Suzhou Tourism Invites Consumers To Learn the Art of Bonsai at Macy's Flower Show in San Francisco

NEW YORK, March 9, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Suzhou Tourism invites consumers in the San Francisco Bay area to learn more about Suzhou's rich garden culture during complimentary bonsai workshops at the annual Macy's Flower Show on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. These hands-on sessions will take place at 3 p.m. each day at the store's flagship location in Union Square (170 O'Farrell Street) in the Enchanted Garden Studio on Level 4. Bonsai experts George Haas, Chris Ross, and Candace Key from the Golden State Bonsai Federation Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt in Oakland will educate participants on Suzhou-style bonsai and teach them how to prune, care for, and cultivate these delicate plants. Individual bonsai, which participants will be able to take home, and tools will be provided free of charge. A Suzhou Tourism representative will be present during the demos each day to provide the group with a detailed overview of Suzhou and share more about its rich appeal.

Among the best places to view bonsai in Suzhou is the majestic Tiger Hill which is home to hundreds of perfectly manicured trees, including one that is more than 400 years old. Bonsai are also prevalent in the famed Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou's largest garden which was originally designed for a Ming Dynasty-era government official and is considered the archetype of classical garden design. Suzhou's Classical Gardens, nine of which have been collectively designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site, are known for their exquisite aesthetics. Designed primarily by scholars between the 11th and 19th centuries, the gardens recreate natural landscapes in miniature and represent the profound harmony between man and nature. Suzhou-style bonsai is well-recognized in China for its long history and distinctive style which is simultaneously plain and elegant.

Space for the bonsai workshops is limited, and those interested in participating can pre-register online at macyssfbonsai.eventbrite.com. For additional information about this event visit http://www.macys.com/flowershow. More information on Suzhou's Classical Gardens can be found here.

To coincide with the event, Suzhou Tourism will launch a Bonsai Sweepstakes where consumers can enter to win roundtrip airfare for one from a major North American gateway city, four nights of accommodations, a fully-guided tour of the destination including bonsai lessons taught by a local master in a renowned garden in Suzhou, as well as other experiential activities. The sweepstakes launches on March 24 and runs through 11:59 p.m. on April 13. More information will be available closer to the contest launch on http://www.TravelToSuzhou.com.

The sweepstakes is part of Suzhou Tourism's year-long "Made In Suzhou" social media program that allows an online audience to virtually experience the destination through video content exploring its local traditions and cultural offerings. Consumers interested in learning more about Suzhou and the many artfully crafted items produced in the destination can follow the destination's Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube channels (@VisitSuzhou), track the destination's official hashtags #TravelSuzhou and #MadeInSuzhou, or visit http://www.TravelToSuzhou.com.

About Suzhou
Suzhou, the "Venice of China," is known for its elegant stone bridges, canals, flowing water, and noteworthy architecture. Located in the center of the Yangtze River Delta, approximately 70 miles west of Shanghai, Suzhou is one of the oldest cities in the Yangtze Basin dating back more than 2,500 years. The city boasts the beautifully manicured Classical Gardens of Suzhou, nine of which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as 11 destinations along the Grand Canal that have also been designated world cultural heritage sites.

Each year, millions of tourists travel to Suzhou to experience the destination's more than 400 attractions, ranging from pagodas and temples to historical districts and world-class museums. As the largest industrial city in China, Suzhou continues to develop, such as the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), which boasts five-star hotels, the iconic Lake Jinji, and Asia's largest overwater Ferris Wheel.

Travel to Suzhou is easily accessible via three convenient area airports with non-stop flights from North America: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) offers bullet train service to Suzhou, which is approximately a 50-mile, 30-minute trip; Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 65 miles from Suzhou, an hour and half drive; and Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX) is approximately 14 miles from Suzhou, a 30 minute drive. More information is available at http://www.TravelToSuzhou.com.

About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 670 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores ? including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California ? are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $54 million each year, plus 180,000 hours of volunteer service, to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

SOURCE Suzhou Tourism