Suzhou vs. Hangzhou: Worlds Apart! (And Boy, Do I Have Thoughts...)
-
Hello everyone! I spent a week each in Suzhou and Hangzhou, two places which truly impressed me with their distinct feeling. I would like to share my experience with you all:
- Where do tourists go?
In Hangzhou, tourists seem to be densely clustered around the West Lake area, as well as places like the Leifeng Pagoda (featured in the Legend of White Snake) and Lingyin Temple (a renowned ancient temple). But head a bit further away, and other scenic spots become much quieter.
Suzhou, on the other hand, is bustling with people crowding into its gardens (Suzhou's classical gardens are world-renowned). So, if you want to avoid crowds, not visiting the gardens makes the experience more enjoyable.
- Waterland showdown!
It is said that Southern Jiangnan (referring to the area south of the Yangtze River with densely distributed waterways) boasts beautiful water scenes, but the experiences in these two places do vary.
Hangzhou has more diverse water landscapes: with the Qiantang River where one can witness spectacular tides (famous for the Qiantang tide phenomenon), West Lake - home to iconic locations such as the Ten Notable Scenes of the West Lake - and the Grand Canal (yes, the ancient artificial waterway that connects Beijing and Hangzhou by imperial decree!), allowing visitors to take boat tours around the city.
In Suzhou, major lakes like Jinji Lake, Shihu Lake, Taihu Lake and Dudushu Lake abound, along with fewer crowds and picturesque views. Its moat, I am told, draws water from the Grand Canal.
- Which place shines brightest at night?
When it comes to nightscapes, Hangzhou centers around the banks of the Qiantang River, where skylines stretch along forming a long strip of lights.
The night scene in Suzhou radiates around Jinji Lake, a circle of shopping malls and landmarks surrounding creating a big halo of light.
- Who prefers traditional attire?
Tourists wearing traditional clothing (also known as 'Hanfu', the beautiful traditional dress) are found much more in Suzhou than in Hangzhou!
In Hangzhou, one might encounter a few people shooting photos in traditional outfits only in spots like the West Lake and Xixi Wetland (a large natural park). However, in Suzhou, oh wow! The streets and subways are brimming with people in Hanfu. Not to mention famous sites like the Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove Garden, where they are filled with young ladies dressed in Hanfu and cheongsam (another renowned traditional Chinese dress).
- City charm showdown!
Imaging-wise, Hangzhou has a more majestic feel, akin to a great lady who has seen the world; whereas Suzhou exudes elegance, just like a delicate beauty hidden away in a secluded alley, brimming with flavor.
️ Pay attention: public transportation payment methods differ!
When taking the metro in Hangzhou, you can directly use Alipay or WeChat pay (the most commonly used mobile payment Apps), extremely convenient!
However, in Suzhou, you must download an App called "SuE Travele" first, then link your Alipay or bank card before being able to use it. This does present somewhat of an inconvenience, thus it is recommended to prepare beforehand to avoid any hasty efforts later on.
- Modernity vs Traditional charm
Lastly, Hangzhou seems more modernized, as smart fitness amenities, unmanned supermarkets, unmanned hotels, etc., are all around, imbued with an air of internet revolution; whereas Suzhou feels more traditional, providing a sense of returning to its roots and relaxation.
-
As someone from Suzhou, I'd say Hangzhou is better in every aspect.
-
They have different styles; Suzhou is great too.
-
Actually, people from neither city are really interested in constantly comparing them.
-
Suzhou and Hangzhou have a pretty friendly relationship; there's no real competition, and they both share the title of 'paradise on earth'.
-
When did you visit Suzhou? Can't you just scan a QR code directly there?
-
For places like Suzhou and Shanghai, you have to download separate apps. It's such a hassle!
-
As a Suzhou local, I admit Hangzhou is truly better in terms of urban development and planning. Suzhou is quite weak in these aspects. However, our ancient city district is very well preserved, largely retaining the layout shown on the old Pingjiang Map. I still prefer Suzhou, no need to compare. For me, Suzhou is simply the best.
-
You can't use Alipay in Suzhou?!?!
-
You can use Alipay or WeChat directly on the Suzhou Metro; you don't necessarily have to download the Su E Xing app.
-
Reading this has me confused. I was just in Suzhou during the National Day holiday, and I simply applied for metro access through Alipay, and it worked perfectly.
-
When it comes to food, I personally feel Suzhou offers a rich variety of dishes, with delicious freshwater delicacies from Taihu Lake and Yangcheng Lake. Hangzhou, on the other hand, feels like a bit of a food desert to me.
-
It's not too bad, I think. In Hangzhou, I enjoy Sichuan, Hunan, and Quzhou cuisine. And if I'm looking for something else, there are always Shengzhou and Shaxian snacks... It's just that when I first moved to Hangzhou a couple of years ago, I weighed just over 80 jin (around 40kg), and now I'm 110 jin (around 55kg). The milk tea here is dangerously good!
-
I'm a Suzhou native, but I prefer Hangzhou because it has mountains; it's truly a place nestled 'between mountains and water.' A road trip through western Zhejiang is an absolute highlight. Suzhou's hills like Tianping, Lingyan, and Yangshan, at only two or three hundred meters high, aren't really much to look at in comparison. Scenically, Hangzhou is definitely better.
-
True. Even if you get a lake-view room, looking out, it can seem quite bare. Plains don't offer as many natural scenic features as mountainous areas. The food is cheap, but on the other hand, the city seems to go to sleep too early.
-
I live in Suzhou and happen to be visiting Hangzhou today. I think your summary is very comprehensive.
-
So, in terms of scenery, which one would be a slightly better choice to visit?
-
As someone from Hangzhou, I love visiting Suzhou.
-
As a Suzhou local, I like Hangzhou.
-
It's hard to compare; one is a provincial capital, and the other is a prefecture-level city. But I've always loved the saying, 'Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.' I'm very fond of both places.