Experience Autumn on a Private Island Retreat at Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou

As cool autumn breezes arrive, Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou invites guests to the private island to enjoy the beauty of all four seasons in one memorable experience. Wake up to a soft mist over Jinji Lake, and in the evening, watch as the sunset illuminates the hotel’s exterior. The gardens are filled with the gentle fragrance of osmanthus, while ginkgo leaves form a golden carpet in the Rose Garden. Together, these elements create a peaceful and abundant autumn atmosphere on the private island, an experience crafted specifically for guests to enjoy.

Autumn's Bounty: Culinary Delights

Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou offers diverse dining experiences where culinary artistry and innovation highlight the finest seasonal flavours.

At Jin Jing Ge, guests can indulge in a distinctive culinary journey inspired by the Jiangnan region. The elegant main dining area and seven private dining rooms, each named after a type of jade, overlook either serene gardens or the shimmering lake. Executive Chinese Chef Charles Zhang brings deep expertise in traditional Chinese cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Chef Charles sources local autumn produce from Suzhou’s lakes and mountains, including pears; tender taro; delicate chrysanthemums; hearty chestnuts; water chestnuts; and hairy crabs, transforming them into exceptional dishes. Each dish uses time-honoured techniques to enhance the natural taste of the ingredients, capturing the rich and tender essence of late autumn in Jiangnan.

Guests can also book a Chinese Yellow Wine Tasting at Jin Jing Ge - a journey into rich, aged flavours within a warm and refined setting. This wine reflects China’s cultural heritage, with its warm amber colour preserving a legacy thousands of years old, offering a taste of history in every glass.

This autumn, The Lounge and Bar introduces a limited-time seasonal experience that blends autumn flavours with scenic views, enhancing all-day dining with a fresh and sophisticated touch. The restaurant welcomes Executive Pastry Chef Steven Jin, from Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, who has collaborated with the Hotel’s Pastry Sous Chef Felix Liu to create a unique Autumn Afternoon Tea. Inspired by autumn traditions in Suzhou and Korea, the pastry chefs designed a menu that brings together distinct regional flavours. Highlights include Korean Beef Tartare with Nashi pear; Korean Kimbap with gochujang chilli mayonnaise and kimchi; Ginger Milk Pudding with lotus seed and peach gum; and Hairy Crab Eggs with tarragon and a water chestnut jelly. Each item is thoughtfully prepared to balance sweet and savoury aromas.

As evening falls, The Lounge and Bar take on a more enchanting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy cocktails inspired by Suzhou’s ancient city gates including the Xumen Cocktail, gin infused with waxberry and a hint of salt, evoking historical charm; the Fengmen Cocktail, vodka blended with lychee liqueur, reflecting the elegance of misty rain; and the Nanmen Cocktail, whiskey complemented by jackfruit, echoing centuries of vibrancy. Accompanied by soft music and views of Jinji Lake’s changing colours, the setting offers a multisensory autumn evening experience that perfectly combines the taste, sound, and scenery.

Yun He offers an extensive buffet featuring a wide selection of dishes, from Eastern classics to Western favourites, providing an international culinary experience in one venue. The restaurant regularly incorporates seasonal ingredients, refreshing its menu monthly to highlight fresh produce and themed dishes. This allows guests to enjoy new flavours that reflect the time of year with each visit. During holidays, Yun He also creates special dining experiences tailored for families.

Tranquil Autumn: A Secluded Island Retreat

As autumn unfolds in Suzhou, guests are encouraged to explore the city’s rich cultural offerings beyond the hotel. Visit Suzhou’s nine UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden. During the season, the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, complementing the pavilions, terraces, and waterside views - a true reflection of Jiangnan’s poetic beauty.

Guests can also experience local cultural traditions such as Kunqu Opera and Suzhou embroidery. Whether listening to the soothing melodies of Kunqu, or trying hands-on embroidery techniques, guests will gain insight into these living heritage arts. For a broader cultural excursion, Shanghai is just a 30-minute high-speed train ride away. There, visitors can explore contemporary art exhibitions at venues like the West Bund Art Museum, Long Museum, and Pudong Art Museum. This dual-city journey adds a layer of cultural depth to any stay.

Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou offers 199 well-appointed guest rooms, suites, and 11 freestanding villas with private courtyards, providing a tranquil lakeside escape this autumn. Select rooms overlook Jinji Lake, offering views of shimmering water and colourful leaves, while others feature private gardens where bamboo and maple trees create a serene atmosphere. Soft autumn breezes carry the delicate fragrance of osmanthus and fresh greenery along the lake. Guests can take leisurely walks along curved bridges and waterside pavilions, enjoying a sense of peace and privacy unique to the island retreat. The hotel also offers family-friendly activities such as a kids’ club that provides fun for younger guests, and pet-friendly amenities which ensure that even four-legged companions can join the vacation - playing freely on the lawn during crisp autumn days.

In Suzhou, a city where ancient culture meets modern living, Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou provides a secluded island sanctuary that soothes both the mind and the spirit. The hotel warmly invites guests to embrace this season’s gentle beauty and discover a haven of tranquillity and abundance.