China Suzhou General Introduction

In the lower reaches of the Yangtze and on the shores of Lake Taihu lies the 2,500-year-old city of Suzhou, the cradle of Wu culture. 　The name “Wu”, often applied to refer Suzhou, derived from the local tribes who named themselves “Gou Wu” in the late Shang Dynasty about 11th century BC. Later, King Helu of Wu State in 514 BC built his capital here known as the “Great city of Helu”, and since then the city’s site and scale have remained virtually unchanged, making Suzhou a rare city of historical and cultural renown in the world. 　The natural scenery of hills and waters in Suzhou is as charming as a delicate beauty. Of the whole area, 10 percent is cultivated fields, 30 percent hills, and the rest covered with water. 　Streets and alleys in Suzhou extend side by side with canals. Small bridges and flowing waters, white walls and dark grey roof tiles match one another in tranquil elegance. As a poem describes, “On arriving in Suzhou you beholds: Houses are all pillowed on water’s edge.” The gentle waters make the prominent urban scenery. 　The poetic and picturesque Suzhou gardens are a typical demonstration of simple elegance, with intriguing scenes found in every season and in all weathers. 　Endowed with abundant native produce, the rich and exquisite Suzhou cuisine sets a style of its own on this “land of plenty”. 　The traditional performing arts of Suzhou are best represented by the Kunqu Opera, Suzhou Opera and Ballad singing, reputed both in China and overseas for their minute acting and harmonic melody. 　The folks here are honest, good-natured, friendly and hospitable---a tradition from times of yore. 　As a major tourist city of wide reputation, Suzhou lives up to all the expectations in food, hotel accommodations, transport, sight-seeing shopping and recreation. 　Today’s Suzhou is an open city with developed economy and frequent exchanges with the outside world. It has been officially declared part of “the coastal economic open zone of the Yangtze Delta”. Comprehensive industrial system has taken shape, and there has been tremendous expansion in foreign trade and international economic cooperation. Currently, Suzhou has sister cities in Italy, Canada, Japan and the United states. 　“Seeing is believing. ” You are warmly expected to visit Suzhou. Here, what you see and here will surely leave you a lasting impression.