suzhou free walking tour

Free Walking Sightseeing Tour #4 in Suzhou, China

Guided free walking tours.

Book free guided walking tours in Suzhou.

Guided Sightseeing Tours

Book guided sightseeing tours and activities in Suzhou.

Explore Suzhou in China with this free self-guided walking tour . The map shows the route of the tour. Below is a list of attractions, including their details.

Sight 1: Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty

The Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty is a Chinese garden located on 272 Jingde Rd., inside the Embroidery Museum in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. In 1997, it was recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wikipedia: Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty (EN)

Sight 2: Chenghuang Temple

The City God Temple of Suzhou Mansion is the City God Temple of the old Suzhou Mansion, located in the east section of Jingde Road in the old city of Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Province, built in the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1370). Its east and west wings once had the Changzhou County City God Temple and the Wu County City God Temple built in the 23rd year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1595). At present, only the gate of the ceremony, the main hall and some ancient buildings of the City God Temple in Cheung Chau County on the east side still exist.

Wikipedia: 蘇州府城隍廟 (ZH)

Sight 3: Mystery Temple

Xuanmiao Temple is a prominent Taoist temple with a long history, located at the center of old Suzhou City.

Wikipedia: Xuanmiao Temple (EN)

Sight 4: China Kunqu opera museum

The Suzhou Museum of Opera and Theatre or China Kunqu Museum is a theatre museum in Suzhou, China. It is located in a Ming dynasty theatre of latticed wood and has display halls with old musical instruments, hand-copied books, lyrics and scores, masks and costumes. It also has other paraphernalia including a life size orchestra and photographs of performers. The museum also covers kunqu's 500-year-old history. The museum is often used for performances today and the teahouse stages daily shows.

Wikipedia: Suzhou Museum of Opera and Theatre (EN)

Sight 5: Lion Grove Garden

The Lion Grove Garden is a garden located at 23 Yuanlin Road in Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. The garden is famous for the large and labyrinthine grotto of taihu rocks at its center. The name of the garden is derived from the shape of these rocks, which are said to resemble lions. The garden is recognized with other classical gardens in Suzhou as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wikipedia: Lion Grove Garden (EN)

Disclaimer Please be aware of your surroundings and do not enter private property. We are not liable for any damages that occur during the tours.

GPX-Download For navigation apps and GPS devices you can download the tour as a GPX file .

Things to do in Suzhou, China – Historic District Tour

Published by admin on may 20, 2019 may 20, 2019.

There’s lots to explore in Suzhou – China’s water town – for tourists and travelers alike. Located roughly 60 miles west of Shanghai, this city is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the East.” It is so named because Suzhou’s historic district sits atop an intricate system of waterways. While there’s quite a bit to see in this diverse city, the historic district is the place to go for an authentic Chinese experience. From ancient streets to boat rides along the canals, there’s plenty of opportunity for unique, free site seeing through Suzhou.

Luckily enough, there are several attractions, famous streets, and shopping districts all located within a three-mile radius of each other, making for a lovely all-day or weekend-long adventure. This makes Suzhou not only a very special place to visit, but accessing its rich culture is incredibly easy.

Possibly one of the most famous streets in Suzhou is Pingjiang Lu (Pingjiang Road). Famous not only for its ancient architecture, cobbled streets, and canal side views, but also for it’s local cuisine, shopping, and street artists. Fortunately for travelers there are also several other points of interest in the historic district and within walking distance of Pingjiang. There’s the Xiangmen Gate , “Walking Street,” and Boa’en Temple all near Suzhou’s most prided road. All of these are free to explore to your heart’s content.

With that being said, Suzhou is one of our personal favorite destinations in China, so we’ve outlined a virtual walking tour of the historic district below for all you eager adventurers!

Suzhou Attractions – from Xiangmen Gate to Boa’en Temple

One of the easiest ways to see several Suzhou attractions at once would be to take a walking tour from the Xiangmen City Gate all the way to Boa’en Temple. Pingjiang Road and Walking Street are nestled in-between the two historic sites.

Of course, each one of these points of interest are worth exploring individually, but if you’re short on time hopping around the historic district will still give you a good taste of Suzhou and its culture. The best part is that each one of these attractions are free and they’re tucked between neighborhoods and local shops. You’ll see people going about their normal lives, getting a further touch of what China is really like.

Better yet, each of these spots is also accessible by metro, bus, and your own two feet! If you’re really feeling adventurous, stop along the way at the local food carts and stands for some of China’s infamous street food fair. And, if you really don’t feel like walking, catching a rickshaw to your next destination is a breeze! Those guys are everywhere.

Excited? Us too! Let’s break down each location and move from the bottom to the top. We’ll start in the southeast and move northwest from Xiangmen to Boa’en. Let the virtual walking tour commence!

Xiangmen Gate, a part of the City Wall of Suzhou

Xiangmen Gate is one of eight historic gates that are a part of the City Wall of Suzhou. In ancient times this perimeter wall helped protect what is now the “historic district.” While each gate has its own unique features, Xiangmen is great because it’s only a few hundred meters from Pingjiang Road.

