Have you ever dreamed of stepping into an ancient Chinese painting? Welcome to Suzhou, a city where beautiful history, stunning gardens, and modern life come together. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or local culture, Suzhou has something special for everyone. This guide will take you through the Top 10 Things to Do in Suzhou, helping you discover the best experiences the city has to offer. Let’s dive into the charm and magic of Suzhou!
Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden)
Explore the beauty of Suzhou at the Humble Administrator's Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top attractions in Suzhou. Known for its stunning landscape design, tranquil ponds, and intricate pavilions, this garden is a perfect blend of nature and traditional Chinese art.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 07:30 AM to 05:00 PM (last entry at 04:30 PM)
- Tickets: $9.66 (Adult), $4.83 (Concession)
- Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours
- English tour guide available for $49.26 per group (up to 15 people)
Day Tour Option: Experience the best of Suzhou with a private day trip from Shanghai, including visits to 4 top attractions, starting from $90.34.
Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this iconic garden.
Hanshan Temple (寒山寺)
Visit the historic Hanshan Temple, one of the top attractions in Suzhou. Known for its ancient architecture and serene atmosphere, this temple offers a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to experience Chinese Buddhist culture.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 07:30 AM to 05:30 PM (last entry at 04:30 PM)
- Ticket Price: $2.49 (Adult), $2.76 (Non-Mainland Chinese Residents)
- Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours
- Discount: 10% off if you purchase tickets a day in advance
- Convenient transportation with nearby bus routes
Day Tour Option: Explore Suzhou's highlights with a private guided day tour, including Hanshan Temple, starting from $102.00.
Immerse yourself in history and tranquility at Hanshan Temple, a must-see destination in Suzhou!
Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden)
Discover the stunning Lion Grove Garden, a top attraction in Suzhou renowned for its unique rock formations and serene beauty. Known for its intricate maze of rocks that resemble lions, this garden offers a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 07:30 AM to 05:00 PM (last entry at 04:30 PM)
- Ticket Price: $4.14 (Adult), $2.07 (Concession)
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
- A beautiful garden with exhibitions like the Plum Blossom Festival
Day Tour Option: Combine your visit to Lion Grove Garden with Lingering Garden on a private day tour starting from $156.03.
Explore the ancient beauty of this famous Suzhou garden and immerse yourself in its peaceful atmosphere!
Zhouzhuang
Step into the timeless charm of Zhouzhuang, one of China's most famous water towns, located in Kunshan. With its ancient canals, stone bridges, and traditional Jiangnan-style architecture, Zhouzhuang is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the serene beauty of southern China.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 07:30 AM to 08:00 PM
- Ticket Price: $13.80 (Adult, Non-Chinese Residents)
- Recommended visit time: 0.5-1 day
- A picturesque town with classic waterway views and fewer crowds
Day Tour Option: Combine your visit to Zhouzhuang with Suzhou's highlights on a private day tour, starting from $64.06.
Book your tickets today and explore the peaceful canals and bridges that define the unique beauty of Zhouzhuang!
Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area
Visit Tiger Hill, one of Suzhou's most famous scenic spots, known for its ancient leaning pagoda, beautiful gardens, and rich historical significance. This area is filled with legends and fascinating landmarks, including the famous Sword-Testing Stone and Broken Beam Hall.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 07:30 AM to 05:30 PM (last entry at 04:30 PM)
- Ticket Price: $8.28 (Adult, Non-Chinese Residents)
- Recommended visit time: 2-4 hours
- Explore historical sites like the Tiger Hill Pagoda, Sword-Testing Stone, and Tomb of Zhenniang
Day Tour Option: Combine your visit to Tiger Hill with a tour of Shantang Street and Beisi Pagoda for a complete Suzhou experience, starting from $90.34.
Book your tickets today and uncover the legendary charm of this ancient hilltop!
Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
Explore Lingering Garden, one of the four famous classical gardens in China and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its graceful Chinese pavilions, winding paths, beautiful rock formations, and lush greenery, this garden offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 07:30 AM to 05:00 PM (last entry at 04:30 PM)
- Ticket Price: $6.21 (Adult), $3.11 (Concession)
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
- A perfect blend of scenic beauty, with sections featuring natural landscapes, countrysides, mountain forests, and flower gardens
Day Tour Option: Combine Lingering Garden with Lion Grove Garden on a 1-day tour, starting from $156.03.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this historical garden, a true gem in Suzhou’s cultural landscape.
