8000 Yuan to Explore Suzhou

5-Day Suzhou Travel Guide (Budget 8000 Yuan)

**Overall Plan Overview**
- **Transportation:** High-speed train/bullet train to Suzhou (depending on departure location, budget 300-500 yuan)
- **Accommodation:** Mid-to-high-end boutique hotels or unique homestays (about 600-800 yuan per night, total 3000-4000 yuan for 5 nights)
- **Dining:** Authentic Suzhou cuisine (about 200-300 yuan per day)
- **Attraction Tickets:** Main attraction tickets + some paid experiences (about 800-1000 yuan)
- **Local Transportation:** Taxi/subway/bus (about 50-80 yuan per day)
- **Shopping/Souvenirs:** Moderate budget (about 500 yuan)

---

**Day 1: Arrive in Suzhou, Feel the Charm of the Ancient City**

- **Transportation:** Arrive at Suzhou Railway Station/High-speed Rail Station, check into the booked hotel (recommended: near Suzhou Old Town, convenient transportation, experience classical charm)
- **Morning:**
- **Humble Administrator’s Garden** (Ticket: 80 yuan)
- **Lion Grove Garden** (Ticket: 40 yuan)
- **Noon:**
- Taste Suzhou cuisine nearby (e.g., Songhelou, Deyuelou, about 100-150 yuan)
- **Afternoon:**
- Stroll through **Pingjiang Road Historic District**, feel the ancient alley atmosphere, admire ancient architecture, experience handicrafts
- **Evening:**
- Enjoy the **Suzhou Old Town night view**, find a unique restaurant near Pingjiang Road, and savor the ancient city ambiance at night

---

**Day 2: Garden Tour and Water Town Experience**

- **Morning:**
- **Lingering Garden** (Ticket: 70 yuan)
- **Master of Nets Garden** (Ticket: 50 yuan)
- **Noon:**
- Try Suzhou specialties near Lingering Garden (e.g., Taihu Lake’s "Three Whites," clear stewed softshell turtle, about 150 yuan)
- **Afternoon:**
- Take a car to **Zhouzhuang Ancient Town** (about 1-hour drive, ticket including boat ride about 120 yuan)
- Walk around the water town, experience the life of water-side residents
- **Evening:**
- Stay overnight in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (unique homestay, about 800 yuan/night) or return to the city

---

**Day 3: Cultural Experience and Deep Tour of Ancient Town**

- **Morning:**
- **Suzhou Museum** (Free)
- **Suzhou Silk Museum** (Free)
- **Noon:**
- Have a light meal near the museums (about 80-100 yuan)
- **Afternoon:**
- Visit **Hanshan Temple** (Ticket: 20 yuan)
- Experience **Suzhou Guqin culture** or **tea ceremony performance** (about 100 yuan)
- **Evening:**
- Shop at **Guanqian Street**, taste Suzhou snacks (e.g., Osmanthus sugar taro, Yangcheng Lake hairy crab, about 150 yuan)

---

**Day 4: Experience the Blend of Modern and Traditional**

- **Morning:**
- Visit **Suzhou Industrial Park**, where modern architecture blends with gardens
- **Jinji Lake Scenic Area** (Free)
- **Noon:**
- Dine at restaurants around Jinji Lake (about 150 yuan)
- **Afternoon:**
- Experience **Suzhou Museum’s modern exhibitions**
- Explore **Xinghu Commercial Area**, shop or enjoy coffee time
- **Evening:**
- Watch the **Suzhou night cruise** (about 150 yuan), admire the night view of Jinji Lake

---

**Day 5: Relax and Reflect**

- **Morning:**
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast near the hotel
- Visit **Tiger Hill Scenic Area** (Ticket: 80 yuan), climb Tiger Hill Pagoda, feel the historical charm of "the first hill in Wuzhong"
- **Noon:**
- Taste Suzhou specialty lunch (about 100 yuan)
- **Afternoon:**
- Arrange free activities or shopping based on return time
- Take the high-speed train/bullet train back

---

**Budget Overview (Approximate Estimate)**

| Item | Cost (Yuan) |
|------------------|------------------------|
| Transportation (High-speed train/bullet train) | 400 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | 4000 |
| Dining | 1500 |
| Tickets and Experiences | 1000 |
| Local Transportation | 300 |
| Souvenirs/Shopping | 500 |
| **Total** | **About 8100 yuan** (slightly over budget, can be adjusted as needed) |

---

**Tips:**
- **Book tickets and accommodation in advance** to enjoy discounts.
- **Plan your time reasonably** to avoid queues and have a better experience.
- **Prepare cash and mobile payments**, most places in Suzhou support Alipay and WeChat Pay.
- **Wear comfortable shoes**, as many attractions in Suzhou require walking.
- **Check the weather forecast** and bring rain gear or sun protection accordingly.

---

Hope this guide helps you fully experience Suzhou’s classical charm and modern allure, and have an unforgettable trip! Wish you a pleasant journey!