Suzhou! My WORST Travel Experience. And It's Not Even Close.

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

Well, let me share my miserable experience in Suzhou: not even a holiday trip, and I still had a terrible time.

• Traffic? It's a battlefield!

  • Drivers in Suzhou drive aggressively; they don't give way to pedestrians. Even if you walk on the crosswalk (the lines painted with white stripes for pedestrians), they won't let you go first as a matter of course.
  • ️ Important Reminder: When crossing the street, be extra careful; don’t count on drivers stopping for you. Make sure to check your surroundings carefully for safety.

• Hospital Experience Chilled My Heart.

  • I went to the affiliated First Hospital of Soochow University, which is one of the larger public hospitals in town.
  • Here’s what happened: after a week of hoarseness, things got worse after playing around in Suzhou for one day; eventually, I couldn’t speak at all, so I visited the emergency room.
  • The next morning, I went to the ENT department for further examination. However, the doctor from that department told me, "This also counts as an emergency? Anybody can just go to the emergency room now."
  • I was livid! They did not even tell me the name of the doctor, so I had to criticize the entire department.
  • ️ Important Reminder: If you should unfortunately need medical attention in Suzhou, especially due to a “minor” issue like voice problems, be prepared for possibly unfriendly healthcare providers.

• As for tourist sites, it’s average at best…

  • Tianshan Street: Just another food street that every city in China has, with pretty much the same stuff for sale.
  • Pingjiang Road: Claims to be a historical old street but is all about commercial photo-taking, overcrowded and practically impossible to walk. Want to stroll around leisurely? Forget it!
    • ️ Important Reminder: If you’re someone who dislikes crowds or seeking true old street vibe, Pingjiang Road may seriously let you down.
  • Seven Li Mountain Stream: Another so-called “ancient town,” feeling quite similar to those “ancient towns” in other Chinese cities, with a strong scent of commercialization.
  • Huhu Hill: Very popular, features a slanted tower (kinda like the Leaning Tower of Pisa). But overall, it’s just a large park. In a summary, there isn’t something special enough to see, and no must-eats to savor. After touring round, the most enjoyable part turned out to be Tianshan Street because of its unexpectedly familiar vibe, compared to other city food streets.

All in all, my impression of Suzhou is far from good. I doubt if I'll return there again, and honestly speaking, I don't really recommend it as a specific destination for anyone either.