Suzhou Museum
Visit the Suzhou Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei. The museum combines modern design with traditional Suzhou elements, offering a fascinating collection of art, calligraphy, and historical artifacts.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
- Free entry (ID document required)
- Recommended visit time: 2-4 hours
- Enjoy detailed exhibits on Suzhou's history, culture, and art
Day Tour Option: Explore Suzhou Museum along with top attractions like the Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road Historic District on a 1-day tour, starting from $70.79.
Immerse yourself in Suzhou's rich cultural heritage and modern art at this world-class museum!
Tongli Town
Step into the charming Tongli Town, one of Suzhou’s most beautiful and peaceful water towns. Known for its canals, ancient architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, Tongli offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan life.
Key Features:
- Open daily from 08:00 AM to 05:15 PM (last entry at 05:00 PM)
- Ticket Price: $11.04 (Adult), $6.21 (Concession)
- Recommended visit time: 0.5-1 day
- Enjoy the picturesque town with its famous Pearl Tower Film Garden and beautiful night views
Day Tour Option: Explore Tongli Town along with Zhouzhuang on a private day tour starting from $318.28.
Book your tickets today and experience the beauty of this ancient water town!
Shantang Street
Explore the historic Shantang Street, an ancient commercial street in Suzhou that perfectly captures the essence of Jiangnan water towns. Stroll along the beautiful canals, admire traditional architecture, and enjoy the lively atmosphere with shops, food stalls, and tea houses.
Key Features:
- Open year-round, 24/7
- Free entry
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
- Famous for its night view, traditional architecture, and local snacks like sweet-scented osmanthus cake and Xiaolongbao
Day Tour Option: Discover Shantang Street along with Suzhou Gardens and Tiger Hill on a private guided day tour, starting from $70.79.
Experience the charm of Suzhou’s ancient streets and canals at Shantang Street, a perfect blend of history and modern life.
Pingjiang Road
Stroll down Pingjiang Road, one of Suzhou's historic streets that reflects the beauty and charm of a traditional Jiangnan water town. With its ancient architecture, charming canals, and vibrant local life, it offers a perfect blend of culture, shopping, and relaxation.
Key Features:
- Open year-round, 24/7
- Free entry
- Recommended visit time: 1-1.5 hours
- Enjoy boat rides, tea houses, and local snacks, with beautiful views along the canals
Day Tour Option: Combine Pingjiang Road with Suzhou Gardens and Tiger Hill on a private guided day tour, starting from $70.79.
Experience the timeless charm of Pingjiang Road and enjoy its peaceful, slow-paced life!
Suzhou Travel Guide (Transport, Climate, What to Wear)
Getting Around Suzhou
Suzhou has an efficient public transport system, including buses and the Suzhou Metro. For a more scenic experience, consider taking a boat ride along the canals or renting a bicycle to explore the city's peaceful streets. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also available for easier travel.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Suzhou experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most comfortable. Summer (June to August) can be quite hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be cold but manageable.
What to Wear
When visiting Suzhou, comfortable footwear is a must, especially if you plan to explore the gardens or ancient water towns. In warmer months, light clothing and a hat for sun protection are advisable. If visiting in winter, bring a warm coat as temperatures can drop, though snow is rare.
Best Local Food to Try in Suzhou
Suzhou is known for its rich culinary traditions, with its food being a reflection of the city's long history and cultural significance. Here are three must-try dishes, along with a popular restaurant recommendation for each:
1. Suzhou Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish (松鼠桂鱼)
- Description: This iconic dish is made with a whole mandarin fish that is deep-fried to create a crispy texture. It's then coated in a sweet and sour sauce that gives it a delicious balance of flavors. The fish is traditionally arranged to look like a squirrel, with its tail shaped elegantly to mimic a squirrel’s fluffy tail.
