A Wonderful Trip to Xiangcheng, Suzhou
Hey, foreign friends! If you’re planning a trip to Suzhou, Xiangcheng is a hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss. In August 2020, I went on a 3 – day trip to Xiangcheng with my friends, spending about 3,000 yuan per person. Let me share this amazing journey with you.
Natural Beauty in Xiangcheng
1. Yangcheng Lake Meiren Tui (Beauty’s Leg)
When I first heard the name “Meiren Tui”, I was full of curiosity. When I finally got there, I found that it was named so because its shape resembles a beauty’s leg. It’s also one of the birthplaces of Wu culture, with the precious “Ten Wonders of Xiangcheng” historical and cultural landscapes.
Walking on Meiren Tui Island, I felt so relaxed. The lake view, rural scenery, green trees, and colorful flowers made it a paradise. Every weekend, people from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai love to escape here. Instead of rushing to specific attractions, you can just choose a nice place by the lake, take a stroll, and enjoy the tranquility. There are many one – stop vacation hotels, and the area has a well – developed system for parent – child tours and farmhouses.
Especially in autumn, when the Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs come, it will be even more popular. So, catch the end of summer and come here to have fun!
2. Yangcheng Lake Lotus Island
Lotus Island is another great place in Yangcheng Lake. It got its name because it looks like a blooming lotus. There are no vehicles on the island, and only about 300 original residents raise hairy crabs here. The natural scenery is incredibly charming. Although the lotus season has passed, you can still see many beautiful white lotuses along the lakeside promenade.
You can see large flocks of birds flying over the endless lawn. There are also many facilities for children on the lawn, which can give parents a break. Remember, there is only one ferry arriving at the island about every hour. So, check the official information at the pier before going. And the Yangcheng Lake Tourism Distribution Center Pier, known as one of the “Most Beautiful Passenger Terminals in the World”, has a minimalist design. The staggered columns make it look like a thatched cottage by the sea, attracting many tourists to take photos.
On the island, there are attractions like the Memory Garden, Lotus Bookstore, Parent – Child Paradise, and Barbecue Area. You can explore these places to learn about the islanders’ lives or have a great vacation with your family and friends.
Cultural Highlights in Xiangcheng
1. Suzhou Royal Kiln Gold Brick Museum
As the first museum in China dedicated to “Royal Kiln Gold Bricks”, it aims to protect the profound cultural heritage through its architectural design. The museum has a main building and includes areas such as the Royal Kiln Site, Contemporary Art Exchange Center, and Remnant Kiln Site Group.
Gold bricks were high – quality floor tiles used in palace buildings during the Ming and Qing dynasties and held a high status in history. During the museum tour, the guide can tell you about the bricks’ history, characteristics, uses, and production process. You can even learn to make a gold brick in the interactive area.
Designed by the famous architect Liu Jiakun, the museum has many elements that are perfect for Instagram. Many travelers wear vintage clothes to take photos here, feeling like they’ve traveled back in time.
2. Feng Menglong Village
Located at the junction of Suzhou and Wuxi, Feng Menglong Village used to be called “Xinxiang Village”. It was renamed to commemorate the famous folk literature master Feng Menglong.
There are a series of attractions in the village, including Feng Menglong’s Former Residence, Memorial Hall, and Academy, all of which are free for visitors. Through this exploration, you can have a deeper understanding of Feng Menglong’s great contributions.
Thanks to the simple local customs and beautiful natural environment, there are various vacation activities here, such as museum visits, fruit picking, farmhouse dining, and ancient village tours. It’s a great place for city dwellers to relax.
3. Wuzhen Taoist Temple
Built in the third year of the Chunxi era of the Song Dynasty, Wuzhen Taoist Temple is over 800 years old. It’s located in the bustling area of Xiangcheng, near the Huoli Island Business District. The temple is themed around the legend of Gu Kaizhi, combining history and local customs. When you walk around, you can feel the rich cultural heritage. If you’re lucky enough to encounter a blessing ceremony, you can feel the priests’ longing for an ideal life from their pious performances.
4. Suzhou Second Workers’ Cultural Palace
Opened this year, the Suzhou Second Workers’ Cultural Palace combines functions such as culture, art, sports, fitness, education, and training. It has facilities like a theater, basketball court, table – tennis room, swimming pool, exhibition hall, and training classrooms, making it an ideal place for people of all ages to relax on weekends. Many young locals like to gather here. No matter what kind of fitness activity you like, you can find like – minded people. The design of the palace is very eye – catching, with many popular photo spots. In the sunny afternoon, when the sunlight shines through the glass and creates beautiful shadows on the wall, it’s the perfect time to take pictures.
5. Suzhou Second Library
Opened at the end of last year, the Suzhou Second Library has a large – scale intelligent integrated library, which is unique in the country. The service areas in the library include a digital experience hall, intelligent three – dimensional library, music library, Suzhou literature museum, design library, and children’s library, aiming to create a warm and comfortable “citizen’s study”.
The design of the library is also a highlight. When the afternoon sun shines through the glass, the interplay of light and shadow, combined with the literary exhibitions, adds a special charm. There are many places in the library worth taking photos, such as the entrance and interior of the music library, which are full of trendy, avant – garde, and vintage elements.
