On an early and radiant Saturday morning, study away and portal students boarded the NYU shuttle bus heading to Suzhou. The weather couldn’t be better–warm sunshine and an almost cloudless sky. Two sleepy hours later, they arrived at their first stop: Tiger Hill. The Tiger Hill Pagoda greeted the students upon their arrival. The pagoda, similar to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, inclines slightly to the north. Yan Laoshi, a native of Suzhou, graciously accompanied the group and shared captivating stories and unique facts. The students were able to immerse themselves in the culture and landscape of Suzhou. A visit to a traditional Suzhou restaurant followed and it wouldn’t be complete without the rotating turntable that sits on top of the table. This turntable spins, allowing everyone to sample all of the dishes on the table. The students drank plum juice and ate red bean soup with glutinous rice. Their trip continued to the wonderful Lingering Garden which is split into four sections, encompassing a serene tranquil pond. The afternoon was spent leisurely strolling around the paths and hearing more tales from Yan Laoshi. As the sun began to set, the students traveled to their final destination: Pingjiang Street, a historic street filled with vibrant tapestry and lights. The students roamed and explored the street vendors and local shops, and once they were done eating yummy snacks, they boarded the shuttle back home.
Tiger Hill Pagoda with a clear sky in the background. 
Inside Tiger Hill with a view of the city of Suzhou in the distance. 
A black cat inside Tiger Hill. 
Looking through an open window at the Lingering Garden. 
The centerpiece of the Lingering Garden. 
Inside one of the living rooms in the Lingering Garden. 
An orchid sitting on the windowsill located in the teahouse of the Lingering Garden. 
Away from the center of the Lingering Garden lies these stones that are reminiscent of mountains. 
Pingjiang Road in the evening. 
Sunset in Suzhou.