- Recommended Restaurant: Songhelou Restaurant (松鹤楼)
- Why: Songhelou is one of Suzhou’s most famous restaurants, known for its exquisite local dishes, especially the Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish. This restaurant offers a perfect blend of authenticity and tradition.
2. Suzhou Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs (苏式糖醋排骨)
- Description: Suzhou's take on sweet and sour ribs is a perfect balance of crispy, tender pork and a tangy, sweet sauce. The dish is often cooked until the ribs are caramelized and coated with a luscious sauce made from sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce, creating a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
- Recommended Restaurant: Denglongmen (灯笼门)
- Why: Denglongmen is highly recommended for its authentic Suzhou flavors. The restaurant specializes in both local and Jiangnan dishes, with their sweet and sour spare ribs being particularly beloved by locals and tourists alike.
3. Suzhou Steamed Buns (苏州小笼包)
- Description: These small, delicate dumplings are filled with savory pork and a rich broth that bursts out when you bite into them. The buns are made with a thin dough and are often served with a side of ginger vinegar for dipping.
- Recommended Restaurant: De Ji Bao (得记包子)
- Why: De Ji Bao is famous for its small steamed buns, which have been a beloved Suzhou specialty for decades. The restaurant is known for producing these perfect little dumplings with a deliciously flavorful broth inside.
Book Your Trip with Trip.com
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Suzhou Hotel Recommendations
For a comfortable and memorable stay, check out these top-rated hotels in Suzhou:
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Book your stay with Trip.com for exclusive deals and easy cancellations, and make your Suzhou experience even more unforgettable.
FAQs about Things to Do in Suzhou
What are the must-see attractions in Suzhou?
Some of the top must-see spots in Suzhou include: The Classical Gardens of Suzhou: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these gardens are world-renowned for their traditional Chinese landscaping. Tiger Hill: Famous for its historical significance and scenic beauty, this hill features ancient pagodas and winding paths. Shantang Street: A lively ancient commercial street offering a glimpse into Suzhou’s traditional water town charm. Pingjiang Road: Known for its picturesque canals, traditional architecture, and vibrant local life. Tongli Ancient Town: A beautiful water town located near Suzhou, perfect for a more relaxed day trip.What is the best time to visit Suzhou?
The best time to visit Suzhou is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it perfect for walking through gardens and exploring outdoor attractions. The summer months can be hot and humid, while winter tends to be cold but offers fewer tourists.Is Suzhou famous for any traditional foods?
Yes! Suzhou is famous for its sweeter style of Chinese cuisine, influenced by the Jiangnan region. Some must-try dishes include: Suzhou-style Mooncakes: These are filled with sweet lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks. Sweet-Scented Osmanthus Cake: A traditional Suzhou dessert made with osmanthus flowers and sugar. Suanla Chao Shou (Spicy and Sour Dumplings): Dumplings with a unique combination of spicy and sour flavors. Tangbao: Soup-filled dumplings similar to xiao long bao.How can I experience the traditional culture of Suzhou?
To immerse yourself in Suzhou's traditional culture: Watch a Kunqu Opera performance, a classical Chinese opera originating in Suzhou. Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the city's famous silk industry. Take a boat ride along the canals of Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street for a view of traditional Suzhou architecture. Wear Hanfu or Qipao (traditional Chinese garments) and enjoy a tea ceremony or participate in a local craft experience.How can I get around Suzhou?
Suzhou has a well-developed public transport system. You can use: Buses: Convenient and inexpensive, buses cover most parts of the city. Taxis or Didi (Chinese Uber): Easy to use and a good option if you want to go directly to a specific attraction. Bicycles: Renting bikes is a great way to explore the scenic streets and canals, especially in the city center. Subway: Suzhou now has a modern subway line, making it easy to navigate between popular attractions.Are there any day trips from Suzhou?
Yes! Suzhou is close to several other interesting destinations that make for great day trips: Tongli Town: A charming ancient water town, just 30 minutes away from Suzhou by car. Zhouzhuang: Known as the “Venice of the East,” this is one of China’s most famous water towns. Hangzhou: Famous for West Lake and its scenic beauty, about 1.5-2 hours by train. Shanghai: Only 30 minutes away by high-speed train, Shanghai is perfect for a quick urban getaway.