Fu Hui Hotel

Rural vs Urban Gap

by SLLiew

With fast pace economic development, you can see prosperity in Suzhou with new apartment high rise and overseas financed manufacturing factories in the industrial park.

Yet just outside, there are still rural farmers ekeing a living and doing many things manually in the traditional way. Here is a farmer lugging a cart.

Cold Mountain Temple

by cheezecake_deli

The deliciously named and delightful Cold Mountain Temple is a Buddhist temple with an important literary association. Originally outside Suzhou's borders, it was immortalised by Tang poet Zhang Ji in his famous poem "Anchored at Night by the Maple Bridge", which is now inscribed on a stone stele in the temple grounds. The poem talks about the clanging of the temple's bell, and can be recited by most who schooled in China or Japan - indeed, the temple is often crowded with Japanese visitors at New Year's Eve to listen to the ringing of the bell (for a small fee, you can do this anytime!). The original bell was lost during the Ming dynasty, allegedly stolen by the Japanese, though no one can verify this. The current bell dates from 1905, a present from Japan. The temple remains a working one, and you might chance upon chanting and praying monks.

Admission price is RMB20. The temple is open daily from 0800 to 1700.

Suzhou : Venice of the East

by Restless-in-kl

"Watery canals"

Located just 2 hours out of Shanghai, Suzhou is a world apart from the bustling, uber modern city of Shanghai.

Suzhou is charming with its ancient buildings surrounded by lovely canals and trees.

I was told that the fairest maidens from China all hail from Suzhou.

"Dressed for autumn"

Visiting Suzhou in autumn is a beautiful experience. Weather is cool, air seems fresher and nature is all dressed up for the occasion.