In ancient palaces, open space is rare; in water lanes, small bridges abound.
Night markets sell water chestnuts and lotus roots; spring boats carry silk and satin.
From afar I know you lie awake under the moon; your yearning for home rises with the fishermen’s songs.
A garden full of blossoms and trees, terraces and pavilions; whitewashed walls and blue tiles, with a few stalks of emerald bamboo. Window frames display paintings galore; oddly shaped rocks rise proudly, rockeries artfully arranged. A clear pool teems with koi, willows line the banks and new lotus leaves are green. Winding corridor bridges lead to secluded spots, where fluttering curtains bring scenes to life. Hidden streams flow through flower paths, fragrant chrysanthemums waft through sparse fences; the gardens are exquisitely delightful—the celestial realm that is Gusu.
Many people think of Suzhou as classic and quaint, but actually, Gusu District is where you’ll find the most iconic ancient city scenery!
Registration for the second Dongwu Life Insurance "Discover Gusu" event has begun again. This event consists of two major competitions: the Ancient City River Hiking Rally and the Ancient City "Traces & Memories" Team Challenge!
Check out the details of the event with Xiao Le!
"Up above there is heaven; down below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou."
The land enclosed by the moat is the ancient city of Suzhou, covering an area of 14.2 square kilometers. The world-famous Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal flows from the north, passing west of Hanshan Temple into the ancient city area of Suzhou, where it meets the Xukou River near Hengtang Town. It then connects to the West Moat via Taizhan Bridge. South of Xumen Gate, it flows along the South Moat, crossing bridges such as Wumen Bridge and Renmin Bridge. At this point, it turns southward, passing through Midu Bridge and beside the Tang Dynasty Baodai Bridge, then surges mightily south all the way to another heavenly city—Hangzhou.
Wouldn’t you love to explore such a classic and charming route?
Ancient City Walking Trail Event
Full Course Hiking Group: 15.5KM hiking walk
Half Course Hiking Group: 6.5KM hiking walk
Family Hiking Group: 2.7KM hiking walk
Detailed routes are subject to the official map released before the event. Each group will have separate starting times, with a unified finish line at Xiangmen Square.
Xiangmen (starting point for Full Course Group) – Qimen – Changmen – Xumen (starting point for Half Course Group) – Panmen – Nanmen – Shemen (starting point for Family Group) – Xiangmen (finish line)
Ancient City "Traces & Memories" Team Challenge
[Changmen Area]
[Humble Administrator’s Garden Area]
[Panmen Area]
[Fengmen Area]
[Shantang Area]
Teams consist of five participants (with at least one of the opposite gender). After successful registration, teams will be randomly assigned routes by the organizing committee. Each team must complete coordinate checkpoints and activity tasks along their assigned route.
Participants may freely choose their competition route upon registration, but the selected route cannot be changed after confirmation. Please choose carefully.
Besides the above two events,
all lovely participants who sign up for these two events
can also join the Ancient City Leisure Hiking Tour!
Participants can explore a total of 50 experience points in the ancient city area of Suzhou on foot using the Adventure Passport included in their race pack. They are free to discover cultural landmarks, craft workshops, ancient bridges and wells hidden in narrow alleys, local snacks, and specialty products that are usually not open to the public or do not accept individual visitors. Explore the hidden charm and legacy of the ancient city of Gusu and listen to its lesser-known stories. (A detailed exploration guidebook will be provided in the race pack.)
Registration Method
1. Follow the “Letu Health Walk” WeChat official account, reply in the backend with: “Discover Gusu Registration,” and follow the prompts to register.
2. Download the Su Tiyong App, search for “Discover Gusu,” and register.
Event Method
1. Participants depart on their own to the event starting point.
Full Course Hiking Group – Xiangmen Square (Opening Ceremony)
Half Course Hiking Group – Xumen Square (You can take Metro Line 1 and get off at Yangyuxiang Station)
Parent-Child Hiking Group – Shemen (Guihua Park)
This event is title-sponsored by Dongwu Life Insurance.