Suzhou in Verse: China's Most Serene Ancient City for Autumn Bliss

China's most poetic and bountiful autumn,

In the southern part of our country, there is such a renowned city:

"A land of piled gold and accumulated jade, a place of gentleness and prosperity,"

Even today, it remains one of China's most bustling metropolises.

© Tuchong: stanger

For over 2,500 years, it has hardly ever relocated or changed its site,

Its ancient district features white walls and black tiles, with ancient towers standing in clusters.

"The city's antiquity ranks first in the nation, dating back to the Spring and Autumn period."

© Tuchong: originoo

It is a true "land of rivers and lakes,"

With over 20,000 rivers flowing through it,

And more than 300 lakes dotting the city,

Ancient bridges arch over the waterways, and houses along the banks "rest their heads on the river."

It is the most poetic city in Jiangnan,

Emperor Qianlong visited Jiangnan six times, and each time he could not bypass it.

Ancient literati penned countless poems here,

And even today, people yearn endlessly for its beauty.

"Above is paradise, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou."

Those enchanted by Jiangnan must visit Suzhou at least once;

And those infatuated with autumn must visit Suzhou even more.

©Tuchong: Jacky0110

Or perhaps it's the ancient water towns here that captivate,

Autumn in Suzhou is truly the most irresistible.

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"A river of autumn hues graces the southern shore, ten miles as if forgetting the mortal world."

There are maple-red courtyards rivaling Kyoto,

Autumn tints more exquisite than the Forbidden City;

There are autumn streets no less charming than Nanjing or Shanghai,

All offering a touch of autumn romance.

When the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden overflow with autumn colors...

While the weather is perfect, while autumn is at its peak,

It’s the September osmanthus fragrance that heralds it,

Ginkgo trees cloaking the city in "golden armor,"

Only then do the oblivious realize: autumn has arrived!

©Tuchong: Aeolus_sz

Pingjiang Road, Daoqian Street, Fenghuang Street,

Also welcome their most poetic time of the year.

©Tuchong: stanger

Whether on the way to school or work,

Passing by, one is drawn to these golden autumn hues,

Unable to resist capturing the moment with a phone.

The restless heart seems instantly soothed.

The nearly 4,000 ginkgo trees will stun the entire autumn.

Walking along the golden path paved with fallen leaves,

Occasionally looking up, golden leaves drift down like butterflies,

The weariness of the day is healed by these colors.

One can feel the gentleness of autumn time.

Whether it's the historic old houses,

Or the lively stadiums and tranquil campus paths,

© Tuchong: Jacky0110

A casual snapshot captures endless charm.

© Tuchong: Jacky0110

Hidden in gardens where "the autumn scenery cannot be contained,"

If autumn is a painting brushed across the land,

This must be its most elegant stroke.

Here, 108 classical gardens are still preserved,

Two of which are in Suzhou: the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden.

Suzhou people grow up in gardens,

Even if it's just tending to some plants at home,

They strive to create a corner of urban wilderness.

"A single peak evokes the grandeur of Mount Hua; a spoonful of water mirrors the vastness of rivers and lakes."

The autumn colors are used to their fullest here.

© Tuchong: Leo Buding Dad

The pond, strewn with fallen red leaves, reflects the pavilions and towers.

The autumn hues in the garden can no longer be concealed:

On the roof tiles, in the courtyard, by the stream,

Even on the stone benches under the trees, the touch of autumn is evident.

© Tuchong: Leo Buding Dad

Bright yellow leaves flutter and fall with the wind,

The Lion Grove Garden, one of Suzhou's four great gardens,

© Tuchong: DPX2016

Suzhou's oldest garden, the Canglang Pavilion,

"The Couple's Garden shelters a happy pair; the city bend builds a poetic realm."

Fully showcasing Suzhou's characteristic of "homes nestled along the waterways,"

Before even entering the garden, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air.

Sitting in the garden dressed in ancient attire,

It is the most beautiful backyard in the hearts of Suzhou locals.

