Suzhou believes its appeal can bring in more domestic tourists

The city has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites-nine Suzhou gardens and 11 sites of the Grand Canal, together with rich intangible Cultural heritage, such as embroidery. Wang believes that's a big draw because expats are fond of Suzhou's unique culture.

Indeed, the city has developed new cultural programs for tourists in recent years.

At night, tourists can visit the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Master-of-Nets Garden, to enjoy classic arias of pingtan and Kunqu Opera, which are only performed at that time. Beautiful images are projected onto the architecture with colorful lighting, to create the artistic atmosphere.

In the newly opened Suzhou Museum West, visitors not only can enjoy various cultural treasures from Suzhou, but also 267 pieces of cultural relics such as sculptures, from the British Museum in the exhibition Rome: City and Empire.

The bureau has cooperated with domestic travel agencies to create customized tour products for expats, in various themes such as culture, art and outdoor activities. The bureau has also produced a series of short videos about travel stories of media and influencers and about expats living in Suzhou to share their experience of how to live like a local.

"Many expats are familiar with how to travel in China, and they like to be independent visitors," Wang says. "They have the spirit to explore. For us, the challenge is to design an appealing itinerary, such as hiking routes that connect cultural sites in Suzhou, to attract them."

Wang adds that one of Suzhou's advantages is its developed export-oriented economy. When expats come to the city for business trips and are satisfied with the experience, they are likely to recommend Suzhou to others.