Suzhou really does punish anyone who doesn't make a reservation in advance…

Dear friends, Suzhou is truly picturesque, but if you don’t book ahead, you’ll definitely suffer a big loss and get “punished”! Quickly save this guide!

🚩Reservation Tips:
✨Suzhou Museum: Strongly recommend booking 7 days in advance! Tickets are released every day at 8 AM and can be reserved via the “Suzhou Museum” WeChat official account or the “Suzhou Museum Full Reservation” mini program. If you miss out and don’t want to waste a trip, copy the related video link and open it on Qunar Travel; spending a little extra can solve the reservation issue and includes a guided tour. You can also search for a specific 6-digit code (search online for details). Seniors over 60, disabled persons, active military personnel, etc., are exempt from reservation, but accompanying persons must book. If you can’t get tickets for the main museum during peak season, the West Branch requires no reservation and is even better for kids.
✨Humble Administrator’s Garden: One of China’s Four Great Gardens, it’s recommended to book 1-2 days in advance via the “Jundao Suzhou” or “Suzhou Gardens Official” WeChat accounts. Opens at 7:30 AM; to avoid tour groups and crowds, be sure to go early!
✨Lingering Garden and Lion Grove Garden: Also book about 1 day in advance on the “Jundao Suzhou” or “Suzhou Gardens Official” WeChat accounts. One features exquisite layout, the other a fascinating rockery maze—don’t miss them!
✨Xiyuan Temple: Although reservations are not as difficult, holidays get crowded. It’s best to check relevant platforms in advance to see if booking is needed. The 5 RMB ticket even includes 3 free incense sticks. It’s said to be very effective for love blessings.
✨Tiger Hill and Hanshan Temple: Both recommend booking 1 day in advance via the “Tiger Hill Scenic Area” or “Gusu Hanshan Temple” WeChat accounts. Visit the Tiger Hill Pagoda, Sword Pool, and experience the poetic mood of “Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City.”
✨Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street: No reservation needed, but if you want to ride a gondola, it’s best to check queue times in advance, as waits can be long in peak season. Gondola rides are priced at 40 RMB per person; try bargaining—you might save a bit.

🗺️Itinerary Planning:
Day 1:
Morning: Head early to the Humble Administrator’s Garden and be amazed by the beauty of Jiangnan gardens—pavilions, towers, rockeries, and ponds at every turn.
Noon: Eat Su-style noodles nearby, try Tongdexing’s Fengzhen Braised Pork Noodles—the noodles are chewy, the broth flavorful, and the large chunks of pork melt in your mouth. Amazing!
Afternoon: Visit Suzhou Museum, the final masterpiece of architect I.M. Pei. Both the building and exhibits are stunning. Take photos and feel the blend of art and history.
Evening: Stroll along Pingjiang Road, walk the ancient street, listen to Pingtan storytelling, and enjoy jasmine ice cream—so relaxing!

Day 2:
Morning: Visit Xiyuan Temple to pray, pet the cats, and have a 15 RMB vegetarian noodle bowl to calm your mind.
Noon: Enjoy authentic Su cuisine; Songhelou’s Squirrel Mandarin Fish is sweet and sour, beautifully presented, and every bite is satisfying.
Afternoon: Check in at Tiger Hill, see the Tiger Hill Pagoda and Sword Pool, marvel at ancient wisdom.
Evening: Head to Shantang Street for the night view, dazzling lights, and take a boat ride to feel the gentle charm of the Jiangnan water town.

Day 3:
Morning: Visit Hanshan Temple, listen to the bell, and soak in the tranquility.
Noon: Try Shengjian buns at Yaba Shengjian; one bite bursts with juicy soup.
Afternoon: Visit Jinji Lake, stroll along the lakeside, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and modern city views, and catch a stunning sunset.

🍜Food Recommendations:
Su-style noodles, Shengjian buns, sweet porridge, Squirrel Mandarin Fish, crispy eel in oil… Suzhou cuisine tends to be sweet. If you’re not used to it, pair it with Biluochun tea to cut the richness. Avoid overly commercialized Guanqian Street for food; Fengmen Hengjie and Shiquan Street are better places to find gems.

🏠Accommodation Suggestions:
For convenience, choose near Guanqian Street or Pingjiang Road, such as Shuxiang Fudi·Pingjiang Mansion, which is very nice; for a high-end experience, the Suzhou Park Hyatt by Jinji Lake is perfect; to experience water town nightlife, homestays in Zhouzhuang or Tongli ancient towns are the best choice.

❗Pitfall Avoidance Guide:

1. Never trust “low-price one-day tours”—they usually include shopping stops. Independent travel is more enjoyable.
2. The old town of Suzhou tends to have traffic jams on weekends; prioritize subway + walking for travel.
3. Try to visit gardens early to enjoy the scenery, take beautiful photos, and avoid crowds.

Dear friends, make your reservations well and follow this guide, your Suzhou trip will definitely be amazing! Any questions, see you in the comments.