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Suzhou, Jiangsu: A Venetian Charm in China

Unveiling Suzhou, Jiangsu: The Hidden Gem Just 1 Hour from Shanghai

Destination:ChinaCity:SuzhouPopulation: 12.7 million
Unveiling Suzhou, Jiangsu: The Hidden Gem Just 1 Hour from Shanghai
Expat Natt15 min

Unveiling Suzhou, Jiangsu: The Hidden Gem. This was filmed by Expat Natt. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

2 Days in Suzhou, Jiangsu: HEAVEN ON EARTH

Catch a glimpse of China's heavenly beauty, just 1 hour away from the metropolis of Shanghai. We explore this hidden gem, referred to by Marco Polo as "Heaven on Earth" during his travels to Suzhou and the nearby city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang. This city truly lives up to its nickname as "Heaven on Earth." Watch stunning drone footage and see locals in traditional Chinese clothing as we explore this breathtaking destination and dip into the tantalizing tastes the historic city has to offer. Don't miss out on this must-visit spot for your next trip to China!

We wander the enchanting traditional streets and picturesque canals that reminded the Italian explorer of his home city of Venice. Hence, Suzhou is often referred to as The Venice of the East.

As part of our first real roadtrip in our new car, we drive through Qingpu district and make a stop at the scenic 大观园 garden park in Shanghai to fly our drone for the first time. The architectural wonder of the leaning pavilion and the pagodas, nestled between the numerous lakes of Qingpu and Suzhou were breathtaking. With its scenic lakes, stunning temples, and traditional Chinese clothes, this city truly is a breathtaking heaven on earth. Watch our drone footage and explore Suzhou with us!

Miu and I headed to Suzhou in the neighbouring Jiangsu Province for a relaxing weekend away. Just an hour from Shanghai, Suzhou is a popular day trip for Shanghai residents and tourists alike, it’s definitely on my list of must-see cities. Even Marco Polo thought the same!

--- Expat Natt
January 28, 2024, Winter in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Expat Natt and Miu spend a weekend in Suzhou, a short trip from Shanghai known for canals and traditional architecture. They stop at Daguanyuan garden park in Shanghai’s Qingpu district to test a drone, then check into a Suzhou hotel that upgrades them to a room with a larger bed and a view. Their sightseeing includes Shantang Street, crab noodles, local snacks and Tiger Hill, which they reach near closing time. They walk along Pingjiang Road in the evening, look for lamb dishes and skewers, and settle into a quiet bar after rain changes their cocktail plans. The next day, they have brunch at Cafe Mery and watch a heron fly away as Natt tries to film it.

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Unveiling Suzhou, Jiangsu: The Hidden Gem Just 1 Hour from Shanghai

From Shanghai to Suzhou

Expat Natt and Miu take a weekend trip to Suzhou, about an hour from Shanghai. The city is known for canals and traditional architecture and is described as “Heaven on Earth” by Marco Polo. Their drive passes through Shanghai’s Qingpu district, where they stop at Daguanyuan garden park to test a new drone. After reaching Suzhou, they check into a hotel and receive an upgrade to a room with a larger bed and a good view.

Their first walk is along Shantang Street, where they visit a famous noodle restaurant that shells crabs fresh for its crab noodles. They also try local snacks, including Bing Tang Hulu and fried twisted dough. The walk gives them a look at the traditional streets and food stops before they head to Tiger Hill. They arrive close to closing time and do not have long to explore the park and its temple, so the visit is shorter than planned.

Pingjiang Road, rain and brunch

Later, Natt and Miu explore Pingjiang Road and look for a particular lamb dish and street-food skewers. In the evening, the small streets are busy, and they notice people dressed in traditional clothing. They had planned to have cocktails, but unexpected rain changes the evening. They instead find a quiet bar, where they relax and reflect on the trip.

The next day, the couple have brunch by a lake at Cafe Mery. They choose food that is less traditional as part of a mindful approach to their diet. Natt tries to film a heron, but it flies away just as she gets the camera ready. The moment becomes a humorous ending to their trip. The weekend includes canals, street food, a hilltop park, hotel amenities and a weather change that alters their evening plans. It presents Suzhou as a nearby weekend destination, while remaining grounded in the couple’s own route and experiences.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How far is Suzhou from Shanghai?
A: The video describes Suzhou as about an hour’s drive from Shanghai. Natt and Miu travel through Shanghai’s Qingpu district and stop at Daguanyuan garden park on the way.
Q: What local foods do they try in Suzhou?
A: They eat crab noodles at a restaurant on Shantang Street and sample Bing Tang Hulu and fried twisted dough. On Pingjiang Road, they look for lamb dishes and street-food skewers.
Q: What happens to their evening plans?
A: Rain disrupts their plan to have cocktails. Natt and Miu find a quiet bar instead and spend the evening relaxing.

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Suzhou, Jiangsu: A Venetian Charm in China

Suzhou: Explore canals, temples & traditional streets. A relaxing escape near Shanghai, this "Heaven on Earth" charmed even Marco Polo!

Suzhou Travel Guide: Canals, Temples & Local Delights

Explore Suzhou, a hidden gem near Shanghai, dubbed "Heaven on Earth" by Marco Polo. This captivating city boasts enchanting traditional streets, picturesque canals reminiscent of Venice, and stunning temples. Witness breathtaking drone footage showcasing the architectural wonders of the leaning pavilion and pagodas in Qingpu district, Shanghai. Indulge in tantalizing traditional Chinese street food and experience the city's charm at dusk. A perfect weekend getaway, Suzhou offers a relaxing escape just an hour from Shanghai, making it an ideal destination for your next China trip.

Attractions in this video: Shantang Street, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Road, Daguanyuan Garden