The metro line S3 travels across the famous water town of Zhouzhuang. [Photo from Wechat account KunshanDaily]

The municipal government of Suzhou has said it will build a special metro line aimed at tourists, according to an announcement last month.

The line will be named S3, and the trains will travel across water towns like Zhouzhuang and Tongli, before finally arriving at Taihu Lake. This will bring greater convenience to travellers, as well as bring new momentum to the development of satellite towns.

The line will allow travelers to set off from Zhouzhuang in the morning, sample its famous wansanti (pig's hoof) and steamed hairy crab, before touring around Tongli in the afternoon, enjoying its simple and natural charm. Tourists will then be able to go boating on Taihu Lake while enjoying the local delicacies known as the "Three Whites", namely white shrimps, white fish, and white bait.

The construction of metro line S3 is just a part of Suzhou's overall plan to improve its image and enhance connectivity to surrounding areas. Six other lines are also planned, stretching from the cities of Zhangjiagang and Changshu in the north, to Kunshan in the south.