While Suzhou preserves Unesco-listed classical gardens in its Old City, hi-tech businesses are booming in the New District and Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). Over 100 Fortune Global 500 companies have opened offices in the city, according to the city government.
In November last year, energy leaders from government, business and the scientific community gathered in Suzhou for the first International Forum on Energy Transition. Suzhou will also be the host of 18th Chinashop – China’s largest and the world’s second largest retail industry event this year.
Global hotel brands are on the increase in Suzhou. Novotel Suzhou SIP and Doubletree by Hilton Suzhou started operations early this year. W Hotel will be open next year, followed by Park Hyatt and a new Shangri-La.
VENUES
Suzhou Jinji Lake International Convention Centre – This multifunctional facility opened in March alongside the famous Jinji Lake (above) in SIP and connected to the expo centre and a Novotel. The 40,000 sqm centre has 60 types of meeting and convention spaces with an 8,000 sqm pillar-free hall among the highlights.
Pan Pacific Suzhou – The only five-star international hotel located in the Old City has recently completed renovating its event facilities. Walls of the meeting rooms have been replaced by large windows, allowing natural light to flood into the rooms. The door width of the corridor leading to the ballroom has also been increased, which benefits auto show organisers, allowing them to drive vehicles directly into the ballroom.
EXCURSIONS
Gardens – The classical gardens of Suzhou were created when the city was founded as the capital of the Wu Kingdom. These gardens have rock formations, calligraphy, furniture and decorative artistic pieces, showcasing the paramount artistic achievements of the East Yangtze Delta region.
Suzhou Museum – The 3,600 sqm museum has collected more than 30,000 cultural relics. About 250 of them are classified as national grade-one treasures. It is well known for its collection of unearthed relics, paintings and calligraphy from Ming and Qing dynasties.
Panmen Gate scenic area – The 248,600 sqm tourist spot is located in Suzhou’s Old City, consisting of impressive historic pagodas, water gates and bridges. Scenic spots include Ruigang Pagoda, Panmen City Gate and Wumen Bridge. Groups can take boat tours with Oriental Water City offering the largest boat, which can accommodate up to 77 passengers.
CONNECTIONS
Suzhou does not have an airport, but groups can reach the city from Wuxi and Shanghai. Wuxi Airport is closer to Suzhou and is 15 minutes away by high-speed train, but international flights are limited. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport can be reached in 30 minutes by train and along with Pudong airport offers extensive international choices.