While Xiangmen has been rebuilt, there’s still residue of the original structure. As the wall itself follows along the Outer River, you can take in a refreshing walk and watch the many fisherman and tugboats chug up and down the stream. It’s a local hotspot too, especially in the evenings when the weather is nice, you’ll find dancing, Tai Chi, music, and families laughing and playing together.

The gate also hosts a museum, cafes, kayak rentals, and is joined with The Couple’s Garden Retreat for you nature lovers.

“So, how do I get there ?” you might be wondering to yourself. Well, we’ll tell you:

Take Line 1 (the green line) to Xiangmen Station and use Exit 3. You will exit the station at Cangjie Street. Take a right and walk directly to Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou’s main road (literally less than 50 feet away). Once you’re facing Ganjian, take a left and walk toward the bridge that crosses The Outer River. The west entrance of Xiangmen Gate will be on your left.

There are also buses that continuously run up and down Ganjiang East Road. The nearest stop is the Xiangmen bus stop.

Famous Pingjiang Road and the ancient canals

As far as things to do in Suzhou are concerned, Pingjiang Road is a must! The avenue’s cobbled streets and stone buildings that traipse alongside the industrious canal system will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back into ancient times. While it’s definitely touristy, its still authentic. Commercial shops like Starbucks have unfortunately moved in, but there’s till plenty of silk shops, fan shops, and local cuisine, along with original architecture and historic markers to compensate. Several ancient bridges and wells are still dotted along the road. Its side streets and alleyways are filled with mom and pop shops and it just so happens to be where a lot of locals live themselves! You’ll see anything from grandma’s hanging out their laundry to old men sitting around playing cards.

Of course, a lot of Suzhou’s prominent historic figures once inhabited or constructed much of the Pingjiang area. What is rich in local culture is also rich in historic prominence to Suzhou.

What we consider to be one of Suzhou’s highlights, however, are the canals. The peaceful ambiance of the canals drifting lazily beside you as you stroll down Pingjiang make for an unforgettable experience. Not to mention, they’re quite impressive as they work themselves throughout the grid of the historic district. Boat rides and tours can likewise be taken on the waterways.

Pingjiang Road is this funky mix. It allows you to peak into the past, gives you some perspective on how a lot of the locals still live, and is probably the best place for kitschy souvenirs. Its a bizarre blend between completely authentic and totally touristy. Regardless, you’ll have a blast exploring the area.

To get to Pingjiang Road head to the right from Exit 3 at Ganjiang East Road. Instead of hanging a left to go toward Xiangmen gate, go to the right. It’s less than a football field’s length away, you can’t miss it.

If you’re leaving from the west gate at Xiangmen Gate, simply backtrack to the right, go past the subway and you’ll walk right into Pingjiang.

Guanqian Jie, aka “Walking Street”

You’ve had your fill of Pingjiang, and now you’re ready to step back into modern China and all its glistening commercialism – “Walking Street” here we come! Trust us, this part of China is just as much an experience as the historic side. Just down the road from Pingjiang is the famous Guanqian Jie, known in English as “Walking Street.” It’s home to loads of shopping and street food galore. While shopping may not be your thing (don’t worry it’s not ours either), the food and exciting atmosphere are all the fun you need! People by the thousands are constantly converging on the street and its surrounding roadways.

Blazing neon signs, countless shop keepers beckoning you to come in, and people munching on every snack imaginable are what make Guanqian Street so interesting. On occasion you’ll encounter singers and musicians on the street, as well as a few pickpockets and scam artists!

Seriously, beware of the scam artists trying to sell you “Gucci bags” or “Rolex watches.” They target anyone who doesn’t look Chinese or asian in general. You’ll know them instantly. Typically they approach you with a business card or flyer picturing their goods and they instantly start trying to get you to follow them back to their store. Don’t fall for it . If you’re aware of what they’re about, then just have fun with the attempted scamming experience too. They’ll leave you alone with a simple “bu yao” (pronounced boo yow , which means “don’t want”).

Aside from that, Walking Street is lively and the perfect opportunity to try all the wonderfully weird foods that China has to offer. There’s also the Xuanmiao Temple open to visitors, along with more souvenir shops too if you’re into that.

“How do I get there?” you ask. Let’s say you exit Pingjiang Road the way you entered it on this particular walking tour – at Ganjiang East Road. Continue right until you run into Lindun Lu. Put yourself on the left, canal side of the road though. Take a right down Lindun Lu and continue down 450 meters. Guanqian Jie will be on your left. It’s marked by a big set of stone arches, barring anything but foot traffic from entering.

By subway take line 1 again and get off at the Lindun Lu stop, take exit 3, and head north up the street. Several city buses also frequent the Lindun Lu area.

