Suzhou Travel Guide (Jiangsu/East China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Suzhou

The city of Suzhou is located in the south of Jiangsu province, China. Known as the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou has a rich cultural heritage that dates back more than 2,500 years. Its classical gardens, ancient canals, and silk industry have contributed to its reputation as one of China’s most beautiful cities.

List of Places to Visit in Suzhou

Suzhou boasts of several culturally important attractions, natural landscapes, hiking and biking routes, exciting things to do, local cuisine, and souvenirs to bring home. Here is a comprehensive list of things to do and attractions to explore in Suzhou.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Humble Administrator’s Garden – A UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved example of classical Chinese garden design.
Lingering Garden – Another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful landscaping, rock formations, and the possibility to experience various garden styles.
Suzhou Museum – A world-class museum that houses extensive collections of Suzhou’s history, art, and culture.
Tiger Hill – A scenic hill with beautiful views of Suzhou and a famous pagoda.
Pingjiang Road – An ancient street lined with houses of Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural style, known for its boutiques, handicraft workshops, and teahouses.

Natural Attractions of Suzhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Taihu Lake – The third-largest freshwater lake in China, located in the south of Suzhou’s downtown. Enjoy lake cruises or explore the nearby islands.
Suzhou Taihu National Tourism Resort – A beautiful scenic spot located near Taihu Lake with scenic spots, flowers and plants, hot springs, and water sports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Suzhou

Shantang Street – A picturesque ancient street with charming canals and ornate architectural structures built during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Hanshan Temple – A beautiful Buddhist temple located on the outskirts of Suzhou with an opportunity to hike and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding it.

Best Things to Do in Suzhou: Activities and Tours

Suzhou Silk Museum – Learn about the time-honored practice of silk production in Suzhou with hands-on experience on spinning and weaving.
Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory – Explore and shop high-quality silk products from one of China’s most renowned silk production facilities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Suzhou

Day 1: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Suzhou Museum

Day 2: Explore the charming water town and scenery of Tongli ancient town and take a boat ride to see the canals.

Day 3: Discover the tranquil scenery of Taihu Lake and plan an afternoon visit to the Suzhou Taihu National Tourism Resort.

Day 4: Shop and stroll at the Pingjiang Road and sample some of Suzhou’s authentic cuisine.

Day 5: Take a day excursion, visit Tiger Hill and Hanshan Temple.

Day 6: Explore the unpredictable beauty of Jinji Lake or plan an adventurous day with an eco-tour of Suzhou’s wetlands.

Day 7: Visit one or two of Suzhou’s nearby water towns such as Zhouzhuang, Luzhi, or Xitang.

Food and Drink Scene of Suzhou

Suzhou’s local cuisine is known for its sweet and delicate flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Squirrel mandarin fish – A popular local specialty made with crispy fried fish garnished with sweet and sour sauce.
Huaiyang cuisine – Suzhou is famous for its Huaiyang cuisine with exquisite dishes like steamed crab meat soup dumplings, lotus leaf flavored duck, and braised pork with preserved vegetables.

Local Beverages

Biluochun Green Tea – A famous local green tea known for its delicate, fresh aroma and flavor.
Nine-fold Distilled Rice Wine – A strong alcoholic drink derived from the fermentation of glutinous rice obtained after distillation.

Where to Stay in Suzhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Suzhou has a wide range of accommodations to choose from, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Here are some recommendations:

Suzhou Marriott Hotel – A luxurious hotel located near Suzhou Industrial Park.
Pan Pacific Suzhou – A luxury hotel located near the famous Jinji Lake.
Mingtown Suzhou Youth Hostel – An affordable and popular option located in the heart of Suzhou city, known for its convenience and facilities.

What to Buy in Suzhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Suzhou Silk Products – Suzhou is famous for its silk products, including silk scarves, clothing, and bedding.
Jade Carvings – A traditional Chinese art form that uses jade stones to create sculptures or jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Suzhou

Suzhou has a deep-rooted cultural heritage, and it’s advisable to respect local customs and traditions. Its people are friendly and hospitable. Visitors will find that people in Suzhou love to celebrate their culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Suzhou

The best time to visit Suzhou is during spring and autumn. The temperature is mild and pleasant during these seasons, and it’s less crowded with tourists. Winters are usually cold, while summers are hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Suzhou

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious and cultural sites.
Be familiar with local transportation, safety instructions, and emergency numbers.

Don’t:

Disrespect the country’s flag or national anthem.
Take photographs in certain areas, such as sacred locations and military installations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Suzhou

Suzhou is considered one of the safest cities in China, with relatively low crime rates. However, visitors should take necessary precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping vigilant in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing.

Health in Suzhou

Visitors should be familiar with local health concerns, like air pollution, and protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent communicable diseases such as dengue fever.

Getting to Suzhou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Suzhou is easily accessible by plane, train, and bus. Here are some options for getting to Suzhou:

Airports Near Suzhou

Shanghai Pudong International Airport – located 2h by car or 100 minutes by train from Suzhou Railway Station.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport – located 1h 25min by car or 45 minutes by train from Suzhou Railway Station.

Bus Stations Near Suzhou

Suzhou North Long-Distance Bus Station – located in the north of Suzhou city, with bus routes to nearby towns and cities.
Suzhou South Long-Distance Bus Station – located in the south of Suzhou city, with bus routes to nearby provinces and cities.

Other Options

There’s also a high-speed train between Shanghai and Suzhou available every 10 minutes, with a 25-min travel time for the shortest route.

How to Get Around in Suzhou

Suzhou’s public transportation system offers multiple options such as buses, taxis, and subways. Taxis are widely available and considered the most convenient option for tourists.

Where to Go Next from Suzhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Suzhou is located in one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, the Yangtze River Delta. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to explore:

Shanghai – Just one hour away from Shanghai, where you can explore the skyscrapers on the Bund or ride the world’s fastest train.
Hangzhou – Located southwest of Suzhou, Hangzhou is famous for its beautiful scenery, Xihu Lake, and the ancient Wuzhen Water Town.

Conclusion

Suzhou offers a perfect combination of modern and ancient China in one location. With its beautiful gardens, water town atmosphere, and silk industry, Suzhou offers something for everyone. Visit to explore its natural beauty, local cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.