British actress Rosamund Pike finds water, time and beauty in Suzhou

British actress Rosamund Pike visited Suzhou recently, spending several days exploring different sides of the city.

Pike summed up her impression of Suzhou in three words: water, time, beauty. Her trip took her through classical gardens, old streets, lakefronts and local markets, stringing together the city's scenery, history, food and local life. Her visit also offered a glimpse of Suzhou's growing appeal among overseas travelers.

So where did she go?

First stop: Suzhou Silk Museum苏州丝绸博物馆

Suzhou has long been known as the "City of Silk." The Suzhou Silk Museum traces the city's long history of silk production and silk culture.

Second stop: Tiger Hill虎丘山风景名胜区

Hailed as the "No. 1 Attraction in Wu Region," Tiger Hill is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Suzhou. It has witnessed centuries of the city's history and has become the first impression many visitors have of Suzhou.

Third stop: Canglang Pavilion沧浪亭 and Keyuan Garden可园

Canglang Pavilion is one of the oldest surviving gardens in Suzhou. It is known for its interplay of water, rockeries and plants. Keyuan Garden across the street has a quieter characteristic associated with scholars and literati.

Fourth stop: Hengjing Ancient Wood Market横泾旧木市场(木东公路)

This is an unconventional stop for tourists. The market has ancient wood, old furniture and other antique objects. There are no curated tourist routes — just another side of the city that is less polished but equally distinctive.

Fifth stop: Caixiang Wet Market万家邻里彩香菜市场

If you want to understand a city, go to one of its wet markets, where the rhythms of daily life unfold.

Sixth stop: Jinji Lake金鸡湖

This is where Suzhou fully showcases its modern side. During her visit, Pike also stopped at the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art, a new cultural landmark, to see how the city's traditional aesthetics find new expression in contemporary art and architecture.

Seventh stop: Gusuqiao Noodle Restaurant and Jianjinqiao Lane姑苏桥·文人苏式面馆(剪金桥巷店)

To understand Suzhou, you can start with a bowl of noodles. After the meal, go to the nearby Jianjinqiao Lane, where the pace of the old city seems to slow.

Eighth stop: Boat tour

From Jianjinqiao Wharf, Pike boarded a boat bound for Shiquan Street. From the water, bridges, streets and life along the banks pass by, and the city takes on a different look.

Ninth stop: Master of the Nets Garden网师园

The Master of the Nets Garden is celebrated for its meticulous design within a small space. When night falls, the whole garden lights up. With various performances staged, exploring a garden becomes an immersive experience.

Water, time and beauty followed Pike throughout her journey: in the peace and quiet of a classical garden, the bustle of a market, the slow movement of a boat and the changing skyline around Jinji Lake. Perhaps that's what makes Suzhou worth returning to: The city does not reveal itself all at once. Each visit offers a new way to see it.