There is a popular saying in China that "In heaven there is paradise, on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou". Suzhou has been praised as a "paradise on earth" since the ancient times. Back then, Suzhou was a center of economic prosperity and cultural richness. Even after the passage of time and with the dramatic changes that have taken place in the world, Suzhou still enjoys great prosperity and recognition.

Caizhizhai, Suzhou's Laozihao or time-horned brand in making and selling local sweet and snacks locates its base in the Guanqiang Street, a remarkable bazaar in the heart of Suzhou. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/ Xu Liuliu]

Suzhou's appeal is not in its skyscrapers, expressways or supermarkets. Sights such as these may be found in its neighboring city, Shanghai. Those who visit Suzhou, like me, marvel at its small bridges, murmuring brooks, classical gardens and water towns. While experiencing its prosperity, visitors can also appreciate the exquisiteness and elegance of Suzhou.

This is my first trip to Suzhou. Before I set out, I did a lot of research on the Internet. I was faced with a big problem after arriving at Suzhou Shuttle Bus Station at six in the afternoon. It took me over one hour to find a taxi during that rush hour. Luckily, this didn't influence my expectation of this city. Leaving my luggage in the hotel, I rushed to the Guanqian Street, a remarkable bazaar in the heart of Suzhou.

Guanqian Street got its name from its location in front of Xuanmiao (Mystery) Temple. Throughout its history of 150 years, a number of time-honored shops selling pastries and cakes have thrived here, such as Daoxiangcun, Caizhizhai and Huangtianyuan. A section of Quanqian Street between Bifengfang and Taijiannong is called Gourmet Street and has many restaurants specializing in Suzhou cuisine, a variation of Jiangzhe cuisine. Among them, Songhelou, meaning "Pine Crane Pavilion", stands out as the grandest and most famous. The restaurant has been in business since 1757, serving from emperors to ordinary folks in search of links to the past like me.

In this restaurant, a waitress will stand near you to serve you dishes and introduce the name and history of the dishes. You shouldn't miss the world-famous dish called "Song Shu Gui Yu", or Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish at Songhelou. The restaurant is the creator of this dish, a fried boneless fish coated with a sweet-and-sour sauce. It is one of the most famous Chinese dishes, and also one of the most difficult to make.

According to a folk legend, Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) tasted it while touring southern China, and praised it to no end. It's made with a whole "mandarin fish", a type of freshwater perch. You can find the mandarin fish in the markets by the brown spots on its tail. The fish is completely de-boned with a cleaver in a manner difficult to describe without pictures, but the result is a boneless fish with the head and tail still attached. After being fried, the head of the fish looks big with its mouth wide open, the tail bends upwards, and the body looks just like a squirrel with its fur stood up. The dish will make the sound like a squirrel squeaking when it is sprinkled with the dressing made from shrimp meat, dried bamboo shoots and tomato ketchup. Thus the Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish is complete in color, smell, and flavor, and will arouse the appetite of whoever sees it.

Wandering in the Guanqian Street after such a big dinner is necessary for travelers. Along the street there are many stores, selling local products of Suzhou, including handicrafts, silk, embroidery and fans. You can pick up some products as gifts for your friends. Sightseeing along Guanqian Street is a main leisure activity for Suzhou locals, as commerce, culture, religion and tourism are all combined into the atmosphere here. Guanqian Street gives us the opportunity to experience the prosperity of Suzhou.