Suzhou's 'hidden routes' with destinations off the beaten track

Are there any ways to explore Suzhou that can avoid crowds, produce excellent photos, and also include culinary delights? Today, iSuzhou will recommend six "hidden routes" to those having itchy feet.

Chaiyuan Garden (Suzhou Education Museum)柴园→Yan Wenliang Memorial Hall颜文梁纪念馆→Canglang Pavilion沧浪亭→Keyuan Garden可园→Suzhou Museum of Inscribed Stone Tablets苏州碑刻博物馆

Chaiyuan Garden was built during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and now serves as the Suzhou Education Museum, showcasing the city's long history of education. Yan Wenliang Memorial Hall is the only remaining building of the Four Great Art Schools during the Republic of China (1912-1949), known for its exquisite architecture and rich exhibits. Canglang Pavilion, built during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), is the oldest among Suzhou's existing classical gardens. Across from Canglang Pavilion is Keyuan Garden, which still retains the layout in the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911). The Suzhou Museum of Inscribed Stone Tablets houses four stone tablets from the Song dynasty (960-1279), which are the most-treasured pieces of its collection.

Ligongdi李公堤→Yao Jianping Embroidery Art Museum姚建萍刺绣艺术品牌馆→Cai Yundi Jiangnan Three Carvings Art Museum蔡云娣江南三雕艺术馆→Ming Gallery of Art明·美术馆→Huxin Pavilion湖心亭

Ligongdi boasts various cultural venues such as Yao Jianping Embroidery Art Museum, Cai Yundi Jiangnan Three Carvings Art Museum (three carvings refer to stone carving, jade carving and brick carving), and Ming Gallery of Art.

Huxin Pavilion, or Lake-center Pavilion, is the signature building in Ligongdi. It offers a great view of Jinji Lake.

Museum of Wu吴文化博物馆→Baodai Bridge·Tantai Lake Grand Canal National Cultural Park宝带桥·澹台湖大运河国家文化公园→Baodai Bridge宝带桥

The Museum of Wu is the country's first museum specially showcasing the culture of Wu region. Two exhibitions, titled "Ways of Seeing - Venice and Suzhou: Cities of Water" and "The Dream of the Red Chamber," are being held at the museum.

Situated in Baodai Bridge·Tantai Lake Grand Canal National Cultural Park, Baodai Bridge is a nationally protected site with a history of about 1,200 years. It is also the longest and has the most arches among ancient stone arch bridges in China.

Lingyan Mountain灵岩山→Cangshu Mutton Street藏书羊肉美食街→Mudu Ancient Town木渎古镇

Lingyan Mountain is famous for its peculiar rock formations. In the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.), Fuchai, the king of the state of Wu, built a palace on the mountain. Though the palace was long ago destroyed, some of the spots that Fuchai and his retinue frequented are still there, such as King-of-Wu Well and Moon-Admiring Pond.

Cangshu Mutton Street is home to numerous famous mutton restaurants. A dazzling array of dishes made with mutton help you flesh out in fall.

Mudu Ancient Town, formerly known as Duchuan and Xiangxi, is the only classical garden town in the regions south of the Yangtze River. Must-visit attractions include Yan's Garden, Hongyin Villa, and Gusong Garden.

Suzhou Museum West苏州博物馆西馆→Shizi Mountain狮子山→Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre苏州狮山大剧院

In addition to sections showcasing the history and crafts of Suzhou, Suzhou Museum West has a hall for exhibits from its overseas counterparts.

After leaving Suzhou Museum West, don't forget to climb Shizi Mountain, or Lion Mountain, nearby to enjoy the cityscape of Suzhou.

Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre is where various forms of performances such as dance dramas, musicals, ballets, concerts, and family shows are staged.

Chongyuan Temple重元寺→Lianchi Lake Park莲池湖公园→Yunshan Lake Park云杉湖公园→Peninsula Farmland半岛田园

Chongyuan Temple stands like a lotus blooming in Yangcheng Lake. The Guanyin Pavilion is the iconic building of Chongyuan Temple, located on a small artificial island on the lake.

Continuing your cycling trip along the lake, you will pass Lianchi Lake Park and Yunshan Lake Park. Lianchi Lake Park has large areas of lotuses and other aquatic plants, while Yunshan Lake boasts over 100 species of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and aquatic plants.

Peninsula Farmland is a paradise of plant landscapes dotted with vegetable gardens, vegetable terraces, camphor forests, and grassland.
Source: 好玩苏州 (WeChat ID:suzhouwlv), photos by Liu Zhen, Ximalaya Beipodeyu, William
Source：iSzhou