Suzhou is renowned as the "Venice of Asia" due to its unique landscape positioned in the Yangtze basin. Its canals, stone bridges and classical gardens have become notable tourist attractions. This setting is remarkably picturesque, generating a feeling of being transported back to ancient China.
However, Suzhou should not be perceived solely as an ancient town. Suzhou represents a harmonious fusion of traditional Chinese architectural styles and modern urban development. As seen in the vicinity of Jinji Lake, which showcase the city's modern identity.
The best way to reach this city from Shanghai is by high-speed train that takes less than 30 minutes. However, as we come in a group of 9 people, we booked a van and a driver for convenient. And with the same van, it took us around the town as well as a return trip to Hangzhou. Driving to Suzhou required slightly more time, about one and half hour.
Right away, we stopped at Xi Yuan Temple where there is a hall of 500 Arhat statues that worth seeing in the temple. These all 500 Arhats has different shapes and styles. After worshiping the Thousand hands Guanyin in the middle of the hall, you can do the "counting Arhats" to get your faith reading. Start with men on the left and women on the right, choose a statue that you like then counting one by one based on your age in lunar years. Once done, the Arhat in front of you represents your present life. If interested, you can remember the number of the Arhat and go to the entrance of the hall to get a corresponding card with annotations. You need to pay 15 Yuan for this, but it is only in Chinese. If you cannot read Chinese like me, just use the Google translator.
Stay tuned for the next blog still in Suzhou:
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