Suzhou has become famous for its old town and waterways which are quintessential China, making them a foreigner's dream. There are places to buy souvenirs, take pictures and to learn something about ancient culture, so it's no wonder that the old town has become a must see on people's list of things to do in China.
But sometimes you don't want the kitschy tourist experience. You want to go somewhere a little more quiet and take a moment to yourself, preferably in a room with good air conditioning. No other tourists, no souvenirs, no history lessons. Jinji Lake has become the perfect place for visitors to take a much needed break.
Jinji Lake is the newer area of Suzhou, a modern and updated version of the town everyone has come to love. The area has become well known and loved by locals, but is mostly still unknown to foreigners and tourists.
Accessible by Metro, car or bus, Jinji Lake is in many ways a polar opposite of the old town. With the aesthetic of a mini Shanghai, this area has interesting architecture and ample shopping and dining options.
There's a number of malls, most of them rather high-end, with great options for fashion shopping, but also a Taiwanese bookstore with friendly staff and impressive food courts offering cuisine from across the world.
Located in the center, the lake that gives the area its name is one of the most impressive parts of the district. Some parts of the lake's waterfront are part of a residential area, but most is accessible to the public. A little park wraps around one side, and has a dock that extends into the water.
Across the water is the city skyline, including the Suzhou TV Station building, supposedly an homage to the CCTV building in Beijing. All in all, it's a nice scene and, for the most part, not terribly crowded.
The area has more to offer than just shopping and food. Not to be confused with Suzhou Amusement Park, the larger amusement park in Suzhou, the Jinji Lake area also has a small amusement park. Various rides and roller coasters, as well as a Ferris wheel. The park sits right against the lake, with the Ferris wheel boasting some of the most impressive views in the district. The park is smaller than Suzhou Amusement Park, making it slightly less crowded.
While the old town is a must see when visiting Suzhou, Jinji Lake area is slowly carving out a spot of its own. It does not compete with the old town, nor does it want to. When you need a break from the chaos of touring, the lake is the perfect spot to escape and take some time to yourself.
