The campaign launched last month with a trip organized by Time Out Shanghai, that brought a group of 30 expats and travel enthusiasts to Suzhou where they explored historical sites like the Suzhou Museum of Inscribed Stone Tablets, took in traditional cultural performances in Suzhou’s classical gardens and on its romantic canals, experienced local life along Shantang Street, enjoyed the outdoors on a hike by Taihu Lake, and more. Several new weekend tour packages departing from Shanghai recently launched as a result of the trip which focus on Suzhou’s architecture and history.

Here are some of the recommendations from those who attended the trip and other foreigners who spend their days in the “City of Culture & Arts.”

Emily Axen, American living in Shanghai

Emily recently attended the nighttime cultural performance held in Master of the Nets Garden and reviews it as a great look into ancient life in Suzhou. She also shares, “I think going to museums with a guide is key. You get so much more information from a guide as a lot of the information is not written in English.”

Christian Wischnewski, German living in Suzhou

According to Chris, Suzhou has a great atmosphere with the perfect mix of history and modernity. He suggests getting out into Suzhou’s beautiful natural areas, including Mudu Old Town, Sanshan Island, and the water town of Tongli. As for a bite to eat? “I really like squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, with the sweet and sour sauce. It’s something really unique that I haven’t seen in more than 60 countries that I have visited until now,” he says.

Robyn Cronje, South African living in Shanghai (IG: @littlebitsofruby)

“Definitely visit the gardens and watch the Kunqu Opera. It is such a great way of storytelling that will leave you feeling like you have experienced a bit of China itself. The boat ride on the canals is also a must. It’s tranquil and really gives you the feeling that you’re in Venice!” Robyn says.

Yunus Emre, Turkish living in Shanghai

“I always enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Suzhou every time I’m there,” says Yunus. He describes the city as “culturally deep” and recommends that visitors take the time to enjoy the Suzhou’s historical side on any trip.

About Suzhou

For more than 2,500 years, Suzhou has been known as a center of arts and culture. Intellectuals, artists, and high profile public figures have long been drawn to the city’s romantic canals and stunning classical gardens, nine of which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Performing arts including the Kunqu Opera and Pingtan storytelling originated in Suzhou, and the city is also important to the design and fashion worlds as a center for silk making and embroidery. In addition to its arts and culture, Suzhou is home to plentiful natural areas that allow for boundless outdoor activities. Visitors seeking Suzhou’s modern side will find five-star hotels, the iconic Lake Jinji, limitless shopping, and China’s largest overwater Ferris Wheel in the upscale and contemporary SIP District. Each year, millions of tourists travel to Suzhou to experience the destination’s more than 400 attractions, ranging from pagodas and temples to historical districts and world-class museums.

Suzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze River Delta, approximately 60 miles west of Shanghai. Suzhou is easily accessible via direct air service from North America and Europe to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG.) and is well connected with nearby cities including Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing by frequent high speed trains.

For more information on Suzhou, visit TravelToSuzhou.com, and follow the destination on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

The press release Expats Unlock the #SecretsOfSuzhou Through Cultural & Arts Travel Recommendations comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

While international travel restrictions remain in place, Suzhou-based expats will help tell the destination’s story through social media, sharing their travel tips on Suzhou’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube channels using the hashtag #SecretsOfSuzhou. These local recommendations and corresponding itineraries will also appear on the destination’s English-language website TravelToSuzhou.com, and related materials will be provided to English-speaking guests of Suzhou’s top hotels. Four online events will take place in the coming months, giving consumers the opportunity to virtually engage with some of Suzhou’s signature cultural activities including the annual New Year’s Eve bell ringing celebration at Hanshan Temple, spring cultivation of Biluochun tea, and the Kunqu Opera. This immersive, Suzhou-style opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese drama, will also be the centerpiece of an exclusive event for media, influencers, and key opinion leaders set to take place in London.

“Suzhou is a destination full of culture, beauty, and inspiration at every turn, and we are looking forward to sharing its secrets with North American and European travelers,” said Lincoln Wang, director of international communication and cooperation for the Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism. “By working with local expats, we will demonstrate how to truly travel like a local, whether virtually or in person, when the time is once again right.”

