Arriving in Suzhou
到达苏州

We left from Shanghai Train Station at 9 am and arrived in Suzhou Train Station at 10.05 am. The train station was like any other, but possibly smaller than Shanghai’s. There were loads of people as usual. There were also loads of people vying for a piece of the tourism pie. They follow you around, asking you to book their vans, offering you day tours, offering to bring you everywhere for a fixed price. We weren’t interested. We had a plan (or at least I had a plan and the rest were just following my plan.) Oh yes, the Suzhou trip included myself, mc, yv hj and 3 TP students – Chris, Ben and Alex (a girl).

Suzhou Boat Ride
苏州水上游

Found the place to take the boat ride opposite the Train Station. This was recommended by CK, LT and EK, so we decided to try it even though it cost like RMB 50 for the trip. Once again, as in all our travel tales, we encountered ‘interesting’ people that always attempt to hoodwink us. Got this guy who was pestering us to take his vehicle to liaise with the boat company. Agreed on the route which was to go and see the city scape and then return to the train station. We thought it was all set and we went off for our ride. The ride was nice, and the scenery was not bad. In fact quite interesting to see the people’s houses that were by the river. Too bad, my camera ran out of ‘juice’ and I could not take any pictures anymore … sighs!!! End up relying on Yvonne’s camera for pictures through out the day. Mid-way, another guy on the boat told me that they were going to Hu Qiu (虎丘). I said ok, since I had no idea where that was. Arriving at the ‘destination’ he told us that the ride was over and we should get off. I was perplexed. Hadn’t I made arrangements to go back to the train station? So, I insisted on going back and they quickly made a call back and decided to bring us back. I was of course showing off my ‘blackest’ face as usual, while I demanded that if they drop us of here I want a refund of at least half price!

Some interesting pictures taken along the way! The architecture, the houses, the people!

And the ‘interesting’ conversation begins …

Arrived back at the start point and I went in to find the boss. Not there? Hmm, told the guy to get the other guy who liased with us to come back. Started to argue with them about why the route was changed and how come they wanted to get us off the boat at Hu Qiu. The boat guy insisted that he asked me if it was ok to go to Hu Qiu instead of the original route. To me: “我第一次来到苏州,根本不 知道虎丘在那里. 你跟我说去那里我就去,哪知 道是不一样的路线.” (Suffice to say that I was new in Suzhou and had no idea where Hu Qiu was, so telling me to go there makes no difference to me and I would just say ok.) Lucky the Boss come out and pacify us. Whether he meant what he said or not, at least he had much better customer service. He told us that the guy was wrong, and should have explained better and should have followed the customer’s request always. Well, since we weren’t going to get any refund from them then we decided not to waste too much time anymore and left.

Lunch outside Cold Mountain Temple

Went to the bus terminal beside the Train Station and took the Tourist Bus line 3 (游 3)(which was like any other public bus, nothing touristy about it at all.) . We alighted somewhere near our destination – Cold Mountain Temple (寒山寺) and walked to the place around 400 m. En route, there were still people trying to ‘fetch’ us there for RMB 2. We of course weren’t that interested. However, since the people were crippled riding motorvehicles, we were not too mean to them, just politely declined each time they pestered us. Finally found the place and decided to have lunch at the only restaurant there.

We ordered a variety of Suzhou Speciality food such as Dong Po Rou (东坡肉) – This was slices of fat meat, different from the Hang Zhou type which was a big slab of fat meat, Jiao Hua Ji (叫化鸡) – This was like roast chicken which was different from the Hang Zhou Stewed version and some vegetables. The lady boss was very dynamic and warm, seemed like a nice lady. She even guessed that we were Singaporeans. How dangerous!!! Anyhow, during the meal, they served up an additioanl plate of cold dish chicken which we had not ordered. We thought the boss had been nice, give as an appetizer. It was horrible chicken anyway! Eventually when we saw the bill, the chicken was included. I asked the boss how come the chicken was there since we never ordered it. The boss said the auntie served wrongly and we ate it. I immediately told her again that there were so much chicken left because we had all tried it and found it awful! In addition, if the auntie served it wrongly then why are we penalized by paying for it. Blatantly told her that if she is going to be charging us for this, we would definitely not recommend people to her restaurant anymore. She initially offered RMB 2 discount. I almost laughed! Riduculous! Eventually, she gave us RMB 12 off. Wanted to argue more, but I did not want to waste more time in that rubbish place talking to that ‘shitty’ person! Paid up and left for good. For sure, don’t go there and be cheated by that lady boss!

