Located in the Yangtse Delta, an hour by train from Shanghai this unmissable town is largely known for its superlative oriental gardens. It is however far more than that, though they are reason alone to visit.

Almost half of the old city is water, giving rise to the nickname the “Venice of the East” and, with its canal-side houses, it is an attractive town. Taihu Lake, four fifths of which is in the area of Suzhou, is one of the four largest fresh lakes in China, and the city is on the famous Grand Canal.

The city dates from 514 BC and is today laid out on a grid pattern, with canals and streets lying aside one-another. It’s a great place for wandering whether on foot or by bike.

Attractions include the World Heritage List, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden, the Garden of Master of Nets and the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty. Also worth visiting are the water townships of Zhouzhuang, Mudu and Tongli Town and so on should not be missed by any visitor.