Suzhou Travel Guide

Jiangsu Guide >> Suzhou

Suzhou Jiangsu Province, China

Meaning of the name of Suzhou
Literally means "Awakening Prefecture" , but in ancient times a different character was used for the syllable su , which meant "Fish and Rice". [ Read History of Suzhou ]

Location
On the Grand Canal, 80 km west of Shanghai

Language of Suzhou
Suzhou natives speak one of the Northern Wu dialects. Although Shanghai is now the most famous place where Northern Wu is spoken, Suzhou is considered by linguists to be the source of the Wu language.

Suzhou China

Suzhou Food
The unique cuisine of Suzhou emphasizes fresh vegetables and fresh water fish, and is noted for being low in fat. Famous dishes include Mandarin Fish in Squirrel Shape , Emerald Snails , Eel Paste , Snowflake Crab , Vegetable Duck , Vegetable in Clear Soup , Steamed Pork in Lotus Leaves , Beggar's Chicken , Crisp Rice Crust Soup , and Dongpo Pork.

Pastry specialties include Four Happiness Steamed Dumplings , Square Cakes , Osmanthus Lotus Root , Twin Colour Beans , and Steamed Buns with Crab Meat.

Suzhou natives celebrate many food festivals during the year. One of the most famous is the "Crab Feast", held in early autumn.

Culture