Autumn in Suzhou

Tiangping Mountain Scenic Area and Shanghu Water Forest are distinctive tourist attractions in the Suzhou area. Here is a simple travel guide:

Tiangping Mountain Scenic Area

- Tickets: Adult tickets cost 30 RMB and can be booked through "Suzhou Garden Tourism." Discounted tickets require valid ID.

- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. From November, early entry from 7:00 to 8:00 AM can be booked, limited to 500 people.

- Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Mudu Station, then transfer to a shared bike to reach the area; driving directions available to Tiangping Mountain.

- Best Time to Visit: Autumn is the most beautiful season at Tiangping Mountain, with the red maples at their peak in mid to late November.

- Main Attractions: Includes red maple forests, unique rock formations, clear springs and streams, and cultural relics. The red maple forest is the iconic feature of Tiangping Mountain.

Shanghu Water Forest

- Tickets: Shanghu Scenic Area ticket is 80 RMB (includes Water Forest), bamboo raft drifting is 45 RMB per person, electric boat is 60 RMB for 30 minutes.

- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (may be extended during peak season).

- Transportation: Drive to "Shanghu Scenic Area Gate 2," about 1.5 hours from Suzhou or Shanghai; alternatively, take a high-speed train to Changshu Station, then a 15-minute taxi ride.

- Best Time to Visit: Suitable year-round. In spring, enjoy fresh green leaves and cherry blossoms; summer offers coolness and egret watching; autumn is the golden photography season with red dawn redwoods; winter features morning mist and migratory birds.

- Main Attractions: The core attraction is the water dawn redwood forest, accessible by bamboo raft. Other photo spots include the birdwatching house, water forest boardwalk, mist installation area (summer only), and sunset viewing platform.