5 free things to do in serene, scenic cultural Suzhou (2)

Upon entering the gallery, among the first things you see are figures of monks. With a history stretching back two centuries, the traditional building of souther China was in the past used as a meeting room and guesthouse among Guangdong Hakka businessmen who collected funds and built the house. On festivals, they gathered there to celebrate, strengthen existing friendships and make new contacts. Now it has been converted into a free gallery displaying artwork reflecting Buddhist culture and philosophy. So if you want to spend some time in a tranquil and at the same time fascinating location, then Jiaying Huiguan Art Gallery is well worth your attention.Museums

To get a quick impression of cultural life in a strange city, visiting a local museum is often a good choice. Many Suzhou museums displaying artifacts of the city's rich cultural heritage are free of charge, among these is the Museum of Suzhou Folk Customs. Visitors can place themselves in the midst of traditional Suzhou wedding etiquette and learn about festive customs, arts and crafts and buildings of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). While it's easy to be caught up in the ambience of historic Suzhou, as well as appreciating the past, you can also see traditional weddings taking place there. Jinji Lake public space

Located in Suzhou Industrial Park, this lake park attracts visitors with its Western-influenced modern urban landscape design. Divided into eight landscape zones, the park includes attractions such as Lake Shore, Cultural Water Corridor, Urban Square and Central Park, popular with locals and expats alike. If traditional Suzhou is characterized by households on the banks of a creek arched by a historic stone bridge, then modern Suzhou can be represented by the city's lakes and sculptures. Among the most impressive features of the park are its water features. Among these is a musical fountain, complete with laser, movies and flames. And Times Square inside the park boasts the largest LED ceiling in the world.

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