The family of the architect, I.M. Pei, who designed the Louvre pyramid in Paris, was born in Suzhou. Pei’s design for this museum incorporated a restrained yet bright look influenced by the local habitat and the Zen-like layout of the town’s gardens. This luminous setting provides the backdrop for an internationally renowned collection. It includes relics from the Wu kingdom, jade jewellery, ethnic fabrics, ceramics and unclassifiable items such as the miniature pagoda studded with gold and jade pearls. Don’t miss the impressive works by the contemporary artists Zao Wou-ki.