If you only have one day in Suzhou, please come directly to this ancient town that has been around for a thousand years

"Mudu Ancient Town, a place visited six times by Emperor Qianlong" I happened to be in Suzhou during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, and every scenic spot in the old city area was crowded with people. So I escaped to Mudu Ancient Town, which is not far from the city center, and enjoyed a whole day of peaceful and beautiful time alone. The bluestone paved roads, small bridges over flowing water, white walls and black tiles, all paint a picture of the scenery of the Jiangnan area. Mudu Ancient Town Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City 0 yuan (free) Mudu is a famous ancient town in Jiangnan, the same age as the city of Suzhou, with a history of more than 2,500 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Mudu was the most prosperous port to the west of Suzhou City. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Jiangnan six times, and each time he would pass through Mudu Ancient Town. There is also a Shantang Street here, named after the famous street in Suzhou City, but it is less crowded and more peaceful. Strolling around, it feels so comfortable. Walking around Shantang Street, if you get tired, you can sit and drink tea in a teahouse, or sit at the imperial dock inscribed by Emperor Qianlong and enjoy the breeze, or take a ride in a sculling boat and admire the scenery of the Jiangnan area on both sides of the river. This ancient town may not be as outstanding as others, but it has a more authentic and peaceful atmosphere. After spending a day in Mudu Ancient Town, I didn't want to leave, so I stayed overnight. I checked into the elegant and beautifully situated Suzhou Garden - Suzhou Qingpu Cultural Hostel Royal Inn, located on Shantang Street. It was once the residence of Shen Shou, the 'Embroidery Queen' of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, and is now a private garden hostel. Entering through a small door next to the main gate of Shen Shou's former residence, walking along a long alley into the depths, the courtyard suddenly opens up, revealing a Suzhou garden-like courtyard with pavilions, winding bridges, Taihu rocks, century-old pomegranate trees, and a lotus pond, each window offering a view that fully embodies the elegance of Suzhou style. The guest room I stayed in faced a lotus pond. Strolling along the winding bridge in the courtyard, I enjoyed the tenderness of the Jiangnan breeze; by the way, the hostel also has cultural performances. Listening to the Kunqu opera 'A Dream in the Garden' in the deep courtyard, I felt like I was transported back a thousand years. Must-visit spots: Yan's Garden (about 300 meters from the hostel) Hongyin Mountain House (next to the hostel, just step outside to get there) Bangyan Mansion (about 400 meters from the hostel)