u/CriticismCivil637

Just got back from three nights in Suzhou. I was already in Shanghai and grabbed a Suzhou trip package on a whim, tacked it onto the end of my trip, and I'm annoyed I almost didn't. Took the high-speed train into Suzhou Railway Station then taxi to Gusu. I stayed near Guanqian Street which was handy for walking and snacks, less handy when people were still shouting over skewers at 11pm.

Best move was getting out early. Around 7:30 I grabbed a coffee and baozi and walked to Pingjiang Road. It felt like an actual street again. Shutters half up, a woman rinsing the stone path, bridges you could cross without becoming someone's background.

Xiyuan Temple was my surprise favorite. I planned an hour and spent close to two, partly because the cats run the place. One slept on a donation box like payroll staff. Another parked itself in the courtyard and everyone just flowed around it.

I also paired Humble Administrator's Garden with Lion Grove. Humble Administrator's is prettier, all water and framed pavilion views, but Lion Grove was more fun.

BTW Jinji Lake at sunset was worth the metro ride for Gate of the Orient, Ruxi sculpture and the big frame. Whole skyline turns golden and it's one of those views that made me glad I stayed the extra night.

1.Jiuzhaigou (Five-Color Pond), Ngawa 2.Dujiangyan (Baopingkou), Chengdu 3.Erwang Temple (Upper King Hall), Dujiangyan 4.Old Town of Dujiangyan, Chengdu 5.Dujiangyan Calligraphy Wall, Chengdu 6.Yulei Pass, Dujiangyan 7.South Bridge , Dujiangyan 8.Dujiangyan Gate, Chengdu

Was in the Chengdu and Dujiangyan area for a few days recently. Lovely place, the scenery was stunning, especially the lakes at Jiuzhaigou. That water colour is unreal. I was snapping photos while listening to audio guide on my phone and of course my battery died halfway through. Had no idea how to rent a shared power bank but luckily some young local helped me grab one from a small shop nearby. Honestly bring a power bank in China. It's essential.

The one thing that caught me off guard was the blue tears at Dujiangyan. I'd gone in expecting natural glowing blue water, turns out it's just artificial lighting. Pretty, just not that. Apparently Fujian's coast has the real deal, naturally occurring bioluminescent blue tears. Think that'll be my excuse for a next trip.

Visited Nanjing recently and made the mistake of going during a holiday. People everywhere. Like, everywhere.

Hit up Hongshan Forest Zoo super early and managed to snap a photo of a koala sleeping which was adorable. Still kinda bummed I missed the koala weighing session though. That zoo is huge, spent the whole day there and still felt like I didn't see everything.

Then we went to Niushoushan. Had zero idea what it was before showing up. And honestly? It blew me away. It's like someone combined a temple with a memorial hall but made it modern. There's this palace built inside a massive pit, covered in gold reliefs and Buddha statues. The dome is giant, the design feels almost futuristic, and even with tourists packed in everywhere it still hit hard visually. Was not expecting that at all.

1. Hongshan Forest Zoo, Nanjing

2-5. Niushoushan Buddha's Top Palace, Nanjing