Written historical records indicate that Suzhou has a history of over 4000 years,which entitles the city one of "24 Cultural and Historic Cities " approved as the first group of its kind by the State Council.
For thousands of years Suzhou has been a cradle of talented people.In ancient times Suzhou gave birth to many remarkable politicians,philosophers,strategists,scientists and artists,represented by Sun Wu,Fan Zhongyan,Shen Kuo,Tang Ying,Gu Yanwu,Kuai Xiang.In modern times,prominent people from Suzhou emerge in large numbers in various fields.Suzhou's painting,calligraphy,seal cutting,opera,medicine and architecture all have different schools and achievements.Its traditional handicrafts such as embroidery and Taohuawu woodcut picture enjoy a high reputation at home and aborad.
The construction of the brand “Cultural Suzhou”has made great achievements. I.M.Pei, the world famous architect,made design for the new Suzhou Museum , which is now under construction.The comic show “One, Two, Three, Let's go”is elected at the first round as China 's Top Stage Show. Dancing opera, “ Gan Jiang and Mo Ye”and youth comic “Young People'sTrack”are all awarded at National level. TV series “Waters in Suzhou ”and “Jiang Nan”won national award. After Kun Opera,Gu Qin (an ancient Chinese musical instrument) is also listed by UNESCO as Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity.The first construction phase of China Kun Opera Museum has been completed, and Kunshan City has won a national award “Home to Fold Arts”. Changshu city, Taicang city and Jinxi Town of KunShan City are all named as “home to unique culture”. Up to the end of 2003, there are, in the whole municipality, 18 art performing troupes, 107 cultural centers, 11 public libraries, 2 publishing houses, 14 newspapers, 26 magazines, 6 TV stations, 45 cinemas and 19,000 digital TV consumers.
The city boasts 2 National Historic and Cultural Cities : Suzhou and Changshu, 3 Historic and Cultural Towns: Luzhi, Tongli and Zhouzhuang, 6 historic and cultural towns protected at provincial level as well as a group of well preserved ancient towns and villages. There are 487 cultural relics protected at different levels. Old city proper owns 5 historic neighborhoods: Pingjiang, Humble Administrator's Garden, Yi Garden, Shantang and Changmen, 200 buildings and more than 790 architectures under protection. In order to strengthen the management of renowned historic and cultural cities and towns, “ Suzhou City 's Protection Measures for Renowned Historic and Cultural Cities and Towns”was promulgated. It also takes the lead in China to introduce the “Management Measures for Purple Lines in Suzhou ”.
China
China is situated in eastern Asia, bounded by the Pacific to the east. The third largest country in the world after Canada and Russia, it has an area of 9.6 million square kilometers, which is one-fifteenth of the world's landmass.
China is a vast land, rich in tourism resources. It comes out in front in the world in scenic spots and historical sites, spectacular landscapes, and colorful and varied national customs.
China, one of the world's most ancient civilizations, has a recorded history of nearly 4,000 years.
