Showcase of urban life and culture

Suzhou, a city with over 2,500 years of history, is expected to dazzle millions of visitors to the Shanghai Expo 2010 with its distinctive s ancient town and modern urban development.

Listed by the State Council as one of 24 National Historical and Cultural Famous Cities, Suzhou is known as "the Venice in the Orient" for the rivers and water lanes that pass through.

Kunqu Opera, named a World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, originated in Suzhou and later flourished nationwide.