The canal
And stone bridges.
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Old Suzhou's loveliest street, running about 1,606 m along the Pingjiang canal through a historic district of about 0.4 square kilometres; it carries Suzhou's name under the Southern Song, and in 2015 it was listed among China's national historic and cultural streets. Visitors walk the canal bank between white-walled houses with grey roofs, small arched stone bridges and wooden boats gliding slowly by, with quiet old lanes branching off that keep the feel of city life. Many houses have become cafés, teahouses and craft and embroidery shops, some staging traditional pingtan storytelling-singing, and the street leads north to the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Suzhou Museum. Wandering is free; early morning and evening, when the lanterns light up, are best, and you can take a boat on the canal. Many local snacks contain pork, so ask about ingredients.
And stone bridges.
And pingtan.
Quiet and calm.
Gusu District, northeast of the old city, Suzhou
Lion Grove GardenA famous classical garden in old Suzhou, built in 1342 under the Yuan by a Buddh12 minutes walk4.4
Suzhou MuseumOne of the world's most visited museums, with more than two million visitors in 16 minutes walk4.3
Humble Administrator's GardenSuzhou's largest and best-known garden, considered by many the finest in souther17 minutes walk4.3
Master of the Nets GardenA small garden counted among the finest in China, first built in 1140 by Shi Zhe21 minutes walk4.7Yes, it's old Suzhou's loveliest canal-side street, among traditional houses and stone bridges; it's free, and best early in the morning or in the evening.