About Suzhou

For more than 2,500 years, Suzhou has been known as a center of arts and culture. Intellectuals, artists, and high profile public figures have long been drawn to the city’s romantic canals and stunning classical gardens, nine of which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Performing arts including the Kunqu Opera and Pingtan storytelling originated in Suzhou, and the city is also important to the design and fashion worlds as a center for silk making and embroidery. In addition to its arts and culture, Suzhou is home to plentiful natural areas that allow for boundless outdoor activities. Visitors seeking Suzhou’s modern side will find five-star hotels, the iconic Lake Jinji, limitless shopping, and China’s largest overwater Ferris Wheel in the upscale and contemporary SIP District. Each year, millions of tourists travel to Suzhou to experience the destination’s more than 400 attractions, ranging from pagodas and temples to historical districts and world-class museums.

Suzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze River Delta, approximately 60 miles west of Shanghai. Suzhou is easily accessible via direct air service from North America and Europe to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG.) and is well connected with nearby cities including Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing by frequent high speed trains.

The press release Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Launches ‘Suzhou, The City of Culture & Arts’ Campaign in North America and Europe comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Suzhou, China, January 20, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - Hotel Soul, Suzhou’s first designer boutique hotel, is delighted to announce that change is in the air. From the opening of a brand new set of executive suites, to the launch of a number of new food and beverage promotions at Bar Soul, Hotel Soul is set to introduce a number of exciting developments that will elevate guests’ stay to an extra level of luxury during their time in Suzhou.

After nine-months of careful planning and creative design work, Hotel Soul is proud to showcase a collection of four brand new executive suites for the discerning luxury traveller to choose from. In keeping with Hotel Soul’s philosophy of juxtaposing elements of modern and traditional China, these suites take their cue from the design concept of a traditional Suzhou mansion, albeit with a contemporary twist. Paying homage to historic Chinese architecture, the suites mirror the layout of the traditional classic ‘siheyuan’ by incorporating a separate living area, sleeping quarters and bathroom in the generously-sized 55 square metre space. In addition, bright jade green feature walls in the living room, and muted earthy toned themed bedrooms prove a subtle yet stylish way to bring a taste of the beautiful gardens of Suzhou straight to your suite, mimicking the effect of the ‘siheyuan’s’ typical courtyard space. To complete the space a few secret surprise design details feature amongst the suite’s corridors to ensure an opulent, garden-inspired living concept at every turn.

Modern elements of the equation feature in the overall environmentally-friendly design of the suites; flexible application of LED lights and large windows (with excellent views of the distinctive traditional rooftops which define the old city district’s skyline) work to enhance energy efficiency, giving the suites with abundant natural light. A further update which takes the design into 2017 is the array of modern luxuries the suites have to offer. An indulgent bathtub, complete with a stock of exclusive toiletries from British luxury brand Gilchrist & Soames, allows guests to enjoy an optimum wellness experience. Meanwhile, luxury hospitality services and amenities, such as complimentary 24-hour Wi-Fi connection, a Nespresso coffee machine, and complimentary use of the mini bar, are sure to make every guests’ stay at Hotel Soul truly extraordinary.

In celebration of the launch of these new executive suites, Hotel Soul has designed an exclusive Business Traveller Package* promotion starting from only RMB1,888. From now until 30 March 2017, not only will guests enjoy a one-night stay in an executive suite, but a selection of VIP privileges will also be available for their use. These privileges include personal hotel pickup service, late check-out, and a selection of complimentary offerings (including use of the Meeting Room, dining vouchers, one hour of free-flow at Bar Soul, and a classic French-themed Afternoon Tea Set at Brasserie 101) to make guests feel like they are fully at home at Hotel Soul.