Boa’en Temple Pagoda

Now you’ve had your fill of street food and entertainment, next stop is the Boa’en Temple Pagoda. Known as the “North Temple,” because of its northern location to the historic district’s center, this operating Buddhist monastery is still open to the visiting public. Not only is it a historic focal point for Suzhou’s tourism, but it’s mighty impressive! Towering straight up to the sky, this particular structure will have you in awe – not only because of its beautiful, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, but because of the architectural marvel that it is as well.

The temple is open to the public, but be sure to note the listed rules to adhere to when visiting. Otherwise, enjoy and have a nice walk throughout the temple’s gated grounds.

Getting there is easy. If you’ve entered Guanqian Jie from Lindun Lu great! Continue west and walk to the end of road. Walking Street tees directly into Renmin Lu. Simply take a right and continue north. You’ll quickly see the giant pagoda poking out over surrounding buildings and trees.

If you’re tired of walking take the metro’s blue line 4. The temple is located on the corner of Renmin Lu and Xibei Jie, at the “Beisita” stop. There is also a bus stop under the same name “Beisita” on Renmin Lu, just south of the pagoda.

Visit Suzhou’s historic district – there’s plenty of things to do!

There are endless possibilities to get into when you visit Suzhou, China. This particular city is blessed to be a uniquely bizarre blend of ancient and modern. Even within its historic district will you find portions where the modern world has seeped in. Yet, it has done a wonderful job at preserving and highlighting its ancient histories. This eccentric fusion makes a tour of Suzhou’s historic district well worth it.

Be sure to include Xiangmen Gate, Pingjiang Road, Walking Street, and the Boe’en Temple Pagoda on your list of things to do in Suzhou. It’s the one of the best ways to soak in China’s culture – both past and present. You’ll get the experience of a lifetime and it might just give you a more even perspective on how China truly functions. There’s something for everyone in this particular survey of the city. We promise, you won’t be bored or disappointed if you do. But, considering that every Suzhou attraction that we listed is free you won’t be losing out anyway!

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One day in Suzhou: Make the Most Out of 24 Hours in China’s Classical City

Looking to explore one of the most beautiful and well-preserved cities in all of china here’s how to make the most of one day in suzhou.

Suzhou is an ancient city located in the southeast of China’s Jiangsu Province. It has a long history and culture, dating back thousands of years ago.

Suzhou was once known as “The Venice of the East” for its beautiful classical gardens and canals that crisscross through the city center. Today it is a popular tourist destination in China for travelers who want to experience the laid-back vibes of this ancient city.

With so much to see and do in this gem of China , it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a trip here.

But with just one day in Suzhou, you could still make the most out of your time in this vibrant Chinese city with this itinerary!

One day in Suzhou

One day in suzhou: 7 top-rated things to do.

The best way to get to Suzhou is by taking the fast train. I recommend booking your tickets through Trip.com !

>> Book Your Fast Train Ticket to Suzhou! <<

1. Visit a Couple of the Classical Gardens

Suzhou is known for its 5 classical gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you spend one day in Suzhou, you cannot miss out on visiting a couple of the well-known gardens: Humble Administrator Garden, Lingering Garden, Lion Grove, Master of the Nets, or Canglang Pavilion.

• The Humble Administrator Garden is the largest and most well-known of the classical gardens. This particular garden is known for the design of its landscapes, pavilions, and connected pools. You can easily spend up to 3 hours in this garden.
• The Lingering Garden is the best preserved of the gardens and is known for its architecture. This garden has the most structures and beautiful rock formations. You can see everything in the Lingering Garden in under 2 hours.
• Lion Grove is best known for its labyrinth of rock formations, pavilions, and towers. This garden gets its name from the formations of the rock, which tend to look like lions. Plan to spend about 2 hours here.
• The Master of the Nets Garden is the smallest of all the classical gardens in Suzhou. You’ll notice this garden has beautiful landscaping and represents the Chinese culture well with displays of Chinese musical instruments. You can see the Master of the Nets Garden in about 1 hour.
• The Canglang Pavillion is the oldest of the 5 classical gardens and has fewer visitors than the others. Instead of high walls, the Canglang Pavillion is surrounded by a lake on the north and mountains on the south side.

To make the most of your time, my personal recommendation is to visit The Humble Administrator Garden and either the Canglang Pavillion or the Master of the Nets Garden.

2. See the Silk Museum

Suzhou is also renowned for its long-standing tradition of producing fine silk fabrics. Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the history of Chinese silk production in the city and take a tour of a traditional workshop.

You’ll also learn the history of how the Chinese have used silk over the years, from creating silk dresses to embroidery by spending 1-2 hours here.

3. Grab Lunch on Guan Qian Shopping Street

After a busy morning of sightseeing, it’s time to grab lunch at one of the many eateries on Guan Qian Shopping Street. This street is lined with shops selling all sorts of souvenirs, so you can pick up a few gifts for friends back home.

But even more than shopping, stop at Guan Qian Street for street food. You can head to Yaba Pan-Fried Bun Shop to grab some pan-fried buns that have a crisp outer shell and a soupy center.

If you sit down at a restaurant in Suzhou, be sure to try the sweet and sour exploding fish, called guiyu in Mandarin, where the deboned fish is covered in batter and fried with a sweet and sour sauce. Yum!

