Suzhou - Jiangsu Province

Suzhou is located in the middle of the Yangtze River Delta in the province of Jiangsu. In its heyday during the 16th century this could arguably have been one of China’s most beautiful cities. With its classical gardens and picturesque canals running past cobbled alleys and artist’s pavilions it was a wonderfully harmonious place to be. Luckily much of this splendour has survived and Suzhou is a ‘must see’ for many visitors to China. The city is famous for its old stone bridges, pagodas, and some of China’s finest gardens, including the UNESCO listed Humble Administrator’s Garden. Just an hour outside Shanghai the city offers a glimpse into China’s classical past. Suzhou has also been an important centre for China's silk industry dating back to the Song Dynasty, and there are a number of silk factories which are open to visitors.