Suzhou Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 宿州市 (sù zhōu shì)
Population: 5,681,400
Area: 9,939 square kilometers (1,502 square miles)
Location: in the north of Anhui, eastern China
Administrative Division: 4 counties (Dangshan, Xiaoxian, Lingbi, Sixian); 1 district (Yongqiao)
Area Code: 0557
Zip Code: 234000-235300
GDP (2018): CNY 163.02 billion (USD 24.64 billion)

Suzhou is situated at the northernmost end of Anhui Province, neighboring Jiangsu, Shandong, and Henan. It is one of the core cities of Huaihai Economic Zone and the nearest city to the sea in Anhui Province. Many historical sites which connect to important events in China are left in Suzhou such as the Shegu Terrace, Gaixia Ancient Battlefield and the Tomb of Yuji. Huangcangyu Nature Reserve and Wuliu Scenic Spot highlighting the picturesque natural scenery are the best places for tourists to get close to nature. Suzhou also features Lingbi Stone which is black and has various textures, ranking first among the four rare stones in China. Every April, the spectacular pear blossom sea in Dangshan attracts a lot of tourists.

Huangcangyu Nature Reserve: It is the most attractive sight in Suzhou bringing together many types of landscape, such as natural forests and caves, springs, pools, as well as temples.

Wuliu Scenic Spot: In this spot, visitors can taste the natural, high quality mineral water in the Longquan (Dragon) Spring and the Zhenzhu (Pearl) Spring. Apart from natural scenes, the Longquan and Dafang Temples and some cultural relics and tombs can also be found in this scenic spot.

Pear Tree King Scenic Area: Covering an area of 180 square miles, the grand Pear Tree King Scenic Area is a must-see scenic spot with numerous pear trees. Dangshan government will hold the Pear Blossom Festival in March every year and it lasts for one month. In addition to bloomy pear flowers, there will be various activities and wonderful performances at that time.

Special Local Products: Food: Fuli roast chicken, crisp pear of Dangshan County, grape of Xiaoxian County
Handicraft: Leshi Inkstone

It is located in the warm-temperate zone having a semi-humid monsoon climate. Suzhou's winter is chilly, usually lasting as long as four months, and the summer is hot. The rainy season ranges from mid-June to late September.

 When to Go: Spring and autumn are both favorable seasons for the best weather, moist air and moderate rainfall.
 

 History: Suzhou was inhabited a long time ago, and became a flourishing place in the Qin (221BC-206BC) and Han (206BC-220AD) dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD), the government set up a prefecture in this area. Since then, it has always been the capital of the prefecture.

 Physical Features: Located in the Huaibei Plain, the topography of it is low and flat, just like all the cities in northern Anhui Province.

1. If visitors get there in rainy season, be prepared to take umbrellas.
2. It is only 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Xuzhou Guanyin Airport by which visitors can get in and out more conveniently.