North Pagoda [Suzhou]

You can climb all the way up to about the 6th floor of the Pagoda and view Suzhou from here. There is also another garden located on the back of the pagoda which is quite interesting if you have not been to any other gardens yet.

There is 1000 year old saying that goes something like this : "In heaven there is paradise, down on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou". With self-promotion like that, it is not suprising that Suzhou appears on virtually any tour of China. Rightly so, I would argue. The medium-sized city has a wealth of gardens, often planted by retired official / politician / bigwigs and a collection of that most Asian of architectural forms, the Pagoda. I defy anyone not to be taken in by the charms of this city. Some architects regard the Pagoda as a 'perfect shape', rather like a large egg, that is full of other-wordly symbolism. I would like to think that the world0famous archtect I.M.Pei might have been inspired in his work by being born here and seeing such wonderful forms at an early age. I understand that he has returned to his birthplace, and is overseeing the construction of a new municipal museum in the city. An absolute must in China - and a bit of serenity for your soul to partake in as well !