The biggest headache when coming to Suzhou is traffic congestion in the old city area. This time, I directly booked my accommodation at Scholars Hotel Suzhou Pingjiangfu and only dared to say after staying. Choosing the right location, you don't have to waste time taking a taxi or taking detours. Even the most authentic old alleys and fireworks in Suzhou can be leisurely carried in your arms.
First of all, let's talk about the most worry free transportation, which is almost one of the least troublesome hotels in the core area of Pingjiang Road. Come out from Exit 3, Linton Road Station, Metro Line 1, and walk 600 meters away, dragging luggage in the old lane full of wutong trees, without stepping on the pitted bluestone road in the scenic area. It's also reassuring to catch the high-speed train. You can take the subway directly to Suzhou Station without transferring, and the whole journey takes 20 minutes. Even if you catch the early high-speed train, you don't have to leave in a panic two hours in advance. The most unique feature is its exclusive passage, where the hotel's side door directly connects to the main street of Pingjiang Road, without having to detour or cross the road. Pushing open the door and taking two steps, you can step into the fireworks of the old street. In the morning, you can see the morning mist on Pingjiang Road and avoid the crowds at least half an hour earlier than people living across the street.
There is no need to make a guide to the surrounding dining routes, they are all about the taste of old Suzhou that can be reached on foot. Walking 300 meters out of the hotel gate, you will arrive at the Weiji Aozao Noodle Store, which has been open for decades. At 6:30 in the morning, you can leisurely stroll past and enjoy freshly cooked fried fish noodles. The soup is so fresh that you can drink two bowls in a row without having to wait in line for one or two hours like tourists. Walk east for 10 minutes and you will arrive at the entrance of the Lover's Garden. Enter the garden before a large number of tourists arrive, and you can enjoy a peaceful view of the entire Su style garden without even waiting for a camera spot to take photos. Walk west for 15 minutes and you will arrive at the south gate of Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove. You don't have to detour around the congested roads outside the scenic area, just open the door and enter the park, perfectly avoiding the peak flow of tourists.
It is more convenient to take the niche route: 20 minutes south along the lane, you can touch the Shuangta Market. The fresh mashed taro, cassava and salty soybean milk are the old taste that only local people often go to; Walk north for 25 minutes and you will arrive at Suzhou Museum. Book your tickets in advance and you can easily get there without having to take a taxi or squeeze into the congested roads of the old city area. Even the old Suzhou Sugar and Water Shop, which many people cannot find, is located in a 10 minute walk from the hotel's alley. There is no need to cross districts to find delicious food, just turn a corner and you can catch the authentic fireworks.
The most wonderful thing is its sense of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle: after wandering around during the day, I turned back to the hotel on the crowded Pingjiang Road and passed through a small garden filled with water lilies. The noise outside was immediately softened by the leaves. At night, I want to go out for a snack. Walking by the river for half an hour, I can come across an old Suzhou living nearby walking with a fan. The leisurely and relaxed feeling is something that can never be felt in a suburban chain hotel.
Before, when I came to Suzhou, I always thought about filling up my schedule and spending one or two hours in traffic and searching for directions every day. This time, after staying at Scholars Hotel Suzhou Pingjiangfu, I realized that the best experience of traveling in Suzhou is never rushing to check in at tourist attractions, but rather not having to take a detour by car. When you wake up, you can leisurely wander to the old street, and when you get tired, you can turn around and go back to the hotel to rest. The sense of security that carries the slow days of Gusu in one's pocket is the most worthwhile place to live in the core area.Show more