Suzhou

[Photos] Jiangnan: China’s paradise on earth? [Eye on JiangZheHu series]

The Jiangnan region has long been renowned across China for its picturesque scenery, cultural refinement, and rich history, among many other things. Historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao tells us more about the history of China’s “paradise on earth”, giving us a glimpse of Jiangnan’s enduring charm and allure.

Hsu Chung-mao

​Can Lee Hsien Loong, China’s ‘old friend’, help navigate US-China relations?

Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent visit to China has shown the significant role he had in promoting China-Singapore relations. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that Lee could continue to play a significant role in the region, especially in China-US relations, even in his current capacity as senior minister.

Han Yong Hong

Suzhou Industrial Park: Singapore’s evolving role 30 years on

Singapore continues to work on the Suzhou Industrial Park through identifying new areas of cooperation and by helping Chinese companies to go to Singapore and vice versa.

Lye Liang Fook

DPM Lawrence Wong: Singapore-China cooperation in a turbulent world

Ahead of the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held in Tianjin, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong shares his thoughts on Singapore-China relations, highlighting the need to renew and expand economic links, reimagine industries and reinforce close ties between the two countries.

Lawrence Wong

A taste of Changzhou: Best from the rivers and lakes

Situated between Zhenjiang and Wuxi, Changzhou belongs to the Wu-speaking (吴语) region of Jiangnan. As the city sits in the Jiangnan circle comprising Nanjing, Yangzhou and Suzhou, its food and lifestyle patterns are influenced by Yangzhou and Suzhou culture. As cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai embarks on his Changzhou food extravaganza, will he get to taste the much-anticipated Tianmu Lake claypot fish head? This is the first article of a four-part series on Changzhou cuisine.

Cheng Pei-kai

My memories of Jiang Zemin: Editor-in-chief, Chinese Media Group

From her time on the political desk then as Zaobao's Hong Kong correspondent and Beijing correspondent, Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH Chinese Media Group, recalls her impressions of the late former Chinese President Jiang Zemin. Jiang represented the ideas and workings of an era in Chinese politics, and played a great role in shaping China's domestic policies and international diplomacy.

Lee Huay Leng

What does Zhuangzi have to do with goldfish in a Suzhou winter pond?

Wintry scenes of snow-clad landscapes make one in the mood for poetry. One look at Suzhou's Tiger Hill Pagoda or the Humble Administrator's Garden blanketed in snow and ancient poets would have been lost in their reverie, producing great works. Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai remembers the year 2018 when there was heavy snow in China's southern Jiangnan region.

Cheng Pei-kai

Cultural historian: Could we have eaten this elusive perch of Lake Tai?

Gathering with contemporaries in Nan Shi Pi Ji, a Chinese garden in Suzhou, cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai is reminded of a rare perch found in the east side of Lake Tai called lugui (鲈鳜). This was the fish that Western Jin dynasty poet Zhang Han and other ancient literati craved when they were away from home. Served raw or in its modern rendition steamed, the delicacy is almost too good to eat. Did Cheng get a chance to taste it?

Cheng Pei-kai

Diplomat, book addict, concubine and sage, all in an old alley of Suzhou

In one of his carefree walks down an alleyway in Suzhou, cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai discovers the old studio of Huang Pilie, renowned book collector of the Qing dynasty. But that's not all. The former abodes of diplomats, concubines, academics and many more lie hidden in Xuanqiao Lane and its arteries. What stories will he find with each meander?

Cheng Pei-kai

Qing dynasty 'eccentric' painter Zheng Banqiao: Art is commodity and beauty is physical

From a laser-etched calligraphy in a restaurant, art historian Chiang Hsun delves into the writings of Qing dynasty painter and calligrapher Zheng Xie, better known as Zheng Banqiao. Zheng was part of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou" group of painters who had wealthy businessmen patrons and developed an aesthetic grounded in the material and secular. Bright and colourful scenes of mirth were common - unlike the Song and Yuan dynasty literati before them who indulged in melancholic musings above worldly concerns. Contemporary ink artists may want to get some inspiration from Zheng's works, and boldly declare the feelings and observations of the times.

Chiang Hsun

A bowl of Suzhou noodles named by Emperor Qianlong

Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai is lucky to have tried all ten of the most highly rated noodle dishes in China. Among them, Kunshan Aozao noodles from Suzhou stands out. Best consumed piping hot, this noodle soup served with smoked fish or braised duck leg is steeped in folklore.

Cheng Pei-kai

When a professor falls in love with Suzhou during the Cultural Revolution

Like the gentlemen in poems of yore who were love-struck by fair maidens, Cheng Pei-kai falls in love with Suzhou at first sight. His is a cultural love story that has stood the test of time.

Cheng Pei-kai