4. Explore Ruiguang Tower

Once you’re done with lunch, head to the nearby Ruiguang Tower. This tower was built in the Song Dynasty and is one of the best-preserved buildings in Suzhou. It was once in disrepair but has since then been renovated. Today you can climb up the narrow stairs to reach the top of this 60-meter-tall structure and take in views of the city from above.

Ruiguang Tower is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and ponds full of koi fish where you can feed them after your climb up the 7 flights of stairs.

5. Visit the Suzhou Museum

With free admission to the Suzhou Museum, head here to see one of the largest collections of Chinese artifacts and antiques. This museum is known for its impressive traditional architecture, and you can spend about an hour here browsing through the 15,000 artifacts of Chinese culture, art, and history.

6. Ride a Boat on the Canals near Piangjiang Road

Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the canals near Piangjiang Road. The canals of Suzhou were once the lifeblood of this city, and you’ll get a glimpse into the past as you float along the tranquil waters.

Catch views of old bridges, historic buildings, and lush greenery as you drift along. This is an easy way to get great views of Suzhou’s classical gardens, and you can even embark on a guided tour with one of the many boat companies in the area.

>> Book Your Boat Ride in the Canals of Suzhou! <<

7. Explore Shangtang Street

Shangtang Street is a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, teahouses, and souvenir stands. Stop by one of the traditional teahouses for a cup of freshly brewed tea and people-watch as you stroll along this vibrant street.

Shangtang Street stretches about 2 miles and is similar to Pianjiang Road, but is best known for its nightlife, so you’ll want to stop here at the end of your one day in Suzhou.

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do when you have just one day in Suzhou! From visiting the classical gardens to going for a relaxing boat ride along the canals, you will be sure

More Time? Options to Extend Your One Day in Suzhou

If you have more time to spend in Suzhou, there is so much more to see!

Stroll Along Jinji Lake

A 30-minute drive away, head to the Suzhou Industrial Park for a leisurely afternoon stroll along Jinji Lake, China’s largest city lake. Walk around Lakeside Avenue the Harmony Sculpture or visit the highest above-water Ferris Wheel in China.

You can also walk around Moonlight Harbor and have a panoramic view of the lake as well as European architecture filled with restaurants and shops.

Hike up Tiger Hill

One of the most iconic sights in Suzhou is Tiger Hill, known as Hu Qiu in Mandarin and often referred to as the leaning tower of Pisa in China. This site is an ancient hill with a 7-story and 8-sided pagoda located on top. The hill is said to have been named after the King of Wu who died of war and came back as a white tiger 3 days later.

Today, you can hike the stairs to get to Tiger Hill for great views and plenty of Chinese history. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the city center of Suzhou.

Visit Tongli Water Town

Tongli Water Town is about 40 minutes south of the center of Suzhou and is worth exploring. Surrounded by 5 lakes, Tongli Water Town is filled with old bridges that connect the islets of this small town.

There are more gardens to explore such as the Retreat and Reflection Garden or visit the Three Bridges, which is a popular highlight as walking on the bridges in order from Jili Bridge, Taiping Bridge, to Changqing Bridge is known to bring good luck!

Explore ZhouZhuang Water Town

Visit ZhouZhuang, another water town in Suzhou, which is about a 50-minute drive from the city center of Suzhou. ZhouZhuang is another very popular water town and is often favored by European travelers.

Walk across the double bridge, also known as Shuangqiao, which was painted by Chen Yifei, a famous Chinese artist. You can also visit numerous historic houses–that of Chen Yifei, wear costumes at Zhang’s House (Zhangting), or the wealthy home of the Shen family (Shenting).

Map of One Day in Suzhou Itinerary

Key: Green – Classical Gardens | Blue – One Day Itinerary | Purple – Extended Itinerary

How to Get to and Around Suzhou

To get to Suzhou, the most convenient method is by train . The city has several railway stations including Suzhou Railway Station, Suzhou New District Railway Station, and South Station.

The high-speed rail from Shanghai usually takes around 30 minutes while slower trains might take up to two hours. You can also take a bus from Shanghai to Suzhou. Buses leave from Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station and take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Once you’re in Suzhou, it is a highly walkable city. You can walk around the canals and easily get from the gardens to the museums. However, other places like Jinji Lake may require a taxi.

It’s important that you have access to maps while you’re spending one day in Suzhou. You can always use Bing, which is China’s Google. Or I highly recommend getting a VPN to be able to use Google Maps on your day of exploration.

My #1 go-to VPN is ExpressVPN, which provides security, coverage, and fast internet. Sign up with ExpressVPN and get your first month free!

When is the Best Time to Visit Suzhou

The best time to visit Suzhou is during the autumn months of September and October. You’ll experience comfortable temperatures in the low 70s, allowing you to explore all of the attractions while avoiding heat exhaustion.

During these months, you can also attend festivals like Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival which are celebrated during this season. It’s also a great time to visit the Classical Gardens when they are in full bloom.

