OK, I'm ready. Give me the Chinese title.
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Well, I have just returned from Suzhou. To be honest, the experience didn't live up to the hype, I think.
To be specific:
(1) Maybe it was due to the excessive publicity online, raising the expectations much too high?
(2) As everyone knows, Suzhou is renowned for its classical gardens (the kind with super big private gardens owned by wealthy people during ancient times) and picturesque scenes like bridges and flowing rivers (canals and old houses).
However, in all honesty, I didn't find anything particularly captivating or unique; there wasn't something that would make me strongly recommend anyone must visit.
When walking around, I felt it had quite a strong commercial vibe, with many places looking similar, lacking that soulful aura.
In summary, some advice for friends who plan to go (especially those who know little about Chinese culture):
(1) Beware: If you're not interested in delicate, intricate garden arts, or if you dislike being in crowded old towns, Suzhou might not be suitable for you. Make sure to do some research before going, know what you're coming here to see, don't just follow the reputation.
(2) Don't place your hopes too high, otherwise, you may end up having a similar experience as mine with slight disappointment.
To put it briefly, I probably won't come back specially just for this place, leaving a ‘just so-so’ impression. -
Honestly, for all those people trying to 'avoid bad experiences,' I have no idea what you're actually looking for in terms of 'fun'?! I'm the kind of person who finds something interesting everywhere. I enjoy theme parks like Disneyland, strolling through places with Jiangnan charm, and visiting cultural sites. Experiencing the unique culture of each city is such a joyful thing. Some people say to 'avoid' Nanjing because the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum isn't 'fun' – that just makes me laugh. Zhu Yuanzhang's tomb being considered a place for 'fun'? Seriously, those 'experience avoiders' should probably just stay home.
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I'm just like you. When I visit a place, I make it a point to respect and embrace its local culture, customs, and unique characteristics. If everywhere were the same, there'd be no reason to travel, would there?
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You see those travel guides recommending places like Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street, Guanqian Street, and Shilu? They conveniently forget to mention how insanely crowded they get during holidays, not to mention how you'll get totally ripped off.
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Today, I rode my e-bike to Xiaojia Lane. Staring at all those white walls, I nearly crashed into one. I got so dizzy, I felt like crying and banging my head against a wall!
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Honestly, it's better if you don't come! Fewer tourists would make life more comfortable for us locals.
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Jiangxi, Jiangxi, Jiangxi!
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That's probably because you didn't have anyone to show you around properly. Otherwise, if you just wander through the gardens, they might seem just okay. But Suzhou gardens are full of stories, you know.
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The gardens in this whole area are pretty much the same. I definitely experienced some 'aesthetic fatigue.' I had planned to stay for 5 days but ended up going home 3 days early.
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You could spend a whole day at Eslite Bookstore and it still wouldn't be enough. Pingjiang Road? One day is probably about right. The museum and the Humble Administrator's Garden can be done in a day. Jinji Lake can also easily fill a day. And just like that, your holiday is half over!
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A whole day for Pingjiang Road? That's a bit of an exaggeration.
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You know, home is still the best. Seriously, after traveling around, you realize many places are kind of... the same.
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I've traveled to so many places, and I have to say, Jiangxi is actually quite nice. As for Suzhou and Nanjing, I've been to both... meh, they didn't leave much of an impression.