Suzhou Travel | LOHAS Huayu Dongfang Hotel, the Bright Pearl of Huolidao

Suzhou is located in the southeastern part of Jiangsu Province. Since ancient times, it has been called paradise on earth by literati, and was also marveled at by Marco Polo as the "Venice of the East." This ancient city sits within a web of waterways, with streets built along rivers and water and land routes running parallel; buildings are constructed by the water, with alleys in front and rivers behind, creating a unique scenery of "small bridges, flowing water, and households." The beauty of Suzhou is much like its people – restrained and gentle. To enjoy peace and leisure, why retreat to the mountains? Strolling through a few of Suzhou's gardens is enough to get intoxicated by the city. Outside Gusu City, the scenery of Taihu Lake and the water towns full of Jiangnan charm add a touch of elegance and liveliness to this land of fish and rice.

Amidst the bustling Suzhou city, there is a tranquil oasis, the LOHAS Huayu Dongfang Hotel on Huolidao. With its unique green health concept, high-quality service, and comfortable accommodation, the hotel has attracted the attention of countless visitors. This time, I also had the privilege to stay for two days.

Jinhaihua's inherent Eastern temperament meets the cultural heritage of Suzhou, incorporating elements such as Xiangcheng imperial kiln gold bricks, water town straw weaving, and Yuanhe Kesi silk tapestry, with LOHAS as the theme, creating the LOHAS Huayu Dongfang Hotel. The entrance of the hotel is grand and well-designed.

Pick a weekend, gather with a few friends, and come to Suzhou. Life is about slowing down, quietly feeling the afternoon sun, and unhurriedly spending two pleasant days.

The Huayu Dongfang Hotel combines the local cultural charm of Gusu with a healthy and stylish dwelling concept, creating a new lifestyle that integrates green wellness and quality service, from the ecological environment to every detail of daily life. From the lobby to the public areas, pick up a book and you can spend an entire afternoon in the book bar.

At the front desk, there is a stamp collection area. Get a blank paper, place it in the mold, and stamp six seals in order to form the final picture. Take a closer look – what local elements of Suzhou can you find on it?

When in Suzhou, how can you not eat a steaming bowl of noodles? Suzhou noodles are known for their sweetness, nutritious and healthy. The breakfast restaurant is on the first floor, with a rich variety and cozy seating. Only after a good breakfast in the morning do you have the energy to travel.

The hotel offers specialty drinks and coffee, milk, and Yakult, with an all-you-can-eat fruit selection. For someone who is very particular about breakfast, this hotel's service is very considerate. There is also outdoor seating with pleasant views.

On the first floor of the hotel, there is a 24-hour gym and a billiard table. Fitness is the best investment in yourself; it rewards you with health, confidence, and happiness. It is the perseverance and the unwavering quality of self-discipline.

Staying at Jinhaihua LOHAS Huayu Dongfang Hotel, it's only a two-minute walk to Jinhaihua • Hepburn Time (Huolidao Branch). The two-person set meal is great value, with each person having a specialty dish. The live music atmosphere is also fantastic. I especially recommend the big fish head!

After finishing, head to the hotel's camping area. Order a plate of crayfish and barbecue with friends. On a May night, the breeze is gentle, not too sultry – the most comfortable month.

As a photographer-cum-chef, the task of barbecuing fell on my shoulders, all to make sure everyone was well-fed.

"Life should be colorful but not messy." One day you'll realize that the only capital you really have is your youth. While we are young, hit the road, traverse mountains, bask in the sunshine, meet good friends, and share positive energy.

When you come to Suzhou, you must visit Hanshan Temple; and when you visit Hanshan Temple, you can't help but silently recite Zhang Ji's poem. "The moon goes down, crows cry, and frost fills the sky; by the river maples and fishing fires, I sleep in sorrow. Outside Gusu City, at Hanshan Temple, the midnight bell reaches the traveler's boat."

It was here that the down-and-out scholar Zhang Ji was received. That night, he stayed on a small boat by the river, facing the fishing fires, unable to sleep all night, and left us the timeless masterpiece "Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night." Especially the resounding bell of Hanshan Temple, toll after toll, piece after piece, like rain showering down, spreading over rooftops, among treetops, into bamboo groves, and out into the wilderness, reverberating.

Walking towards the sacred hall following the ethereal and distant Buddhist chants, in a fleeting glance back, the drifting clouds of worldly affairs seem to instantly dissipate. The curling incense smoke purifies mundane thoughts. Through the wisps of rising incense smoke, I saw the devout faces of the worshippers here. People clasped their hands together, praying for happiness and peace. Deep in my heart, I was also stirred with a myriad of thoughts by this scene.

At Hanshan Eighteen Slow, in a distant and quiet natural environment away from the hustle and bustle, order a cup of coffee and seek an attitude of inner peace in life.

Chongyuan Temple was first built in the second year of the Tianjian era under Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (503 AD), just one year apart from the contemporary Hanshan Temple, with over 1504 years of history to date. Historically, as a Zen Buddhist site, Chongyuan Temple thrived with incense offerings. After reconstruction, Chongyuan Temple is situated on the scenic Yangcheng Lake Peninsula. Its greatest feature is the 33-meter-tall Guanyin statue in the Water Guanyin Courtyard, a landscape that embodies the temple's unique charm as a lotus Buddhist kingdom and Guanyin's ceremonial ground.

Wandering through it feels like traveling through time and space, experiencing the vicissitudes and solemnity of a thousand years, and savoring a cup of Chongyuan Temple coffee.

Singing bowl healing has become a popular activity in hotel stays in recent years. The lingering sound of the singing bowl, deep and tranquil, seems that as soon as the teacher strikes it, we all enter a state of physical and mental relaxation. Singing bowl sound therapy is a deeper vibration for body and mind. The rich percussion instruments reach into everyone's soul, letting energy flow. When everything is renewed, life is about to bloom.

The pace of life slows down then. Brew a pot of light tea, hold a book, transcribe a sutra, and in the warm afternoon sun, dance with words, letting time flow quietly in this moment.

The Imperial Kiln Gold Brick Museum, located in the beautiful Xiangcheng District of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, is China's first museum dedicated to showcasing "imperial kiln gold bricks." It not only houses 1,439 gold bricks from the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty to the Xuantong period of the Qing Dynasty but also stands as a hall that blends history, culture, and art.

Entering the museum feels like passing through a time tunnel, returning to the ancient royal brick-making site. Each of the gold brick collections contains profound historical and cultural heritage, narrating their legendary journey from clay to the imperial palace. Through technological simulations, interactive games, and other exhibition methods, visitors can personally experience the brick-making process and feel the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

If you are driving from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Shanghai and want to spend a pleasant weekend, come to Suzhou, a city that blends classical and modern charm, renowned worldwide for its unique gardens, ancient streets, and cultural relics. You will not be disappointed!