Ancient Suzhou

If you ever find yourself in Shanghai, overwhelmed by the buzz of a big city and skyskrapers taller than your eye can fully capture, you’ll probably feel like an escape. Sure, you can stroll through the French Concession, with it’s leafy, plane trees lined streets and boutique restaurants – but if you have a few days to spare, you should consider taking a trip out of the city, to ancient Suzhou. This old water lane town will both make your heart drop, and jump, at the same time.

Suzhou is small enough for a day trip, just a short train ride from Shanghai, but staying a few nights really gives you the chance to slow down and soak up all the things this traditional gem has to offer. From the world heritage listed Lingering Garden to the nostalgic gondola rides down narrow water lanes, from the handmade dumplings to hand-brewed coffee, there’s a lot to explore in this city where you’ll sometimes feel like time stood still.

Stay: Suzhou Wuer Space Design Art Hotel

A beautifully designed space located a short walk from the Shangtang Old Street. The rooms are a true delight, but if you don’t end up staying here, you should still stop by for a coffee in the welcoming lobby.

DO: The SUZHOu MUSEUM

A museum filled with ancient Chinese art, paintings, calligraphy and handmade crafts – but it’s the architecture alone that is truly worth a visit. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, this tranquil house of bygone treasures shouldn’t be missed.

See: The old water lanes

The old, commercial water lanes: Shangtang Old Street and Pingjiang Road are a must see. So touristy, but still so worth it. Even the gondola ride will feel special, as you feel yourself drifting back to ancient times. And if you have some extra time to spare, you can easily spend hours relaxing in the abundance of world heritage gardens.

EAT: STREET FOOD

Food wise, your best bet is not to make any reservations – but rather go on the hunt for whatever food catches your eye strolling the canals. That being said, the crab dumplings and scallion pancakes are particularly good – and no trip to this part of China is complete without.

DRink: Single Patch COFFEe

No one would blame you if you went to Suzho and only drank tea, but if you are a coffee lover – Single Patch Coffee is a winner for a deliciously hand-brewed cup of joe. But then of course, no one would think twice if you ordered a frothy cappuccino either, and it’s probably equally as good.

Words: Lene Haugerud