Overall, Suzhou has something to offer all year round and is worth a visit no matter what season you’re planning your trip!

What to Eat for One Day in Suzhou

With so many Chinese dishes to order in China , you can grab food as you go or head on over to a restaurant to try out Suzhou’s food scene.

For restaurants, make sure to check out Yaba Pan-Fried Bun Shop on Guan Qian Road or head over to Yu Xing Ji or Yu Mian Zhai Noodle restaurants to get some of the best noodles in Suzhou!

Other dishes you can try in Suzhou are:

• Exploding fish or squirrelfish, guiyu
• Eel in sizzling oil
• Stir-fried shrimp (Xiao Yuan Lou Restaurant)
• Cherry pork: sweet and sour pork in small pieces (De Yue Lo Restaurant)
• Taihu Three Whites: white fish, white shrimp, and white bait (South China Little Restaurant)

What to Pack When Spending One Day in Suzhou

When spending one day in Suzhou, it’s important to pack the right items.

☀️ The weather in Suzhou is usually mild and humid throughout the year so make sure to wear lightweight clothing. A sunhat , sunscreen , and sunglasses are also key items to protect you from skin damage due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays.

🎒 You’ll also want to have a day bag or fanny pack on you to keep your personal belonging and hold any souvenirs you happen to buy.

👟 Exploring Suzhou on foot is the best way to experience all of its attractions. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes that are also suitable for wet pavement, as some areas may be more prone to flooding during rainy seasons.

📸 Suzhou offers picturesque scenery and sites so make sure to pack a camera to capture all the beauty you’ll encounter in this classical city! If your phone is your camera, make sure to have an unlocked iPhone !

🚰 You can always find snacks around, but be sure to bring a water bottle if you don’t want to drink hot water in restaurants to keep you hydrated while you explore Suzhou!

🧻 Packages of wet wipes are also useful for cleaning your hands when there aren’t any bathrooms nearby. It’s also not a bad idea to have tissues on hand when you do find the bathrooms!

🪫 Finally, bring a portable charger for your electronic devices throughout the day so that you never run out of juice!

Where to Stay in Suzhou

If you are indeed spending more than one day in Suzhou, there are numerous options for you! I would recommend sticking close to the Old Town of Suzhou so that you can walk to all the highlights in Suzhou.

Pan Pacific Suzhou

The Pan Pacific Suzhou is located in the Panmen Park area and within walking distance of all the beautiful sights of Suzhou. You’ll also get Chinese oriental design from this hotel with gorgeous views and standard amenities.

>> Check Best Prices for Pan Pacific Suzhou! <<

Suzhou Houlishenghuo Guesthouse

For a more boutique and cozy stay, the Suzhou Houlishenghuo Guesthouse is also a great option in the Old Town Suzhou location. You’ll have garden views and be 3 miles from everything you need to see in Suzhou.

>> Check Best Prices for Suzhou Houlishenghuo Guesthouse! <<

FAQs: One Day in Suzhou

Why is Suzhou famous?

Suzhou is a city located in China’s Jiangsu province. It has been a renowned site for classical Chinese gardens and canals in China’s long history, leading to its nickname of “Venice of East Asia.”

It’s also a hotspot for UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the stunning landscapes, gardens, and history found in Suzhou.

Is Suzhou Safe?

Yes, Suzhou is a safe city for tourists. The crime rate is low and there are plenty of security guards patrolling the streets at night. However, it’s still wise to take necessary precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding dark alleys or poorly lit areas. You’ll also want to keep your belongings close to you.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be scammed. However, to avoid tourist traps and scams, be sure to buy your tickets on an official website or directly at the ticket booth. Do not trust anyone who is offering to sell you tickets on the streets.

Is one day in Suzhou enough?

For a one-day trip to Suzhou, there are plenty of activities and sites that you can explore, especially if your main goal is to see the canals and visit the classical gardens.

However, there is so much more to see in Suzhou that you can definitely spend 2-3 days in this gorgeous city exploring its history.

Do I need a VPN in Suzhou?

Yes! A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is required when using the internet in China, as some websites are blocked or censored. A VPN will also keep your data secure and protect you from hackers. There are many reliable VPN services available for use in Suzhou, but my favorite is ExpressVPN !

>> Try ExpressVPN for 30 Days Risk-Free! <<

Final Thoughts: One Day in Suzhou – Make the Most of your 24 Hours

Spending one day in Suzhou is a great way to experience the city’s picturesque scenery and historical sites. You’ll definitely want to make time to see the “Venice of the East” and create memorable experiences here!

Always remain aware of your surroundings, follow safety instructions, and practice caution while exploring this beautiful city. But most importantly, have fun!

Ready to head to Suzhou? Check out my packing essentials to make the most out of your trip!

Other content you may enjoy:

• 30 Popular Dishes to order in China
• 27 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to China
• 2 Days in Yangshuo: How to Have the Best Nature-Filled Time!
• 3 Days in Lijiang: Old Town Lijiang + Tiger Leaping Gorge
• 5 Gems to Visit in China
• The 8 Best and Worst of my China Stories

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My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page .

• Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
• For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
• When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
• For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas .
• Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
• Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars . They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
• Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
• Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio .
• Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa .
• Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire .
• Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
• Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide .
• Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze !
• Tech : Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
• Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
• What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack . For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

Shanghai Pathways

Historic suzhou creek walk.

Shanghai was built on the water and prospered by the water. As the city's mother river, Suzhou Creek has witnessed the prosperity, decline, and revival of Shanghai.

To learn about the historic Suzhou Creek, please select any of the following walks:

West Suzhou Creek Walk - Wealth, Conspiracy and War

Take a walk over the Suzhou Creek to feel the changes of the last century. Learn the legends of a Shanghai gangster, hear the story of the flour & textile king, insider's tour of China's most famous fine bone China (president Xi's choice), find out the 1st Chinese fashion magazine, and visit the site of the anti-Japan war's battlefield.  

East Suzhou Creek Walk - Back to Shanghai in the 1920s

Walk the east part of the Suzhou Creek to feel the changes of the last century and travel back to Shanghai in the 1920s, experience the golden age. Learn the story of the 1st Chinese business group - Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, Sir Victor Sassoon's haunted apartment, go inside the largest postal office in the far east, find out where the 1st Western movie was screened in Shanghai, and an insider's tour to find out how the city's 1st  western hospital turned into Suzhou creek's most luxurious hotel.

Price: RMB1800 for up to 2 people

RMB500 per additional person

(Including guide fee and entrance fee)  

For a group of more than 10 people, please  contact us  for larger group offer

Tour is 2hrs, Meeting Point: Direction's in both Chinese and English will be provided for you to arrive at our starting point. Price includes all tickets admission to all sites listed.

To book the program, we do request a small deposit of USD50 (RMB300) per program via PayPal. This deposit will apply toward the program charges and you could pay the remaining balance on the day of the program. You could directly pay USD50 as deposit by clicking "Buy Now" button: 

1-Day Suzhou Itinerary

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• Suzhou in 1 day
• 2-Day Suzhou Itinerary
• 3-Day Suzhou Itinerary
• 4-Day Suzhou Itinerary
• 5-Day Suzhou Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, humble administrator's garden.

Lion Grove Garden

Suzhou Museum

Canglang pavilion, master of the nets garden, xuanmiao temple, top searches in suzhou, popular road trips from suzhou, what's the weather like in suzhou.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Suzhou for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Suzhou in January
• Weather in Suzhou in February
• Weather in Suzhou in March
• Weather in Suzhou in April
• Weather in Suzhou in May
• Weather in Suzhou in June
• Weather in Suzhou in July
• Weather in Suzhou in August
• Weather in Suzhou in September
• Weather in Suzhou in October
• Weather in Suzhou in November
• Weather in Suzhou in December

All road trips from Suzhou

• Suzhou to Hong Kong drive
• Suzhou to Beijing drive
• Suzhou to Hangzhou drive
• Suzhou to Hanoi drive
• Suzhou to Seoul drive
• Suzhou to Nanjing drive
• Suzhou to Xi'an drive
• Suzhou to Macau drive
• Suzhou to Hoi An drive
• Suzhou to Guangzhou drive
• Suzhou to Qingdao drive
• Suzhou to Xiamen drive
• Suzhou to Chengdu drive
• Suzhou to Hue drive
• Suzhou to Ningbo drive
• Suzhou to Busan drive
• Suzhou to Yangzhou drive
• Suzhou to Halong Bay drive
• Suzhou to Fukuoka drive
• Suzhou to Wuhan drive
• Suzhou to Huangshan drive
• Suzhou to Zhangjiajie drive
• Suzhou to Yangshuo County drive
• Suzhou to Tianjin drive
• Suzhou to Guilin drive
• Suzhou to Lijiang drive
• Suzhou to Vladivostok drive
• Suzhou to Jeju drive
• Suzhou to Ninh Binh drive
• Suzhou to Sanya drive

Explore nearby places

• Jiashan County
• Zhangjiagang
• Changxing County
• Chongming County
• Haiyan County
• Deqing County
• Anji County
• Guangde County

All related maps of Suzhou

• Map of Suzhou
• Map of Wuxi
• Map of Kunshan
• Map of Changshu
• Map of Taicang
• Map of Jiashan County
• Map of Jiaxing
• Map of Zhangjiagang
• Map of Huzhou
• Map of Changxing County
• Map of Yixing
• Map of Tongxiang
• Map of Jiangyin
• Map of Pinghu
• Map of Nantong
• Map of Changzhou
• Map of Chongming County
• Map of Jingjiang
• Map of Shanghai
• Map of Haimen
• Map of Haining
• Map of Haiyan County
• Map of Tongzhou
• Map of Deqing County
• Map of Jintan
• Map of Liyang
• Map of Taixing
• Map of Anji County
• Map of Qidong
• Map of Rugao
• Map of Guangde County

Suzhou throughout the year

• Suzhou in January
• Suzhou in February
• Suzhou in March
• Suzhou in April
• Suzhou in May
• Suzhou in June
• Suzhou in July
• Suzhou in August
• Suzhou in September
• Suzhou in October
• Suzhou in November
• Suzhou in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Suzhou?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Wuxi Itinerary
• 1-Day Changzhou Itinerary
• 1-Day Kunshan Itinerary
• 1-Day Jiashan County Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
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• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378 +86 157-0009-4881 Email: [email protected]

• Suzhou Private Tours Described by Marco Polo as one of the most beautiful cities in China, the Garden City, Suzhou is also known as "Venice of the East".

