Garden赵园·曾园→Yushan Mountain City Wall虞山城墙景区→Xiongying Trail雄鹰线驿站→Shanqianfang Block山前坊文旅创意街区
In just a few days, the trumpet creepers will be in full bloom at the Weng Tonghe Memorial Hall. The well-preserved complex is a typical residence in Jiangnan, or regions south of the Yangtze River, where Weng, an imperial tutor to two Qing-dynasty (1644-1911) emperors, spent his youth.

Zhaoyuan Garden and Zengyuan Garden are just a stone's throw from the Weng Tonghe Memorial Hall. Zhaoyuan Garden is known for its water features, with all of its scenic spots arranged around a central pond. Zengyuan Garden, on the other hand, borrows the scene of Yushan Mountain to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Nearby lies the "Jiangnan Great Wall" - Yushan Mountain City Wall. A short hike up the winding wall rewards you with panoramic views of Fangta Pagoda and Shanghu Lake. For those with extra energy, don't miss out on the challenging hiking route "Xiongying Trail."

Feeling tired? Head to the agritainment restaurants or snack shops on the foot of the mountain, or the nearby Shanqianfang Block to order a few home-style dishes, a bowl of noodles, or a pot of tea.
Route 3: Tiger Hill虎丘山风景名胜区→Li Hongzhang Memorial Hall李鸿章祠→South Society Memorial Hall中国南社纪念馆→Pufu Zen Temple普福禅寺→Yifeng Garden义风园→Shandong Guild Hall山东会馆门墙→Shaanxi Guild Hall陕西会馆→Zhu Xinnian Snack Shop朱新年点心店(山塘街店)→Rong Yang Lou荣阳楼(山塘街店)
The trumpet creepers by the south gate of Tiger Hill are just starting to bloom, but those at Boundless Clouds are already flourishing. The fiery flowers with the thousand-year-old Yunyan Pagoda on the backdrop provide the best photo-op spot.

Outside the south gate is the famous Seven-li Shantang. The western section of the street is a quiet residential area, contrary to the bustling eastern section. It's home to numerous historical sites, such as Li Hongzhang Memorial Hall, South Society Memorial Hall, Pufu Zen Temple, Yifeng Garden, Shandong Guild Hall, and Shaanxi Guild Hall.

If you have time, try to find the seven mysterious stone cats on Shantang Street, namely Fenshui Cat, Haiyong Cat, Baigong Cat, Caiyun Cat, Wenxing Cat, Tonggui Cat, and Meiren Cat.

A little bit hungry after a long walk? Stop by Zhu Xinnian Snack Shop for a bowl of tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), a bowl of noodles, or some shengjian (pan fried dumplings). The deep-fried rice balls from Rong Yang Lou are also worth a try.

Friendly reminder: Trumpet creepers have a long flowering phase lasting through September, but the best time to appreciate them is from late May to early July.

Source: 好玩苏州 (WeChat ID: suzhouwlv), i常熟 (WeChat ID: i_changshu), 常熟发布 (WeChat ID: cs-fabu), 苏州姑苏发布 (WeChat ID: szgsfb); compiled by 苏州发布 (WeChat ID: suzhoufabu365)
Source：iSzhou