Uncover 2,500 Years of Ancient Chinese History in Suzhou Must-visit museums and limited-time only exhibits for ancient history, high culture, and refined arts New York, New York (June 29, 2018) – While Suzhou’s charming landscape is a living example of its history, culture, and heritage, some of the city’s most significant relics remain behind closed doors, and visitors can easily absorb more than 2,500 years of history with a trip to one of Suzhou’s museums. Due in part to the ancient Chinese city’s pristine preservation of its culture and heritage, Suzhou’s museums are both enriching and abundant. From ancient artifacts to modern architecture, and from Kunqu opera to fine-spun silks, visitors can uncover what makes Suzhou a treasured destination. For history and nature: Six Arts Museum: Located in Lili Ancient Water Village inside of a repurposed cosmetics factory building, Six Arts Museum, which opened last month, is devoted to the environmentally friendly rescue, preservation, and display of ancient Chinese arts. More than 30 galleries span more than four floors, showcasing architectural salvage pieces, stone and wood carvings, antique furniture and furnishings, artistic artifacts, and more. From intriguing Ming and Qing Dynasty signs to an array of traditional Chinese music and performing arts, visitors can embrace their artistic side with hands-on learning from artisans and masters. “Wander with the Creator” at the Suzhou Museum: Award-winning architect I.M. Pei returned to his hometown to design and build the Suzhou Museum. Featuring free admission, it showcases a vast collection of ancient ceramics, cultural relics, and woodcarvings. One of the museum’s newest special exhibits, “Wander with the Creator,” showcases the work of artist Zeng Xiaojun. The exhibit incorporates intertwined ceramic pattern and aged vines and bonsai to demonstrate the beauty of nature. From the pines at Situ Temple to the Wen Wisteria in the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Xiaojun’s art draws inspiration from Suzhou’s landscape and cultural heritage. The exhibit is open through August 5, 2018. Suzhou Garden Museum: Around the corner from the Suzhou Museum lies a stunning presentation of the history, techniques, and styles behind Suzhou’s classical gardens. The Suzhou Garden Museum is located inside of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest in Suzhou and among nine that have been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For fashion and style: Suzhou Silk Museum: Known as the silk capital of China, a longstanding history of silk production remains an integral thread in Suzhou’s cultural fabric. A series of galleries at the Suzhou Silk Museum guides visitors through the process, from silkworm cocoon to thread spinning, while a workshop reminiscent of days past reenacts the golden era of Suzhou silk making. Museum of Suzhou Embroidery Art: Suzhou embroidery is among the oldest and most renowned in the world. The Museum of Suzhou Embroidery Art showcases an impressive collection, from Emperor Qianlong's intricate imperial robe to tapestries so advanced that the works resemble three-dimensional paintings. Watch craftsmen demonstrate their skills as they create stunning masterpieces using the finest silk threads — some can even execute the incredibly complex double-sided embroidery technique, producing a different image on either side. “Selected Calligraphies” from the Suzhou Museum: Home to the Wu School of professional artists and some of the country’s most skilled calligraphers, Suzhou features calligraphy that is considered a high form of visual art. Over the years, artists have focused on various elements of this highly mastered skill such as its poetic charm, formation of characters, and different styles of script. Calligraphies from more than 30 master artists since the Yuan and Ming Dynasty are on display in this special exhibit at the Suzhou Museum through September 2, 2018. For arts and culture: Suzhou Arts & Crafts Museum: Housed in the historic Shangzhi Tang building dating back to the Qing dynasty, the Suzhou Arts & Crafts Museum boasts an impressive assortment of modern art and crafts created by skilled Suzhou artisans. From delicately carved jade to Ming-style furniture, the collection is both brilliant and diverse. Visit the gift shop and bring a piece of handcrafted Suzhou home. Kunqu Opera Museum: Dedicated to the area’s distinct style of opera, this antique theater houses a collection of musical instruments, costumes, and photos that tell the story of Kunqu, believed to be the ancestor of all forms of opera. Adjacent is the Pingtan Museum, a place to learn and listen to this ancient form of storytelling. True Color Museum: Located on the Yunhe River in the Guoxiang Residential District, the True Color Museum is the place to go for modern and contemporary Chinese art. From paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture, and more, the museum aims to explore the new artistic forces in China and Asia, showcasing the new artistic ideas that break the tradition. Tour packages offer a variety of ways to experience Suzhou’s diverse museums. For additional information or to browse tour packages that highlight these museums in Suzhou and more, visit TravelToSuzhou.com. About Suzhou Suzhou, the "Venice of China," is known for its elegant stone bridges, canals, flowing water, and noteworthy architecture. Located in the center of the Yangtze River Delta, approximately 60 miles west of Shanghai, Suzhou is one of the oldest cities in the Yangtze Basin dating back more than 2,500 years. The city boasts the beautifully manicured Classical Gardens of Suzhou, nine of which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each year, millions of tourists travel to Suzhou to experience the destination’s more than 400 attractions, ranging from pagodas and temples to historical districts and world-class museums. As the largest industrial city in China, Suzhou continues to develop, such as the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), which boasts five-star hotels, the iconic Lake Jinji, and China’s largest overwater Ferris wheel. Travel to Suzhou is easily accessible via three convenient area airports with non-stop flights from North America: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) offers bullet train service to Suzhou, which is approximately a 50-mile, 30-minute trip; Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 65 miles from Suzhou, an hour and half drive; and Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX) is approximately 14 miles from Suzhou, a 30-minute drive. For more information on Suzhou please visit www.TravelToSuzhou.com, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. # # # Media Contact: Ashley Norman / Laura Bonfiglio PHG Consulting [email protected] / [email protected] Tel: +1 646 465 9775 / +1 929 841 5241 .