Shopping and Souvenirs

As a major tourism center, Suzhou is naturally awash in souvenirs and handicrafts of every description. The most famous local products include Suzhou double-sided silk embroideries, they average RMB 300; silk and fragrant sandalwood fans – high quality sandalwood fans can cost up to RMB 400; woodcarvings, pearl jewelry, teapots and silk clothes of traditional and modern varieties.

The area centered on Guanqian Jie, sometimes referred to as "the walking street," is a famous shopping and entertainment area. It's a well renovated section of the old city converted to shopping area. There are department stores and specialty shops of every description here, including a number of arts, handicrafts and antique centers. Perhaps more interesting is the profusion of market stalls clustered around the more formal shops. In the center of this district is the 1,700-year-old Mystery Temple, an old Taoist temple that was once the center of a large bazaar. It has recently been renovated and continues the market tradition. The area around Shi Lu is packed with specialty and department stores. Check out Shiquan Jie for souvenirs and antiques.

The old Confucian Temple on Renmin Lu is a crumbling old complex with some fascinating antiquities strewn about. Hidden inside its walls is perhaps the most interesting informal crafts and antiques market in Suzhou. If you aren't an expert, be a bit more wary of imitations here