Suzhou (population 5.7 million), has been praised as a "paradise on earth" in China since ancient times.Popular Chinese legend states that, "In heaven there is paradise, and on earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou".

Being only two hours from Shanghai, Suzhou has enjoyed great prosperity with recognition over the years as an extraordinarily delicate, elegant city.There is a fair amount to see and the classical and traditional Chinese style and designs in Suzhou make a nice change from the modernity of Shanghai.

Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze basin, the great location that the city affords helped Suzhou become a prosperous trading area so the silk industry especially boomed here. By the 14th Century, Suzhou had become the leading silk producer in China, this quaint little retreat became popular with visitors from the imperial court at Hangzhou China. Artists, scholars and painters of China all retreated to this "Venice of the East" to seek inspiration and to relax.

Suzhou gardens are the most famous attraction in the city. The gardens embody the harmonious principles of Chinese garden construction which dictate that gardens should attempt to create a microcosm of the universe in a confined space.

Amongst the most charming are the Garden of the Master of the Nets plus the Humble Administrators Garden. The intimate gardens here are particularly pleasant on a misty day and Suzhou's narrow streets and lanes can be very romantic also relaxing.

Suzhou's cultural sites and temples are also worth a visit. Suzhou's profound cultural, historical background as an ancient capital have helped make this one of China's premier tourism cities.

However, the crowds of tourists here can get unbearable as Suzhou is also favorite with Chinese tour groups who are bussed in and out on day trips. It's most pleasant therefore, in the early evening when the sun is going down and the streets are emptying. The canals, quaint little houses and alleys are charming at this time.

Get there fast though, as things are changing. Hotels, skyscrapers and highways are going up and urban renewal is eating away at this little area of "paradise".