Traveling through China: Suzhou

Author: Wang Jiaju
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-07-01
Features: Suzhou is located in the western part of the Taihu Plain in the Yangtze River Delta, bordering Shanghai to the east, Zhejiang to the south, Wuxi to the west, and the Yangtze River to the north. The terrain is flat, with the southwest slightly higher than the northwest, gently sloping toward the Yellow Sea, featuring unique geographical advantages. The region contains over 100 mountains, most of which belong to the Tianmu Mountains and are predominantly composed of granite. Due to their early formation, these mountains have been weathered by wind and rain over time, resulting in gentle undulations. The higher peaks include Qizi Mountain, Qiongleng Mountain, Tanshan Mountain, Xuansumu Mountain, Xiqishi Mountain, Yangshan Mountain, Dongshan Mountain, Liangshan Mountain, Lìmào Mountain, Dakunshan Mountain, and Yushan Mountain. The mountains are adorned with ancient, lush trees, and clear springs flow gently. The area is dotted with numerous lakes and ponds, with rivers crisscrossing the landscape. The Yangtze River flows along the northern edge, while the Grand Canal of Jiangnan runs close to the city walls. The vast Taihu Lake, spanning 36,000 acres, is located in the west, with its emerald waters rippling and its green peaks resembling snails. In addition to the Taihu Lake, other major lakes include Yangcheng Lake, Dianshan Lake, Chenghu Lake, Kuncheng Lake, Yuandang Lake, and Dushu Lake. This book is a travel guide to Suzhou, introducing the city's geography, history, and cultural through photographs.