Su embroidery(su xiu 苏绣) is the most celebrated of the four main styles of Chinese silk embroidery, hailing from Suzhou and surrounding towns of Jiangsu province. Renowned for its subtle and refined needlework, Su embroidery is praised for its use of the finest threads, balanced compositions, dense stitching and smooth finish.

Suzhou Pingtan (苏州评弹) is a truly fascinating form of art that uses various ancient instruments and voices to narrate or perform a story. It can be performed as a solo, duet, or trio with the accompaniment of a few different instruments, such as the Ban, or wooden clappers, that produces tones and melody.

Kunqu Opera, originated from Kunshan, is an old drama style listed as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2001. Kunqu dates back from the late Yuan Dynasty (middle period of 14th century), and is reputed as the “ancestor of Chinese dramas” and the “mother of Chinese operas”. Kunqu Opera as a Suzhou-born drama art is typically of rich Suzhou cultural features, but as its wide spread through the main part of China, it combines the characteristics of other famous Chinese operas. To provide the best stage effect and artistic beauty, Kunqu Opera is especially excellent with the fine makeup, soft and graceful singing, elegant actions, and traditional music.

The modern Suzhou Museum is home to a dazzling array of artifacts from Suzhou’s millennia of settlement. Built in 2006, the museum was designed by U.S.-based, Japan-born architect I.M. Pei. Its black-trimmed white exterior is an ultra-modern interpretation of traditional Suzhou houses — the museum's design is quickly becoming an architectural icon.

The museum owns more than 15,000 objects. All aspects of Suzhou culture are represented here. You'll see everything from truly ancient unearthed relics to classic Chinese arts (paintings, calligraphy, porcelain, and carved gems). You can also enter the reconstructions of ancient Chinese homes.

The museum owns more than 15,000 objects. All aspects of Suzhou culture are represented here. You'll see everything from truly ancient unearthed relics to classic Chinese arts (paintings, calligraphy, porcelain, and carved gems). You can also enter the reconstructions of ancient Chinese homes.