Autumn winds rise,and crab claws start to itch.It’s that time of year again for crab feasting. When it comes to eating hairy crabs, Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are naturally the top choice, drawing foodies like migratory birds to Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou. Also known as golden-claw crabs,their shells are mud-free, commonly referred to as “clear-water hairy crabs,” with plump, meaty bodies,and discerning diners even have specialized crab-eating tools: scissors, tongs, picks, hammers, and more, collectively calledthe “Eight Crab Tools”. With careful cracking and peeling,the flavor is sweet and delicious,offering endless taste sensations.
September for female crabs, October for males,Hold a crab and admire the chrysanthemums in the season of chrysanthemums. Suzhou gardens are world-renowned for their exquisite elegance. As the hub for chrysanthemum appreciation in southern China, Suzhou’s gardens in autumn are naturally adorned with chrysanthemums. The Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill, Lingering Garden, and Canglang Pavilion……— whether rockeries, halls, or pavilions — are embellished with chrysanthemums, blending flower viewing with landscape appreciation. The annual chrysanthemum exhibitions at Lion Grove Garden and Shangfangshan Forest Park also attract large crowds of visitors.
How can outdoor autumn trips miss out on maple leaf viewing? Suzhou’s Tianping Mountain, one of China’s four great maple-viewing destinations, has now entered its prime foliage season. The ancient maple trees in Tianping Mountain’s maple forest were brought back fromFujianduring the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era by Fan Yunlin, the 17th-generation descendant of the Song Dynasty statesman Fan Zhongyan. They reach heights of30meters and require two or three people to encircle them with their arms. The mountainside ablaze with red leaves resembles swirling rosy clouds, creating an incredibly beautiful scene.
3Not enough reasons? For outdoor autumn trips, Suzhou can still give you a4reason ! The Suzhou Radio & Television Outdoor Sports Expo, to be held from10month23to26at the Suzhou Radio & Television City Convention and Exhibition Center, is organized by Suzhou Broadcasting Television Station and the Suzhou Mountaineering Association. It gathers well-known outdoor gear brands such as Arc’teryx,Discovery, The North Face, Jack Wolfskin, Norway’s Bergans, Sanfo Plus, Toread, Giant, Eurema, American BAUHN,JOEWOJivo, offering everything in one place —hiking boots, quick-dry shirts, sports backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats, stoves, folding chairs, solar chargers, wrist and knee guards, cycling wear, kayaks, fishing gear.
The concurrent events of the exhibition are spectacular,The Kuafu Battle Mountain Off-Road Marathon invites top mountain off-road athletes to support the classic Lingshu Traverse route, while the U-turn Urban Car Challenge showcases the passion for sports competition and ultimate thrill among Suzhou’s outdoor sports enthusiasts. High-energy band performances, luxurious yachts, and cool motorcycles electrify the entire venue. The China Mountaineering Association and the Red Cross provide outdoor first aid training, teaching outdoor adventurers the most professional emergency response skills.
After admiring the red maples at Tianping Mountain, it’s just a 3-kilometer drive or bus ride to the Suzhou Media & Broadcasting Convention and Exhibition Center at the foot of Lingyan Mountain. After enjoying the outdoor sports exhibition, drive smoothly along the Middle Ring Expressway to Yangcheng Lake for some of the most authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, then stroll through a few gardens to admire the vibrant autumn chrysanthemums. Isn’t this the perfect autumn outdoor trip in Suzhou?