Grabbing crabs

Local fishermen haul the season's first catch of crabs from Yangcheng Lake on Sept 23. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Apart from a large proportion exported to East and Southeast Asia, more than half of the Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are sold through the internet," said Yan.

"In an effort to prevent fraud, each Yangcheng Lake crab is given a unique number engraved on a ring fitted on one of its legs."

However, he admitted that it is easy to produce fake rings, and some are already available in the market.

"The best way to have the real Yangcheng Lake crabs is to go to Suzhou," Yan said.

"You can enjoy the picturesque views of the scenic city and taste the autumn delicacy at the same time."

Savoring Suzhou style

The following are some popular flavors from Suzhou, Jiangsu province.

Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish

Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish is a dish that visitors should not miss. With meat cut into spikes, the fish is finished with shrimp, dried bamboo shoots and a sweet-and-sour sauce that are loved by many.

The mandarin fish is known for its tenderness of the flesh and sparseness of the bones. After scaling and frying, to some degree its flesh resembles the hair of a squirrel.

The Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish is one of the must-have when tourists visit Suzhou and neighboring areas such as Hangzhou and Wuxi.

Noodle Fish

Whitebait, also called noodle fish, has white flesh and sparse bones. It has been listed as one of the main national protected aquatic resources. The whitebait, about 10cm long, can be cooked in many ways. One of the most common ways is to fry it with eggs. Another method is to make it into soup. It is often seasoned with ham, bamboo slices and green vegetable leaves.

Taihu Boat Dishes

The history of Taihu Boat Dishes can be traced to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). Rich officials and merchants 1,000 years ago held banquets on boats to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Since 1994, Boat Dishes have become a well-established tradition in Suzhou's Guangfu town on the eastern bank of Taihu Lake. But the number of the boat restaurants, which usually are located along the riverside, is decreasing due to the local government's environmental protection plans.

Biluochun Tea

Biluochun Tea, widely known for its unbelievable aroma, is one of the most famous teas in China. Only the tender tip of the leaf is picked from Biluo Mountain near Taihu Lake.

Though expensive, the tea is said to have the best quality and is very healthy. Visitors can buy the green tea at many of the teahouses in the city.

- China Daily

Choice tourism attractions in 'Venice of the Orient'

Dubbed "Venice of the Orient", Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu province is known for its rivers, canals and gardens. It is one of the most beautiful cities, and ancient architecture and modern buildings get along harmoniously.

Suzhou gardens

Among its frequently mentioned tourist attractions are the gardens. Many of the gardens, built mainly between the 14th and 20th centuries, are still in good condition. Humble Administrator's Garden, the Fisherman's Net Garden, Lion Grove and Lingering Garden are its top four beautiful gardens.

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is 3.5 kilometers northwest of downtown Suzhou. Many believe that it is the most beautiful scenic spot in the province.

The history of the site dates to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). The pagoda and temple inside the scenic area give an atmosphere of serenity. The 1,000-year-old temple and pagoda, though seemingly plain, are remarkable structures.

Tourists can enjoy the view of the older part of Suzhou and the scenes of the surrounding countryside on top of the hill.

Pingjiang Historic Quarter

The Pingjiang Historic Quarter, located in the city's northeastern part, has a history of 2,500 years. It is often considered the city's best-preserved cultural-protection zone.

The quarter maintains the style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). As a living record of Suzhou's history, the quarter has Ouyuan Garden, a world cultural heritage site, the Kunqu Opera Museum, and nine cultural relics protection units as well as 43 pieces of protected architecture.

It was given an Asia-Pacific cultural heritage protection award by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2005.

Shantang Street

Shantang Street, though only 3.2 kilometers long, has many old temples, ancestral halls, memorial arches and guild halls.

In June 2002, Suzhou began a restoration project to make Shantang a historical and cultural protection zone. The reconstruction work centered on restoring the traditional style, integrated with tourism and entertainment to display Shantang's rich heritage and waterways.

Jinji Lake

Jinji Lake, which literally means Golden Rooster Lake, is surrounded by modern buildings. It is one of the country's few 5A tourist attractions that people can visit for free.

World-famous professional companies were hired to design the views of the lake, which is also dotted by malls and tourist leisure sites.

- China Daily