Culinary Delights in Xiangcheng
1. Yumizhixiang Shibazao
Our first dining stop in Xiangcheng was Yumizhixiang Shibazao. The restaurant’s antique design style caught our attention immediately. In the courtyard, there is a stage. Every evening, there are professional opera performances, which adds a sense of ceremony.
You can choose to dine on the outdoor terrace or in a private and quiet private room. The ingredients here are of high quality. There are so many signature dishes that you can’t even count them on your fingers: farmhouse grass – fed chicken soup, soy – sauce river shrimps, roast duck, steamed chicken soup bowl, and “June Yellow” crabs.
During the hairy crab season, if you don’t make a reservation about half a month in advance, you’ll have to wait in line. The average consumption per person here is about 150 yuan, which is quite cost – effective.
2. Yangcheng Yuyin Chinese Restaurant
It’s not easy to find Yangcheng Yuyin Chinese Restaurant without a local guide. As a well – known Chinese restaurant under the Suzhou Yangcheng Lake Xike Hotel, it has a high reputation and ranks among the top in the Yangcheng Lake area.
The restaurant’s design shows a high – end style. With a Japanese – style design, the outdoor area is perfect for taking great photos. You can see a calm lake, lush foxtail grass, quiet paths, and simply – designed houses. It’s hard to believe that this is a farmhouse.
The Jiangsu – Zhejiang cuisine here is also of high quality. The “Mao – bean and ‘June Yellow’ Crab” is a signature dish. The plump crab meat with rich and flavorful sauce is really irresistible. The “Yuyin Special Braised Pork” may look fatty, but it melts in your mouth. Other dishes like steamed white fish and Yuyin’s special homemade chicken soup are also very stable in quality and worth trying. The average consumption per person here is about 250 yuan.
3. Mingya Liuzao Renjia
This farmhouse is located at the entrance of Feng Menglong Village. Compared with the previous two restaurants, it’s smaller in scale, but the dishes are more authentic and affordable. The environment is very quiet, which is why many people like it. You can taste many home – style dishes here, such as braised pork, mixed fish, green pepper and beef fillet, braised fish, and scrambled eggs. There are also large lotus ponds and vineyards near the entrance. Taking a slow walk here and feeling the rural atmosphere will make you love life more.
Nightlife in Xiangcheng
As a Cantonese, I love night markets. In Xiangcheng, the Huoli Island Night Market is the largest in the area and is sure to become a favorite among many. The night market is very large, even bigger than many night markets in Taipei. There are a wide variety of goods here. Although the stalls are generally small, you can still find good things.
The fresh fruits here are often cheaper than those in the vegetable market. Many local farmers set up stalls here every night. There are also many fun games and shows, such as game machines and live KTV.
If you’re tired from walking around the night market, you can go to a small restaurant for a late – night snack. On the last night of our Suzhou trip, we went to a barbecue stall in the night market. It’s a great place to chat with friends, drink beer, and eat barbecue.
In addition to the Huoli Island Night Market, the Wangting Night Market, known as the “Rice Fragrance Town” and full of fashionable and literary atmosphere, and the High – speed Railway New City Night Market, which combines the Youlin Market, Lipstick Art Exhibition, New City Food Street, and Campus Talent Competition, are also worth visiting.
Accommodation in Xiangcheng
1. Suzhou Yangcheng Lake Xike Hotel (Yangcheng Lake Area)
The hotel is located on Meiren Tui Island in the Suzhou Yangcheng Lake Tourist Resort, with unique natural landscape advantages. It’s built by the lake and has facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, lawn, red sand pool, and German Haba Children’s Paradise. It’s a popular weekend parent – child vacation destination for travelers from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.
The hotel rooms are simply and stylishly designed. From the balcony, you can overlook Yangcheng Lake and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing afternoon. You can reach the Lotus Island Pier on foot, and there are also many good places nearby, such as farmhouses, Huayi Movie World, and Lianchi Lake Park.
2. Pullman Suzhou Zhonghui Hotel (City Center of Xiangcheng)
If you want to stay closer to the city center of Xiangcheng, I highly recommend the Pullman Suzhou Zhonghui Hotel, which opened last year. It’s located in the core area of Xiangcheng, with elements of art, high – technology, and vitality. The Pullman brand always emphasizes the combination with art and culture. You should visit the Pullman Art Gallery here. The works of many artists will surely bring you a different awakening journey.
The Suzhou Second Library, Suzhou Royal Kiln Gold Brick Museum, and Suzhou Second Workers’ Cultural Palace are all within a 20 – minute drive from the hotel, making it very convenient.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive at Suzhou North Station at noon. Take a taxi or drive to Suzhou Xike Hotel. Spend the afternoon walking around the hotel or swimming in the outdoor pool. Have dinner at Yumizhixiang Shibazao in the evening and experience handicrafts at Cunshang Husher.
- Day 2: Go to Lotus Island in the morning. Have lunch at Yangcheng Yuyin. Visit the Suzhou Second Workers’ Cultural Palace, Suzhou Second Library, and Suzhou Royal Kiln Gold Brick Museum in the afternoon. Have dinner and explore the Huoli Island Night Market at night.
- Day 3: Visit Wuzhen Taoist Temple and Feng Menglong Village in the morning. Have lunch at a farmhouse near Feng Menglong Village and end your Xiangcheng trip.
So, are you ready to embark on this wonderful journey to Xiangcheng, Suzhou?
