I Traveled to Suzhou, China — and It Completely Changed Me

When my husband first told me we had the chance to visit China, I felt a mix of excitement and low-key panic. I’d traveled across Asia before—Japan, Cambodia, Thailand—but something about China felt more intense. It was unfamiliar territory, and the idea of no Google, Instagram, or even texting like normal made me hesitate.

But I’m so glad I didn’t let fear stop me. Because Suzhou? Suzhou changed everything.

Getting There: From Shanghai Chaos to Suzhou Calm

We landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of the largest and most confusing airports I’ve ever been through. Thankfully, we had a driver waiting, which made those post-flight, jet-lagged hours much easier.

The ride from Shanghai to Suzhou took less than two hours, and with each passing mile, I felt a shift. The skyscrapers faded into tree-lined streets. The noise softened. And by the time we reached Suzhou, it was like I’d stepped into a watercolor painting.

My Luxury Home Base in the Heart of the City

We stayed at the Park Hyatt Suzhou, and honestly, it was a destination all on its own. Our room overlooked a peaceful lake, the spa was so good we ended up booking daily treatments, and the breakfast buffet? Out of this world.

🥐 Fresh French pastries

🍜 Custom ramen bowls

🥟 Steamed dumplings

🍳 Eggs just how you like them

It was like waking up in a 5-star dream every morning.

Beyond the Hotel: Exploring Suzhou’s Soul

Suzhou is often called the “Venice of the East,” and once you wander its canals and bridges, you understand why. But what really stuck with me was the quiet beauty of it all. Every garden, every alley, every lake path felt curated for peace.

We walked. A lot. Mornings around the lake. Afternoons through ancient gardens. Evenings browsing local markets. I felt safe, welcomed, and surprisingly at home—even without speaking Mandarin.

Being Offline Was the Best Gift

One of my biggest fears was being disconnected. China’s internet restrictions mean no Google, no Instagram, and no easy way to message friends back home. I downloaded a VPN and offline apps ahead of time, but after a few days… I stopped checking.

Without social media, I looked up. I soaked it in. I was present in a way I haven’t been for years.

The Takeaways: What I Learned in Suzhou

• Language isn’t a barrier—patience is the key. Translation apps, body language, and a smile go a long way.

• Prep ahead. Offline maps, printed addresses in Mandarin, and a solid power bank were lifesavers.

• Cash isn’t king. Everything is digital. I used a travel credit card, but most locals use apps like WeChat Pay.

• The culture runs deep. Suzhou taught me that respect is shown in small ways—quiet voices, two hands when giving something, no tipping, no boasting.

Final Thoughts: Why I’d Go Back in a Heartbeat

Suzhou didn’t just surprise me. It softened me. I returned home more relaxed, less attached to my phone, and genuinely refreshed. My skin was clearer, my anxiety lighter, and my perspective wider.

So if China’s been sitting on your travel list—especially if you’re unsure like I was—consider this your sign. Start with Suzhou. Let it surprise you.

You’ll come back different. In the best way.

Got questions about visiting China or want to see more from my trip? Leave a comment here.