Experiences
Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan
Delight in memorable experiences and explore top attractions in Suzhou with Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan. From cultural tours to spa retreats, we offer a blend of luxury and local charm for guests seeking the best things to do and places to visit in Suzhou. The experiences at Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan are thoughtfully designed to connect guests with both the city’s cultural heritage and its contemporary rhythm, offering a balanced way to discover Suzhou attractions at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
Destination Dining
Located at the foot of Shishan Mountain, which boasts a history of over 2,500 years, this former Suzhou Amusement Park has created countless happy and romantic memories for travellers. As night falls, Shishan Mountain and the roller coaster track are re-lit, brightening the entire landscape. Enjoy a candlelit dinner with your loved one in the hotel’s outdoor garden, accompanied by fine gourmet dishes and wine for a truly sweet moment. Alongside these signature moments, guests can also enjoy wellness-led experiences within the hotel, allowing time to slow down between discovering nearby Suzhou attractions and the surrounding lake scenery.
Shishan Mountain
Shishan Mountain in Suzhou is aptly named for its uncanny resemblance to a crouching lion. As one of the most important Suzhou tourist attractions, it is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. Whether you choose to climb the mountain and admire the modern charm of Suzhou City, or explore the hidden gems of Gusu culture, Shishan Mountain will delight you with endless surprises and wonderful memories. The surrounding landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, offering guests a different perspective of Suzhou attractions throughout the year, from soft spring greenery to crisp autumn views over the lake and city.
Suzhou Museum West
Suzhou Museum West features an array of exhibition halls including Suzhou History Gallery, Suzhou Handicrafts Gallery, Exploration and Experience Gallery, showcasing the rich history and local craftsmanship of the Wu land from various aspects such as culture and art, handicraft, and Suzhou lifestyle. It offers an enriching stop for travellers looking to deepen their understanding of Suzhou attractions through art, history, and everyday cultural expression.
Hanshan Temple Prayer Ceremony
The New Year bell rings is a thousand-year-old New Year's Eve ritual of the people of Suzhou. At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, 108 bells ring to usher in the new year, symbolizing the elimination of troubles and the absorption of blessings. Since the establishment of the bell-ringing event in 1979, it has become the most enduring New Year's Eve celebration in China. Now, on the Maple Bridge, there are intangible cultural heritage performances and lantern parade, creating a rich "sweet" New Year atmosphere. The bell sound spreads in all directions, and millions of people pray for blessings, transmitting the culture of harmony and the elegant charm of the Jiangnan region. Listening to the bell sounds brings peace and safety year after year.
Taohuawu New Year Woodblock Prints
The Suzhou’s Taohuawu New Year Woodblock Print is a Chinese Representative Item of National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Taohuawu Woodblock Prints can be traced back to over 400 hundred years ago. They were once exported to Southeast Asia and Europe, and in particular, exerted a great influence on Japanese Ukiyo-e formed in the 17th Century, living up to its reputation as “The Flower of Ancient Oriental Arts”. Traditionally, the prints were mainly put on the doors of every home especially during the Spring Festival as the Chinese Lunar New Year started. Therefore, they are called “New Year Prints”. The prints usually comprise auspicious images for praying for happiness, warding off evil spirits and interior decoration as well. Experiences like these allow guests to engage more meaningfully with Suzhou attractions, connecting cultural discovery with living traditions that continue to shape the city’s identity today.
