China Travel 101: Why Suzhou Was the Highlight of My Trip

When the opportunity to travel to China came up, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d been to places like Japan and Cambodia, but China felt different—more unknown. The thought of no Google or social media made me hesitant. But what happened next completely changed how I see the world. Suzhou, often called the “Venice of the East,” became one of the most unforgettable destinations I’ve ever visited. Full blog post here.

Prepping for the Journey

Image Credit: Danielle, The Salty Cooker

Before even boarding the plane, there’s a bit of red tape to get through. A Chinese visa is essential for most travelers, and getting one requires hotel bookings, flight confirmations, and a passport-style photo. It’s worth contacting your local consulate to ensure everything’s squared away.

Since many Western sites like Google, Instagram, and Facebook are blocked in mainland China, I downloaded a VPN, offline maps, and translation apps ahead of time. I also packed a universal adapter, noise-canceling headphones, and a weekly pill organizer—a lifesaver on longer trips.

Travel tip: China is almost entirely cashless. Apps like WeChat Pay dominate, but I used a travel-friendly credit card that worked at nearly every restaurant, shop, and hotel.

First Stop: Shanghai to Suzhou

We flew into Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the world. It’s a maze, even for locals, so we had a driver meet us post-customs—a decision I highly recommend after a long flight.

From Shanghai, we booked a private transfer to Suzhou. Within an hour or two, we were rolling into a city that felt like a dream: peaceful lakes, graceful bridges, and ancient gardens.

Where We Stayed: Luxury by the Water

Our base was the Park Hyatt Suzhou, and it exceeded every expectation. We had a top-floor room with views of the water, daily walks around the lake, and access to a full-service spa. But the real showstopper? The breakfast buffet.

🥐 Fresh pastries, hand-pulled ramen, steamed dumplings, made-to-order eggs—this breakfast spread had it all.

Add in room service, an indoor pool, and an elegant tea room, and it felt more like a wellness retreat than a hotel stay.

Eating Our Way Through Suzhou

While the hotel’s food was incredible, venturing out brought the city to life. Suzhou is a food lover’s paradise—from steamy soup dumplings to cozy modern cafes. The flavors were vibrant, the meals affordable, and the atmosphere always welcoming.

What to Do in Suzhou

From centuries-old gardens to peaceful temples, every outing felt like a postcard. Even daily lake walks became a favorite ritual.

If you’re a history lover, don’t miss the classical gardens. If you’re more into modern vibes, check out the local shopping districts. Suzhou blends old and new in the most seamless way.

Life in China: What Surprised Me Most

The Language Barrier

It wasn’t as tricky as I feared. With translation apps and a little patience, I navigated just fine. Many tourist areas include English signage, and locals were helpful even without a shared language.

Going without Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok felt odd at first—but soon, it became a blessing. I was fully present, soaking in each moment instead of scrolling.

Safe, Seamless Transportation

Whether it was the metro, walking paths, or rideshare apps, getting around was safe and efficient. It’s one of the easiest cities I’ve navigated as a tourist.

Quick Travel Tips I Swear By

Download maps and translation tools before you leave.
Bring a portable charger—you’ll use your phone a lot for directions.
Get your hotel to write addresses in Mandarin. This one tip saved us more than once.
Stick to bottled water and go easy on unfamiliar food your first couple of days.
Avoid sensitive topics like politics or protests—these can get you into serious trouble.

Final Thoughts

Suzhou surprised me in every way. It’s serene, scenic, and soaked in culture. I returned home feeling more peaceful, more grounded—and with a whole new perspective on travel. If you’ve been dreaming about China but feeling hesitant, let this be your sign.

This wasn’t just a vacation. It was an experience that will stay with me forever.