Suzhou Expat - The expatriate portal in China

There are a few places in SIP to go to and have a drink but up until recently not a real bar. There are many restaurants trying to pass of as a bar but a bar is a bar and a restaurant is a restaurant.
Garbo's, the only true bar in SIP.
No need for people living on the east side of Jin Ji lake to go all the way over to Shi quan jie.
Li Gong Di is going to be the place to go for people.

Garbo's is situated opposite to the Outlets, behind Tairyo teppanyaki and just beside Onolifestyle.
In the end of November 2008, Scarlett is opening their new venue in Li Gong Di.
August Mario's Pizza is also opening in Li Gong Di.
Li gong di is the nicest area in SIP, maybe even the whole of Suzhou. And to be honest, not far away from anyone living in SIP. Closer than Shi quan jie and much nicer and safer. Also it's family frindly, no working girls shouting across the streets for business. Li Gong Di have guards patroling the area.
To get a taxi is no problem.

Li Gong Di is an interesting place to visit. But I would not recommend that you drive there at an evening, due to the poor availability of parking spaces.
Also having to negotiate around pedestrians who do not stay in the confines of the foot path!!!
Thats what makes China unique I guess.
The comment "Li Gong Di is going to be the place for people" I do not know of many people that would say the same. But that is what being individual is all about "There is horses for courses"
To some SiQuan Jie appeals others Rainbow walk (which does have good parking) and some Li Gong Di. It is a pity that Modern Plaza has not yet taken off, because there has been and still is some good businesses there also. But transport is a problem. But that will change once the "Metro" or Di tie is completed.

Depends upon what you are looking for in your social activity. Personally I'd rather go to places that are a mix of locals and expats so for me it's downtown all the time.

It was agood advert for Garbos though

There are plenty of good parking in Li Gong di, underground parking just as you come in.
As if people only walk on the streets in Li gong di. People are walking on the streets everywhere, come on.
A friend of mine got knife stabbed down at Shi quan jie yesterday, going over to Kowloon hospital now.
For sure, Li gong di is happening and it's a nice safer place than any other in this town. If you like a place that might get you in trouble with the locals, yes go to shi quan jie. If you want a place that is more empty than li gong di in the evenings, yes go to Rainbow walk. and by the way, there are plenty of locals in Li gong di. I can tell that you haven't been there enought to know about it, for example about parking space. Actually much better parking space than Rainbow walk if you just open your eyes

Absinthe, it is obvious that you have a passion for Li Gong di. And that is ok! because there is something for everybody there.

About your friend that is not good, and hope that the injury is not too serious. And this type of problem is not unique to SiQuan Jie. I have also know of two other people that have been attacked in Suzhou and was not at SiQuan Jie.

About opening eyes!!! yes I know where the car parks are! I do go to Li Gong Di frequently, with other expats and local friends.