Here lies Suzhou's largest waterside pavilion, the Yanguang Pavilion,

Come autumn, brew a pot of Longjing tea here,

The secluded Master-of-Nets Garden hidden in the alleyways,

Though not widely known, it exudes a unique tranquility.

As if one could capture the entire autumn charm of Jiangnan,

On the paths, under the eaves, between the pavilions...

Everywhere the eye can see is adorned with autumn's touch.

The classical gardens and the beauty of autumn,

Blended within these small, square courtyards,

It would be a great regret not to visit Suzhou's gardens in autumn in this lifetime.

That would truly be a pity.

Radiant among the maple-red and ginkgo-yellow ancient temples in the mountains,

Most often, it is understated like ink wash paintings;

Maple red, golden leaves, ginkgo yellow, pine and cypress green...

A riot of colors, intense and passionate.

The first place Suzhou locals think of is Tianping Mountain.

Everywhere, "frost-red leaves outshine the flowers of early spring."

Above, the trees are aflame with red; below, a carpet of fallen leaves;

Reflecting a dreamlike autumn scene.

It’s like "half the mountain ablaze, half the mountain gold,"

© Tuchong: originoo

Ginkgo leaves turn yellow, maple leaves red, while bamboo groves remain green;

As if stepping into a Jiangnan painting.

"To visit Suzhou without seeing Tiger Hill is truly a regret."

The famous poem "Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night" was written here:

"The moon sets, crows cry, frost fills the sky; River maples, fishing fires, lie in sorrowful sleep.

Beyond Gusu's walls, from Hanshan Temple, The midnight bell reaches a traveler's boat."

It is also renowned worldwide because of this poem.

In late autumn, Hanshan Temple is surrounded by colorful forests,

© Tuchong: Mikoyan

"A winding path leads to secluded quiet, Where flowers and trees shade the meditation hall."

A serene image of an ancient temple comes to life.

© Tuchong: Southern City at the End of Spring 97

Hidden in a warm and leisurely life,

You can stroll through pavilions adorned with red maples,

Traveling back to Gusu of a thousand years ago;

Before the ancient temple hall paved with golden ginkgo leaves,

Embrace a late autumn filled with Zen.

The weather and temperature are just right, so comfortable,

Stepping on the bluestone slabs feels like returning to the past;

While listening to boat songs, wandering and snacking everywhere,

The tranquil ancient town life makes one wish to stay forever.

With poetic friends and drinking companions, savoring autumn delicacies.

Don’t forget to feast on a plump hairy crab.

Dip it in some aromatic vinegar, then take a sip of warm yellow wine,

The sweetness and flavor are unforgettable.

Delicate hands drying osmanthus, pastries paired with light tea.

Before the osmanthus cake even touches your lips, its fragrance already fills the air.

© Tuchong: onlyyouqj

One of Jiangsu's "Three Treasures," osmanthus-glazed lotus root,

Soft and sticky with a hint of osmanthus sweetness.

In the sweet yet not cloying fermented rice balls,

Sprinkle some osmanthus to make osmanthus-fermented rice balls.

Don’t miss a bowl of sweet soup with gorgon fruit.

The chewiness of gorgon fruit and the fragrance of osmanthus

Blend harmoniously, creating a refreshing taste.

© Tuchong: fxy1223

Processed from the traditional braised duck.

When eating, first savor the soup, then taste the meat,

Tender and flavorful, leaving a rich aroma in your mouth.

Autumn is also the perfect season for perch and red water chestnuts.

Among the increasingly homogenized cities,

Suzhou stands out as a unique presence.

It boasts both the prosperity and convenience of a metropolis,

It retains the classical charm of ancient Jiangnan cities;

It boasts renowned garden towns,

As well as old streets and alleys brimming with local life.

© Tuchong: Sweet Sauce Anicée

Complementing the rustic ink-wash architecture,

Every step feels like walking through a Jiangnan painting;

As if thoughts are transported back to Gusu a thousand years ago.

© Tuchong: Jacky0110

In autumn, Suzhou transforms into the poetic Gusu;

When fall arrives, one longs to visit Suzhou.