population: 10.74 million

extension: 8,488.42 square kilometers

Museums

Great! If you're interested in museums while in Suzhou, I would highly recommend checking out the Suzhou Museum. It is a stunning museum featuring ancient Chinese art and artifacts, as well as contemporary art exhibits. Other museums that might interest you include the Suzhou Silk Museum, which showcases the history of silk production in Suzhou, and the Suzhou Garden Museum, which displays the art of classical Chinese gardens.

Food

Sure! Suzhou is known for its unique and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try according to locals:

1. Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish (松鼠桂鱼): This dish consists of a crispy whole fish that has been deep-fried and then served with sweet and sour sauce.

2. Sweet Osmanthus Rice Wine (桂花酒): A type of Chinese rice wine that is infused with sweet osmanthus flowers. It has a fragrant aroma and is often consumed during festivals.

3. Song Shu Gui Yu (松鼠桂鱼): Similar to the Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, but thinner and crispier in texture.

4. San Bei Ji (三杯鸡): A classic Taiwanese-style dish made with chicken, garlic, ginger, basil, and soy sauce.

5. Gao Tang Noodles (糕汤面): This is a famous Suzhou-style noodle soup that features thick, chewy noodles served in a savory broth made with a variety of meats and vegetables.

6. Crab Meat Dumplings (蟹粉汤包): These dumplings are filled with a mixture of minced pork and crab meat, along with flavorful seasonings like ginger and scallions.

7. Wontons in Vinegar Sauce (红油抄手): Wontons filled with shrimp or pork, served in a spicy chili oil and vinegar sauce.

I hope you enjoy your culinary adventure in Suzhou!

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Suzhou:

1. Visit a classical Chinese garden, such as the Humble Administrator's Garden or the Lion Grove Garden.
2. Take a boat ride on the Grand Canal and enjoy the scenery along the waterway.
3. Watch a Kunqu opera performance at the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater.
4. Stroll around Pingjiang Road, an ancient street lined with traditional architecture, shops, and teahouses.
5. Explore the Suzhou Industrial Park, an area with modern buildings, parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.
6. Try local snacks and street food at Shantang Street, a pedestrianized street famous for its bustling atmosphere and delicious food.
7. Take a bike ride along the Suzhou-Birmingham Greenway, a scenic cycling route that connects Suzhou Industrial Park with other parts of the city.