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Suzhou, a charming small city in the
south of Jiangsu Province, is located on the Grand Canal about an hour's train journey
from Shanghai. Recognized for centuries for its
exquisite scenery, its fame rests on
its silk weaving, gardens, and impressive houses overlooking the canal with its
traditional bridges. With over 150 articulately landscaped gardens, Suzhou is best
known for its fascinating true 'imperial gardens,' complete with delicate design,
hills and ponds, terraces, corridors and towers. A Chinese proverb says, "In
heaven there is paradise, on earth Suzhou and Hangzhou."
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Tiger Hill (Hu Qiu)
This popular tourist spot is located just outside
the city. Tiger Hill has a Song-Dynasty leaning pagoda, the pagoda of the Yun Yan (Cloud Rock), with
Tang features and was built in brick to imitate wood architecture in 961.
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Cold Mountain Temple (Hanshansi)
This temple, named after the Tang Dynasty Buddhist poet Han Shan, is located on the
outskirts of town on a small canal with a traditional bridge. Green foliage hangs down over the saffron walls, making it easily
distinguishable to the naked eye.
Tongli
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Tongli is a water village with a long history. The
township is divided into 177 low islands among which stone bridges of different styles and ages are
found. It is described as a natural photo studio because of its small bridges, brooks and wells.
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