One Day Suzhou Walking Tour to Explore the Old Town

Tour Style: Join our four-hour guided walking tour led by your local expert guide to discover the hidden gems of Suzhou. The highlights covers Ganjiang Bridge, Changmen Gate, Pingmen Gate, Xiangmen Gate, Panmen Gate, Xumen Gate and Ganjiang Bridge. Walking through these sites that over thousands of years of history to uncover the misterious culture and history of China!

Duration: 3-4 hours

Attractions(Cities): Ganjiang Bridge, Changmen Gate, Pingmen Gate, Xiangmen Gate, Panmen Gate, Xumen Gate, Ganjiang Bridge

Pick-up point: Suzhou train station or The place where you live in Suzhou

Finishing point: Suzhou train station or The place where you live in Suzhou

Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your requirements in your inquiry)

Payment Types: Cash, Wire, Paypal, Western Union, Alipay, Wechat

Available: Daily

Payment Guide | Terms & Conditions

Tour Itinerary

• Place&Transport: Suzhou
• Today's Activities: Ganjiang Bridge, Changmen Gate, Pingmen Gate, Xiangmen Gate, Panmen Gate, Xumen Gate, Ganjiang Bridge
• Accommodation: N/A

Travel on foot when you really want to learn about a city where you can take in the sights, sounds, scents, and scenery first-hand. Walking or hiking brings you close to its people and its culture. We will help vary the pace and allow for historical exploration, we also plan walking/Hiking tours whether you want the focus to be on art, nature, food, etc.

Suzhou, a 2,500 years old city in China, was synonymous with high culture and elegance. Generations of Chinese artists, scholars, writers and high society were drawn to its exquisite art forms and the delicate beauty of its gardens. Explore Suzhou's unique offerings for an once-in-a-lifetime experience

In the morning, our local Suzhou tour guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby in Suzhou or Suzhou train station, you will find a welcome signage “ Suzhou Private Tour ”. Our guide will help you find a taxi to Ganjiang Bridge and walking tour to discover old town of Suzhou start. On the way you can treat your eyes to ancient architecture and gates, your private tour guide will give you explanation of these gates and the history of Suzhou.

Walking Route: Ganjiang Bridge—Changmen Gate—Pingmen Gate—Xiangmen Gate—Panmen Gate—Xumen Gate—Ganjiang Bridge Distance : around 15km

Highlgihts Changmen Gate : The outer gate of Changmen Gate was near to the suspension bridge. A rectangular enclosure for defense outside the gate kept another enclosure with a southern catalpa gate and a northern catalpa gate. During the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851-1864) period, the enclosure of Changmen Gate was destroyed and only the inner city gate and supporting gate remained. Nowadays, only the base of the water gate remains.

Pingmen Gate : Pingmen Gate is located in the north gate of Suzhou, it was rebuilt in 2012. Wuzixu flushed out the door from this gate, defeated the Qi, and return of the troops of the capital from the same gate, hence the name.

Xiangmen Gate : It was famous for a variety of hand craftsmen. It's called "Xiangmen Gate" because of the change of the sound. The door was stuffed in the early Song Dynasty. The Republic of China was restored in 23-25 years and was dismantled after liberation. Reconstruction in 2012.

Panmen Gate : This city gate is the most completely preserved part of the ruins of the ancient city of Suzhou. With water gates and land gates towering side by side, Panmen Gate looks very imposing. The gate tower of Panmen looks magnificent, with flying eaves and up-turning corners. Equipped with all kinds of facilities needed in ancient defensive battles, such as shooting holes, sluice gateways and lookout towers, the city gate seems to have brought the ancient city of Suzhou back to us.

Xumen Gate : It is a part of the remains of the ancient city wall. There has been a saying: "The golden Changmen Gate and the silvery Xumen Gate in Suzhou". As a shining pearl regarded by Suzhou people, Xumen Gate is in the great landscape that within a land of good harvest. It has become a tourist attraction in one of the great travel destinations in China, which is an important aid in the study of the history of Suzhou and also one of the most important historical and cultural relics remaining in the Suzhou Canglang district region.

After the tour of Xumen Gate, your walking tour in Suzhou come to the end.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

The following Suzhou Private Tours may also interest you!

