As an ancient city situated at ground zero of the Chinese economic boom, Suzhou has plenty of entertainment options both traditional and modern. Anyone interested in Chinese opera should put a Kun Opera performance on their Suzhou itinerary. Also known as "kunqu", this colorful form of traditional musical theater is much-loved by the Chinese and has had a deep influence on most forms of Chinese opera. If you're coming in July, you may be able to catch the Kunqu Opera Festival. A few of Suzhou's theaters feature regular kunqu performances: inquire at your hotel, or at the Suzhou Kaiming Theater. Lovers of Western classical music will find that there are good concert halls in Suzhou with regular appearances by top-flight Chinese and international artists.

If you are keen to experience Chinese traditional music, Suzhou's famous gardens provide an unforgettable setting. From mid-March to mid-November, cultural performances, including local operas, folk songs, folk dancing and Chinese music are held every evening in the exquisite pavilions and halls of the Garden of the Master of Nets, providing a wonderful fusion of traditional music and classical scenery. A similar experience awaits those who sign on for a night tour of Suzhou's moats.

The city's growing wealth and large expatriate community have transformed the nightlife scene in Suzhou, with plenty of nightclubs and karaoke halls providing an outlet for cashed-up night-owls. The bar scene includes a range of venues from quiet hideaways to late-night dance haunts: Shiquan Jie is the best place to start looking. For a quieter daytime retreat, try one of Suzhou's lovely teahouses: one of the best is the Qiantang Charen Teahouse on Quanshi Jie. 

If you're traveling with your family, the kids can let off steam at the Suzhou Amusement Park. It's a modern theme park – with Chinese characteristics, of course! In the hot weather, the park's Water World is the perfect refuge.

Suzhou is the scene of a number of festivals each year that add color and life to an already lively town. Not surprisingly, flowers and gardens are a big theme. In February, Blue Wave Pavilion is the venue for the Orchid Festival. In March, many of the flowers begin to bloom in Suzhou. Visitors interested in peonies, azaleas and tulips can head to Tiger Hill for the Flower Festival of Tiger Hill. In the same month, The Humble Administrator's Garden is the venue for the Azelea Festival in Humble Administrator's Garden. The festival has been celebrated since 1997 with many travelers visiting it from all over the world. On non-floral themes, two festivals that add enormously to local color are the Kunqu Opera Festival each July, and the Suzhou Silk Tourist Festival in September.

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