Gusu, the most tender ink-wash poem of Jiangnan

Two thousand five hundred years of history flow quietly through the white walls and black tiles of Gusu. Here lies a museum of gardens—the spacious elegance of the Humble Administrator's Garden, the exquisite craftsmanship of the Lingering Garden, the delicate charm of the Master-of-Nets Garden, where every rock and stream hides the reclusive dreams of scholars and literati. The cobblestone paths of Pingjiang Road wind as they always have, while gondolas glide through water alleys, and the soft Wu dialect of Pingtan storytelling mingles with the aroma of tea. But Gusu is not just about ancient charm. The modern skyline of Jinji Lake reflects contemporary prosperity, and along Li Gongdi at night, cafes stand side by side with time-honored taverns. A bowl of three-shrimp noodles or a plate of crab roe soup dumplings—these seasonal delicacies on the tip of the tongue are Suzhou locals' solemn tribute to life.