The visitors learn the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting in Tongli, an ancient water town in Suzhou on Sept 14. [Photo/ chinadaily.com.cn]

The visitors were impressed by what they saw. "I believe that here clients will find the 'China' they're looking for, the authentic connection with the past that makes the trip worthwhile, unique and unforgettable," said US travel agent Lori Lannuzzo in her keynote speech at the conference.

Suzhou has rapidly emerged as an international tourist destination in recent years. Just 30 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai, the city's centuries-old architecture and laid-back atmosphere offer a refreshing contrast to its ultramodern neighbor.

It was this marriage of authenticity and convenience that US travel magazine Travel + Leisure cited when it included Suzhou in its 50 Best Places to Travel in 2017 list, the only Chinese destination to feature.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Suzhou is also on the rise. Inbound tourism to the city rose 6.5 percent year-on-year in 2016 to reach 2.1 million, according to government statistics, with visitors from the US accounting for 1.3 million of the 1.6 million overnight guests.