Because Suzhou is covered in canals, Marco Polo once called it, the Venice of the East. The original moat that surrounded Suzhou was actually dug by hand! Shantang River Alley still maintains some of that charm, with boat rides and interesting shops. Suzhou also has many famous gardens to stroll through, the aforementioned series of canals to take boat rides on, and a variety of other impressive local sights, like White Tiger Hill.
Suzhou is well-known in China as a silk production centre, and there are many places for tourists to buy silk bedding, clothing, you name it. The prices in some shops are quite steep though, so shop around. [edit text][editors]
