China Travel: Expectations vs. Reality - My 'Surprise' Trip
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The main spots everyone flocks to are the commercial streets, which are always packed and have a very cookie-cutter feel. Honestly, it's much nicer to take your time and leisurely explore the gardens.
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The gardens are packed with people too.
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This whole Hanfu makeup and styling trend really bothers me. I feel like the mass-produced styles just don't look good, and honestly, places like Suzhou and Hangzhou aren't really suited for that aesthetic (I think Henan or Shaanxi would be a better fit). Every time I've gone back home these past couple of years and seen Pingjiang Road flooded with these Hanfu getups, I just don't find it appealing.
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I guess it's because the scenery is so photogenic. And sure, seeing streets full of pretty young women is easy on the eyes, but it inevitably makes everything feel heavily commercialized. When you're trying to appreciate the views, there are people posing for photos everywhere, making it hard to get a decent shot of the actual scenery.
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Well, for places like this, you either need to try living there long-term or visit during the off-season. If you go during public holidays, the gardens are absolutely swamped.
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I arrived three days ago thinking it was the off-season, but it turned out to be pretty crowded still.
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If you visit Suzhou and don't appreciate the gardens, just hopping between tourist spots, it can feel quite repetitive. I just got back from Suzhou yesterday. I stayed at a guesthouse with a wonderful host who recommended lots of great food. The landlady was incredibly warm, and I even had a fantastic time drinking and chatting with a local woman. Also, the lady who did my qipao makeup and hair updo was so gentle. I really think that more than the sights, it's the local culture and the people that truly make a place special.
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Honestly, the whole Southern Jiangsu region can be quite dull. If you include places like Huzhou, Hangzhou, and Jiaxing, the scenery across the entire area is pretty much the same, and the ancient towns are all quite alike too. Plus, the fierce competition for tourists means everyone's services and scenic designs end up looking very much alike. If you have a fondness for the Jiangnan area, I'd personally recommend Wuyuan in March or April – it's more natural and not as heavily commercialized.
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Well, if you think it's boring, then just don't come.
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But you don't know that until you get here!
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How about you come to Changzhou and ride dinosaurs then?
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I love Suzhou and Hangzhou, but Wuzhen? Definitely one to avoid.
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I actually thought Wuzhen was alright; their all-inclusive services were pretty well-organized.