Missing the Suzhou Museum in Gusu is really like making a trip for nothing

When it comes to museums, Suzhou is definitely one of the most unique. It was one of the earlier museums I visited. When I first saw it, I was amazed that a museum could be made like this, it was really stunning! ✅ Three Main Exhibition Halls ◾ The Wuzhong Pagoda is divided into the Pagoda Radiating Auspicious Light and the Treasures of Tiger Hill. It displays precious cultural relics found from the Ruiguang Pagoda during the Eastern Wu period. ◾ The Treasures of Wu are divided into Morning Light Faintly Shining, Contending Lords of Spring and Autumn, Brocade of the South of the Yangtze, and Rhythms of the Metropolis. It showcases archaeological artifacts unearthed in Suzhou. ◾ The Elegance of Wuzhong is divided into Study Long Objects, Treasures of Pottery Governance, Ingenious Strategies for Carving Jade, Divine Work of Carving, Elegant Study Room Affairs, Casual Pastimes, Ink Play in the Thatched Cottage, and Brocade of Floating Life. It displays cultural relics collected and appreciated in Suzhou during the Ming and Qing dynasties. ✅ Treasures of the Museum 1️⃣ The Pearl Relic Stupa A container for offering relics, connected with pearls and other treasures, the stupa is 1.22 meters tall and made entirely of nanmu wood. Especially the dragon, which is made of over 36,000 pearls strung together with silver thread. 2️⃣ Ginkgo Wood Painted Statues of the Four Heavenly Kings The inner wall is inscribed with the words 'Recorded on April 18th of the Dazhong Xiangfu sixth year', and the outer wall of the wooden case is painted with images of the Four Heavenly Kings, bearing the artistic legacy of Wu Daozi, the painting sage of the Tang Dynasty. 3️⃣ Relic Pearls Relic pearls are crystalline remains left after the cremation of ancient enlightened monks. There are a total of 9 relic pearls in the gourd bottle. 4️⃣ Gold Script on Blue Paper 'Lotus Sutra' Discovered in the Ruiguang Pagoda, the sutra is written in gold on blue-green paper and is illustrated with patterns. 5️⃣ Secret-Color Porcelain Lotus Bowl The porcelain bowl consists of a bowl and a stand, with an even glaze. The outer wall of the bowl, the surface of the stand, and the ring foot are all decorated with double-layered lotus flowers, raised like shallow bas-relief. It presents a jade-like warmth and is considered a standard piece of secret-color porcelain from the Five Dynasties to the Northern Song period. ✅ Courtyard Architecture The final masterpiece of world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, with a design concept of 'Chinese yet modern, Suzhou yet new', presents Suzhou-style architecture in a completely new way. Simple geometric lines, the use of black, white, and gray, and the interweaving of light and shadow create the beauty of a dance, outlining an ink-washed Jiangnan... Mr. I.M. Pei called it: 'My little daughter'. In fact, compared to the artifacts in the museum, this building has also become a collection. ◾ Fragmented Mountain Faux Rocks: Originating from the landscape paintings of Mi Fu in the Suzhou Museum, Taihu rocks are selected and cut, and then torched to represent the depth of ink in ink paintings. ◾ The water courtyard in the central atrium: Starting from the classical Chinese garden, it incorporates elements of pavilions, bridges, platforms, and sand, maintaining the charm of Suzhou-style gardens. ◾ Small scenes in the exhibition halls: The combination of Taihu rocks and pomegranate trees, with a view at every step and the use of light and shadow, many of the museum's finishing touches are small and exquisite, very photogenic. 📍204 Northeast Street, Gusu District, near Beisita Station on Subway Line 4 ⏰Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 ➡️Suzhou City Tourist Information Center (opposite the museum) offers 3 free stamps ➡️Museum cultural and creative store, any consumption can get 15 stamps 📌Reservation Method Free reservation through the official WeChat account of Suzhou Museum, entry with ID card. It's very hard to book, be sure to reserve 3-4 days in advance‼️