The Golden Triangle's time to shine

A foreign tourist shows off a dough figurine of monkey at Pingjiang Road in Suzhou.

Suzhou

The Chinese version of the phrase "heaven on Earth" goes: "Heaven is above. Below is Suzhou and Hangzhou." Indeed, they are paradises on our planet.

While the UNESCO Heritage Site Humble Administrator's Garden, ancient Pingjiang Road and silk factories have long been mainstays among visitors to the city in Jiangsu, tourism authorities have devised a new route for foreigners to enjoy deeper immersions.

Boat the moat to view ancient temples, bridges and gates. Cruises stop at attractions so sightseers can explore.

Jiangxiang village's agritourism allows you to try your hand as a farm hand by growing produce and feeding livestock. The rural retreat also hosts an agriculture museum.

Luxiang village's cobbled Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) lanes cultivate a cultural appeal rooted more in antiquity than agrarianism.

Suzhou Cowboy Countryside Club offers lakeside horseback riding and barbecues, plus rappelling and canoeing. Its parent company's golf course is modeled after Suzhou's ancient gardens to make you feel like you're swinging through the centuries.