Is Li Bai Crab really good?

Hey travelers! If you're planning a trip to Suzhou between May and August, this is a must-read. Hotels in Suzhou are currently offering insane discounts due to the off-season, with some luxury hotels slashing their rates by nearly half. Don't waste your money on overpriced bookings through platforms like Trip.com or Booking.com—instead, pay directly at the front desk for better deals!

Here's a quick rundown of some top picks:

The Park Hyatt Suzhou is now just $1268 for three nights. Located near Jinji Lake, it features soft blue-green tones inspired by the lake, along with blackout curtains, air conditioning, and coffee machines.

The Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou is priced at $1589 for three nights. Nestled by Jinji Lake, it incorporates Suzhou’s natural beauty into its design, offering spa services and gourmet dining options.

The W Hotel Suzhou is available for $1059 for three nights. With its modern take on traditional Suzhou architecture, it uses glass and lighting to create an artistic vibe.

The Niccolo Hotel Suzhou costs $1088 for three nights. Situated atop the Suzhou International Financial Center, it boasts spacious rooms and panoramic views from its sky-high restaurant.

Other great options include The Ritz-Carlton ($1399 for two nights), Lion Hill Banyan Tree ($1699 for two nights), Kimpton Zhuhui Hotel ($1258 for three nights), and Shangri-La Hotel ($769 for two nights).

For those wondering how to snag these deals, leave a message with the code '888' and I'll share my secrets personally. Remember, booking smartly can save you big bucks while enjoying world-class accommodations!

Just grab some instant hotpot seasoning packets and call it a day [wink]

Isn't it our side (mainland China) that isn't issuing the travel endorsements for Taiwan?

Good to know.

I've lost my drive. When I first came to Shenzhen, in my first year, everything felt so new and exciting. Now, in my third year, all I feel is exhaustion from work.

This is exactly why I'm hesitant to book homestays. They can be such a rip-off.

Alright, no problem! Let me break it down for you in simpler terms:

• As for Guangzhou, it seems like it is a bit of a stretch compared to the idea of an "international metropolis" I once had.

  • Perhaps I didn't go to the right places? Like Zhuhai or Shenzhen? (People say these two cities are where all the skyscrapers and advanced technologies are located.)

    • For our foreign friends: Shenzhen and Zhuhai were among the earliest "economic special zones" of China's reform and opening-up. Thus, their development has been particularly rapid and their cityscapes have transformed remarkably. Guangzhou, on the other hand, is an established commercial city, with significantly richer historical legacies than those "overnight rise" cities like Shenzhen.

• If we compare Guangzhou with Shanghai... Well, Guangzhou does seem to be a little less impressive on that front. (Please don't let my Guangzhou buddies hear this though, I might get hit, hahaha!)

• Upon further reflection, the region encompassing Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai appears to be an excellent alternative.

  • Extra point: This area is one of the most economically developed and prosperous regions in China, with a fairly high overall standard of urban construction and living convenience.

It's the 'Flower City' (Huacheng), so naturally, you go to see the flowers!

To continue—yes, compared to other places, Beijing can feel somewhat lifeless and dull. Maybe that's the 'low energy' you're talking about? Without a strong culture of leisure and entertainment, life can lose some of its spark. As a multi-generational Beijinger, I find that, compared to southern cities, Beijing doesn't offer much of a 'lifestyle.' It's a true cultural hub, but a bit of a lifestyle desert. However, for an artist who is self-sufficient, enjoys their own company, and isn't materialistic, Beijing can be a pretty good place.

My friend isn't the best at taking photos, but I'm really satisfied with this makeup.

So I was shocked to see comments like, 'Why is the Hangzhou subway so expensive?' and 'If it weren't for the convention (CO), who would even come to Hangzhou?'

The national all-in-one transportation card is very convenient.

Most Suzhou locals wouldn't choose to use the South Station.

Haha, Suzhou cuisine is definitely on the sweeter side! But sweetie, if you're not used to it after giving it a try, next time you visit, just go for what you like. I'm sure you'll find something!

If you're not planning to pray, there's no need to go into Lingyin Temple. The real highlight is Feilai Peak.

There are plenty of restrooms, and they're pretty clean too.

Tokyo's high-rise density is actually quite impressive too, but Shanghai definitely has a more imposing feel.

We bought VIP tickets that day and were right in front of the performers – the view was fantastic! My husband even got pulled up on stage to join the show. The only downside was that the tickets were painfully expensive.

People don't steal kids, but they will steal: Taiwanese fried chicken off your scooter, cleaning rags, umbrellas left outside, or even a watermelon and drinks from your basket.