Don’t eat at this place, they will cheat your $$$!

It seems that people in Suzhou likes to cheat people. They love to tell you one thing and then do another. Be warned!!!

Cold Mountain Temple
寒山寺

Finally made it to the first tourist attraction for the day. This place was made famous by Zhang Xu’s Poem.
张继的《枫桥夜泊》
月落鸟啼霜满天,
江枫渔火对愁眠.
姑苏城外寒山寺,
夜半钟声到客船

Ticket price was RMB 20, with no student price. The temple was nice. There were alot of Japanese Tourist. It supposed to be a place that the Japanese always goes to pray and sound the bell. Ended up, the 7 of us were making all kinds of rubbish actions at the place. (“,)

Enroute to The Lingering Garden

The distance was about 1 km on the map, but I think we walked more than that. Anyhow, the walk was nice, casual and relaxing. Walked along the river and so, it was quite nice and cool despite the hot sun that afternoon. Went pass West Garden (西园), which we did not go into. Since all gardens would almost be similar, we decided to pick only one garden to visit – The Lingering Garden.

The 3 TP Interns.

The Lingering Garden
留园

Once again, no student price. The ticket was RMB 40. EX!

The garden was nice. It was peaceful. Not that many people. There were cultural performances – people playing the Pipa, Erhu, singing, etc. There were also a whole bunch of people either on an Art Class or on a drawing competition sitting around the garden drawing the scenery. There were also alot of people sitting around the pond watching the coys in the pond or feeding them. Quite a tranquil place. We lingered there for a bit. Sitting there for about 45 mins as everyone as tired from walking and touring. However, the day was still not over!!!

Shan Tang Jie
山塘街

This was the more popular street in Suzhou. Where there were alot of small eateries, pubs and clubs, etc. We walked around that area and ate a bit of Xiao Chis (小吃) such as Hai Tang Gao (海糖糕), Mei Hua Gao (梅花糕), Chicken Fillets (鸡泖). After which, with advice from the stall keeper, we walked on to Suzhou’s main commercial district – Guan Qian Jie (观前街).

On our way there,the sky had already turned dark. It was once again 8 pm at only 6 pm. After about 20 mins of walking, we eventually reached. The street was very like any other Pedestrian Street (步行街). It was a long street and there were really laot of things to see. However, we were short of time. Moreover, everyone was tired and hungry. After strolling through the streets for about 20 mins, we finally found a place, in fact, many places in one of the back alleys. We went to Hao Ren Jian Xiao Chi (好人间小吃), which was a Si Chuan eatery. Ended up eating Dan Dan Mian (担担面), which was quite different from the Singapore’s Ding Tai Feng’s version. It was noodles with mince meat, salted vegetables, chilli oil and loads of chilli. It was HOT! It was nice!!! ** Breathes Fire **

Back to the Train Station

Went to the bus station nearby and took Tourist Bus line 5 (游 5) this time round to the Train Station. The road map of Suzhou, which I got was really good. Showed all the transportation routes and it was good. Cos’ for the entire journey, we either walked or took the bus. No Taxi! That was quite an achievement! Yea!

Think everyone was really tired at the end of the trip. Hope you all had fun!!!
Looking forward to even more?!

Pictures are uploaded at the following links:: Suzhou Pictures