Suzhou / A Dreamy Journey to the Water Towns of Jiangnan / Super Detailed Guide.

Hey guys👋, I dare say no one can resist the charm of Suzhou! This ancient city is like a slowly unfolding Jiangnan ink painting, with every corner so beautiful it takes your breath away. I just got back from a trip to Suzhou and can’t wait to share this super practical Suzhou travel guide with you all, so start taking notes!

Preparation

● Documents: ID card is a must, and if you have student or senior discount cards, bring those too.

● Clothing: Suzhou’s weather is changeable, so pack according to the season. Thin jackets for spring and autumn, sun protection for summer, and warm clothes for winter.

● Other items: Prepare sunscreen, umbrella, charger, camera, etc.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

● Airplane: You can fly into Shanghai Hongqiao or Pudong Airport first, then take a high-speed train or bus to Suzhou, which is very convenient.

● Train: Suzhou has Suzhou Station, Suzhou North Station, and other train stations, with direct trains from many cities.

Internal Transportation

● Metro: Suzhou’s metro lines cover most attractions and are the top choice for getting around.

● Bus: Can reach some remote spots but may be crowded.

● Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient but may get stuck in traffic during peak hours.

Accommodation Suggestions

● Near Guanqian Street: This is Suzhou’s city center with convenient transportation, plenty of food options, and close to attractions like the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lion Grove Garden.

● Near Pingjiang Road: Staying near the ancient street lets you experience Suzhou’s traditional charm, and you can stroll along Pingjiang Road at night to enjoy the scenery.

● Near Jinji Lake: Beautiful environment, suitable for those who like modern urban views, close to Suzhou Center and the Gate to the East.

Food Recommendations

● Suzhou-style Soup Noodles: A must-try in Suzhou, with thin noodles and rich broth topped with various ingredients. Recommended places: Zhu Hongxing, Yuxingji.

● Pan-fried Buns: Crispy outside, juicy inside, a bite full of happiness. Recommended: Yaba Shengjian.

● Squirrel Mandarin Fish: Beautifully presented, tender fish meat, sweet and sour taste, a representative of Suzhou cuisine.

● Crab Roe Soup Dumplings: Rich crab aroma and full soup, recommended: Din Tai Fung.

● Osmanthus Sugar Taro Shoots: Sweet and soft with the fragrance of osmanthus, a delicious dessert.

Attraction Guide

Classical Garden Tour

● Humble Administrator’s Garden: A representative of Jiangnan classical gardens, known as the “Mother of Gardens.” The garden features pavilions, terraces, water pavilions, and corridors, with a new scene at every step, like being inside a painting. It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance and avoid holidays and weekends.

● Lion Grove Garden: Famous for its rockeries, with jagged stones and winding paths like a huge maze. You can explore and wander freely here.

● Lingering Garden: Exquisitely designed with many unique rocks, it is one of China’s four famous gardens along with the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Summer Palace, and Mountain Resort.

Ancient Streets and Alleys Tour

● Pingjiang Road: A historic cultural street with Jiangnan characteristics, lined with white walls and black tiles, crisscrossed by canals with boats drifting by. You can enjoy food and buy unique souvenirs here.

● Shantang Street: Known for the saying “Seven Li Shantang to Tiger Hill,” the street runs along the river with beautiful night views. You can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery on both sides.

Modern Urban Tour

● Jinji Lake: Suzhou’s new city card, with beautiful lake and mountain scenery. You can walk or bike by the lake and admire the magnificent Gate to the East.

● Suzhou Center: The largest commercial complex in Suzhou, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment to meet all your needs.

Historical and Cultural Tour

● Suzhou Museum: Designed by master architect I.M. Pei, with a unique architectural style and rich collections. Advance reservation via the official WeChat account is required.

● Hanshan Temple: Famous worldwide because of Tang poet Zhang Ji’s “Night Mooring by Maple Bridge,” with melodious bell sounds full of Zen spirit.

Itinerary

Three-day Tour

● Day 1: Humble Administrator’s Garden - Suzhou Museum - Pingjiang Road
    Morning: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden to experience the charm of Jiangnan gardens.
    Noon: Taste Suzhou cuisine on Pingjiang Road.
    Afternoon: Tour Suzhou Museum to appreciate precious cultural relics.
    Evening: Stroll along Pingjiang Road, enjoy the night view, and try some snacks.

● Day 2: Lion Grove Garden - Shantang Street - Hanshan Temple
    Morning: Explore Lion Grove Garden and enjoy the rockeries.
    Noon: Have lunch on Shantang Street.
    Afternoon: Visit Hanshan Temple and listen to the bell sounds.
    Evening: Enjoy the night view on Shantang Street and take a boat ride.

● Day 3: Jinji Lake - Suzhou Center
    Morning: Walk or bike around Jinji Lake and enjoy the lake views.
    Noon: Dine at Suzhou Center.
    Afternoon: Shop and entertain yourself at Suzhou Center.

Notes

● Suzhou has many attractions, so it’s recommended to plan your itinerary in advance to avoid wasting time.

● When visiting gardens, please protect cultural relics and avoid touching or damaging them.

● Suzhou’s summer temperatures are high, so take sun protection and heat prevention measures; winters are cold, so dress warmly.

● Pay attention to food hygiene when trying local delicacies to avoid food poisoning.

Guys, pack your bags and start a romantic Jiangnan journey in Suzhou! I believe you will fall in love with this beautiful city💕.