SUZHOU

After we arrived at Pudong Airport in Shanghai, we boarded a motor coach for the 50 mile trip to Suzhou.  Suzhou, a city of over 6 million people lies northwest of Shanghai in  the Yangtze Delta. 
Famous for its classical gardens, Suzhou is often called the "Venice of the East" or "Paradise on Earth" It is also famous for its beautiful stone bridges, pagodas, silk, Grand Canal and canal-side housing.
"The natural scenery of hills and waters in Suzhou is as charming as a delicate beauty. Of the whole area, 10 per cent is cultivated fields, 30 per cent hills, and the rest covered with water. Streets and alleys in Suzhou extend side by side with canals. Small bridges and flowing waters, white walls and dark gray roof tiles match one another in tranquil elegance."