Duration： 6-8 hours

Attractions(Cities)： Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Pingjiang Historic Street, Suzhou No. 1 Silk Mill

Tour Style： "In heaven there is paradise, on earth, Suzhou and Hangzhou". Suzhou features its canals, beautiful gardens, bridges and pagodas. This 8-hour private flexible tour is the most popular Suzhou day tour chosen by our clients from these years. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide over 10+ years, you'll visit the top Suzhou attractions, wander among lotus pond and bamboo groved at Lingering Garden, one of four famous gardens in China; explore the Hanshan Temple's charm, admire Panmen Gate to learn the profound history of Suzhou, take a pleasant stroll down ancient street, see how silk to be made into products and return back in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Duration： 6-8 Hours

Attractions(Cities)： Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of Nets Garden, Surging Wave Pavilion, Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill

Tour Style： Suzhou is noted as "City of Garden", is famous throughout China for its classical gardens. If you love Chinese garden and architectures, this tour is perfect for you! Accompanied by your expert guide over 10+ years guiding experience and skillful driver, enjoy a 7-hour tour to discover the top Suzhou gardens in one day. From Humble Administrator's Garden, to the Lingering Garden, the Master of Nets Garden, the Surging Wave Pavilion and Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill. You'll not only get a better understanding about Chinese architecture and special elements for gardens, but also learn the rich history, culture, people's old lifestyle of Suzhou.

Attractions(Cities)： Please pick four or five attractions for your day tour, 100% customizable

Tour Style： See the best of Suzhou, enjoy all the flexibility but none of the language hassels on this private customized full-day tour. Pick four or five attractions and explore these sights at your own pace to avoid the crowds on public transportation. Accompanied by your expert guide over 10+ years guiding experience and skillfull driver with a spacious vehicle, you'll admire beautiful sceneries, ancient streets, pagodas, Grand Canal, classical Chinese gardens, historical sites and more! Private vehicle, entrance fees, bottled water and guide are all included. Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant recommended by your guide (THEY ARE FOODIES, they really know where and what to eat.)

Duration： 8-9 hours

Attractions(Cities)： Humble Administrators Garden, Suzhou Musuem, Panmen Gate, Shantang Street, Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill

Tour Style： Riding on first class seat bullet train from Shanghai to Suzhou, one of the most popular tourist cities in China is very convenient and suit for travelers who have limited time. This tour is 100% flexible and covers all Suzhou attractions, such as Humble Administrators Garden, Suzhou Musuem, Panmen Gate, Shantang Street and Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill. We will book the entrance ticket onlince in advance to escape the crowd, make you trip more comfortable and relax. Hotel pickup & drop-off, round way train ticket, entrance fee, lunch, private transport and guide are all included.

Attractions(Cities)： Lingering Garden, Take Riskshaw, Private Boat Cruise on Grand Canal, Pingjiang Historical Road, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory

Tour Style： This Suzhou tour from Shanghai is truly the only way to do a trip from Shanghai to Suzhou like this. Having a private driver and a tour guide, not having to worry about taxis mde thing worry free. It's an ideal way for visitors who want to explore the old part of Suzhou, admire the ancient small bridges and black-tiled-roof house while enjoy the private rowing boat cruise on Grand Canal, stroll down Shantang Street to get an insight of Suzhou old lifestyle, experience the rickshaw ride to gain a more understanding of its traditions and culture, visit some famous Chinese classical gardens can not missed.

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Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals

• Coffee and/or Tea
• Local guide
• Beisita, Gusu District, Suzhou, China, 215005 Beisita Subway Station, Exit 5 Street Level Subway Directions (strongly recommended): Beisita Station service line 4. Follow signs to Exit 5 and we will be upstairs, outside the exit waiting for you. Show Your Taxi Driver: 师傅您好，请您带我去北寺塔地铁站5号西北出口旁，谢谢。
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals provided by Lost Plate Suzhou Food Tours

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We request each visitor to make the online pre-booking so that we can keep you informed of any changes of the tour and arrange tour guides accordingly. It only takes you 3 minutes to do the click, easy, clear, and free!

YES! You will receive a confirmation email right after booking. One day before the tour, you will also get another welcome email from your guide with his/her contact number and more tour details. Make sure the email address you left is correct!

You will be given detailed instructions of tour itinerary in the welcome email. However If you miss the tour by more than half an hour, it may be hard to catch up and you will surely lose some delightful stops. We recommend arriving 10 minutes before the meeting time.

YES! We have 1-2 breaks included in all tours for food, drink and toilet! We won’t sit in any restaurant (except for the food tour) but you will surely enjoy the street food adventure along the way:)

4-4.5 hours may go by much quicker than you thought! We design the tour to be very well-paced with many breaks.  Previously, we had visitors aging from 3 months old to 72 years old, everyone made it to the end with ease. So keep calm and enjoy the tour!

We only take bookings for groups of less than 6 people so as to optimize the experience of everyone who comes. Feel free to contact us to get a private tour arranged if you have a gr oup bigger than 6!

YES! We can also do private tours in Mandarin and Spanish.

我们可以做中文私人导览团。

Podemos hacer tours privados en español.

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