Eat like a local: Suzhou

Savor squirrel fish and 'three whites' of Taihu Lake

After visiting the city's beautiful gardens, try Song He Lou (mansion of the pine and crane) at Guanqian Jie. It is a restaurant with a long history, established in 1757.

The great fame of the eatery has to do with Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) emperor Qianlong, who is said to have appreciated its famous "squirrel fish" (pictured) when he visited. Other classic dishes are marinated duck, oily boneless eel, brown-braised pork chops and cherry pork.

Do not forget to try the restaurant's shengjianbao, sauteed baozi and aozaomian (noodles with broth and pork). The average bill is 150 yuan per person.