Suzhou (苏州) is my hometown. Even though I left China for the states when I was three years old, I have always felt more connected to my origins. August 2016 will be my third time visiting all my relatives. Prior to my departure, I have decided to write this article to learn more about where I was born.
• a major city located in the southeastern part of the country very close to Shanghai
• the cradle of Wu Culture
• the old saying mentions it as a “Paradise on the Earth” or the "East Venice of the World”, referring to its natural beauty, classical gardens, bridges and waters, traditional operas and soft dialect tone
What is Suzhou most known for?
1. Canals
The Grand Canal, measuring 1200 miles, is the longest man-made waterway in the world. Read more about why Suzhou is nicknamed "the Venice of the East"
2. Silk 
According to China tour guide, China is famous for it's silk and Suzhou is the most famous place for producing it
3. Gardens
One of Suzhou's most famous yet smallest gardens built in 1140 is the Master of Nets Garden.
1. Squirrel Shaped Mandarin Fish
The meat of the fish is made to protrude outwards. The fish is deep fried and the sweet sauce enhances its flavour.
2. Whitebait Soup
This is a light and soft textured soup that contains whitebait as its main ingredient. Ham, bamboo, and green vegetables are added to enrich and give it an aromatic taste.
3. Biluo Shelled Shrimps
This dish is prepared by using Bi Luo Chun tea leaves to give the shrimp it's unique flavour
4. Cracking Eel Paste (鳝糊)
The eel paste is made with rice field eels that is prepped either broiled, stir-fried, or quick-boiled
5. Watermelon Chicken
The chicken is braised then marinated in a watermelon
6. Suzhou Style Noodles
This dish is very famous in the Yangtze River Delta area. The noodles are similar to Japanese Ramen style noodles; however, the difference is that Suzhou local noodle uses fine noodles and not the thick noodles in japan.
1. Green Dumpling (青团子)
It is a special food during April. It is made from glutinous rice. The green colour comes from the juice of bromegrass. The filling is made from sweetened bean paste and sugar
2. Pan-Fried Steamed Bun
It is fried on a big pan in shallow oil. The secret of the dainty lies in the meat jelly that is mingled with the filling.
3. Paopao Wonton
It is a classical snack in South China where only a small portion of the inside is filled with pork and shrimp so that the remaining space is left for air