Over at Bar Soul, Hotel Soul’s edgy resident watering hole, change comes in the form of two exciting new food and beverage promotions. Riding on the European-themed design of the bar, Bar Soul is excited to take its guests on a gastronomical tour of Spain with a traditional Tapas Delights Set** (RMB98). The set includes a selection of classic tapas dishes, including the Spanish tortilla, marinated olives, garlic shrimp, and prosciutto with cheddar cheese. Make like the Spanish and pair these Mediterranean delicacies with a glass of sweet and fruity Sangria (also included in the set) – it’s the perfect way to relax after a long and exhausting journey. In addition, don’t miss out on Bar Soul’s exclusive Happy Hour deals**, available between 5pm and 8pm daily and featuring buy-one-get-one-free on selected wines, beers and cocktails, followed by live band performances every Thursday to Saturday, for a perfect evening of relaxed fun.

The new executive suites and food and beverage promotions at Hotel Soul have been designed to offer guests the ultimate luxury VIP experience. For more information please visit www.hotelsoul.com.cn. Please contact (86) 512 6777 0777 or rsvn@hotelsoul.com.cn for bookings and enquiries.

*The Business Traveller Package is available upon prior reservation only and available from now until 30 March 2017 (subject to blackout dates).

**Please note that all food and beverage promotions are valid from now until 30 April 2017 only.

About Hotel Soul
Established in May 2010, Hotel Soul is the first contemporary boutique hotel in Suzhou, China. The 220 room hotel’s design concept juxtaposes elements of modern and ancient China, celebrating the nation’s remarkable swift modernisation while paying tribute to its distinguished past. Guests at Hotel Soul can enjoy a wide range of culinary delights at the continental restaurant, Brasserie 101, inspired by chic Sino-French interior design. Bar Soul brings a unique blend of retro and industrial elements. It is also the ideal place for carousing with regular live band performances and a variety of drinks and snacks. Chinese restaurant Ying Fook Court serves a taste of the Guangdong province in the heart of Suzhou through traditional Cantonese-style dishes and an innovative congee hotpot. On the second floor, Ying Fook Heen boasts a bright, spacious banquet hall and three VIP rooms perfect for hosting banquet receptions and business dinners for all occasions. Hotel Soul also offers a fully equipped gym alongside premium leisure and meeting facilities, making it the perfect choice for leisure and business travellers.

About GR8 Leisure Concept Limited
Founded in 2004, GR8 Leisure Concept is an innovative hospitality group that owns and manages a portfolio of 17 brands including hotels, restaurants, and bars across Hong Kong and China. The group’s first property, The Luxe Manor is a surrealism-inspired boutique hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui that was the first designer boutique hotel in Hong Kong. Shortly after, a stylish Dadaism-themed variety club located in The Luxe Manor, Dada Bar + Lounge was launched. In 2011, GR8 Leisure Concept launched its second hotel brand Hotel Soul in Suzhou, China, which features continental restaurant Brasserie 101, innovative Cantonese-styled restaurant Ying Fook Court, and multifunctional banquet venue Ying Fook Heen. In the following year, the group introduced beachside café Cafe Roma, and Hong Kong’s first and only Nordic restaurant FINDS led by celebrity chef Jaakko Sorsa to the company’s portfolio of restaurants. GR8 Leisure Concept also acquired heritage hotel Hullett House and its five F&B brands in 2013, including the colonially-designed restaurant and lounge bar The Parlour serving international cuisine, the hotel’s signature Cantonese restaurant Loong Toh Yuen, contemporary French fine dining restaurant St. George, casual grill restaurant Stables Grill located in the old horse stables, and one-of-a-kind British bar Mariners’ Rest where the original jail cells from the former Marine Police Headquarters still stand. In 2014, two new outlets were launched in Hullett House, Champagne Gallery, a champagne lounge designed in the style of a French maison offering bespoke champagnes and seafood pairings, and Whisky@Stables, the only whisky bar in town renovated from a former horse stable that serves over 100 different types of whiskies from around the world, both located within Hullett House. The group’s latest opening, Bar Soul, which is located on the first floor of Hotel Soul, brings a unique blend of retro and industrial elements.

For more details, please visit www.gr8lc.com.

The press release Change is in the air at Hotel Soul comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.