Suzhou - Discovering China

Travelling to Suzhou

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Suzhou, a pretty good destination in China (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Suzhou and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Suzhou, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through China, here's everything to know about Suzhou for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Suzhou

Suzhou is a city located in Jiangsu Province, in eastern China. It is known for its beautiful gardens, canals, and traditional Chinese architecture. Suzhou has been an important center of trade and culture for over 2,500 years and is considered one of the oldest cities in the country. The city covers an area of 8,488 square kilometers and has a population of over 11 million people. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in Chinese history and culture.

What to visit in Suzhou

Sure, here are some top tourist attractions in Suzhou, China: 1. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou: The Classical Gardens of Suzhou represent the garden culture of China from the 11th to the 19th century. The famous ones include The Garden of the Master of the Nets, The Humble Administrator's Garden, The Lingering Garden, and The Lion Grove Garden. The gardens feature traditional Chinese landscaping, architecture, and art.
2. Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is located in the northwest suburbs of Suzhou and covers an area of about 140,000 square meters. It is the oldest and most famous scenic spot in Suzhou. The hill has a height of 36 meters and is known for the magnificent pagoda and the legendary love story.
3. Suzhou Museum: Suzhou Museum is known as one of the most iconic museums in China. It showcases ancient Chinese art and cultural relics, including painting, calligraphy, sculpture, and pottery. The building itself is also an architectural masterpiece designed by I.M. Pei.
4. Shantang Street: Shantang Street is one of the oldest streets in Suzhou, dating back over 1,200 years. It runs along both sides of a canal, with quaint shops, teahouses, and restaurants on either side. It is an ideal place to experience the local life and culture of Suzhou.
5. Tongli Ancient Town: Tongli Ancient Town is a small but well-preserved ancient water town located about 18 miles southeast of Suzhou. The town has numerous bridges, canals, ancient architecture, and stone pathways. It takes you back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).
6. Suzhou Silk Museum: Suzhou is famous for its silk production, and the Suzhou Silk Museum is a great place to learn about its history and development. The museum showcases various silk-making techniques, exhibits silk relics and cultural relics, and leads visitors to observe the process of silk production.
7. Panmen Scenic Area: Panmen Scenic Area is adjacent to the Suzhou Ancient City Wall and features famous landmarks such as Panmen Gate, Wu Gate Bridge, and Panmen Bridge. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls, watch ancient city gates open and close with sunset, and enjoy traditional street food.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Suzhou, China.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in China, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Suzhou.

When to go on holiday to Suzhou

The best time to visit Suzhou is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) when the weather is pleasant, and temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. This is also the ideal time to see the beautiful gardens and picturesque water towns that Suzhou is famous for. However, do note that these seasons can be relatively crowded with tourists. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, you may consider visiting Suzhou in the summer (June to September) or winter (December to February), but bear in mind that the weather can be hot and humid in the summer and cold and wet in the winter.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Suzhou

There are several transportation options to get to Suzhou, China: 1. By airplane: The nearest airport is Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away from Suzhou. From the airport, you can take a high-speed train, bus or taxi to Suzhou.
2. By train: Suzhou has two railway stations, the Suzhou Railway Station and the Suzhou North Railway Station. Both stations have high-speed train connections to nearby cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Beijing.
3. By bus: Suzhou has two bus stations, the Suzhou North Bus Station and Suzhou South Bus Station. You can take a bus to Suzhou from some major cities, such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing.
4. By taxi: You can hire a taxi from nearby cities such as Shanghai and Hangzhou to Suzhou. However, this option can be quite expensive.
I recommend taking a high-speed train from the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, which is about 40 minutes away from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. It only takes about 25-30 minutes to get to Suzhou by high-speed train, and the train service is frequent and reliable.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Suzhou, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Suzhou

Suzhou, located in Jiangsu Province, China, is known for its delicate cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and light, sweet flavors. Here are some typical foods you can look for in Suzhou: 1. Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish (松鼠鲈鱼) A whole fresh water perch is filleted and deep-fried until crispy, resembling a squirrel in shape. It is then served with a sweet and sour sauce.
2. Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish (糖醋鲈鱼) Similar to Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, except the fish is sautéed instead of deep-fried, and the sauce is less sweet and tangier.
3. Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs (阳澄湖大闸蟹) Hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake are considered the best in China, with a rich and succulent meat.
4. Braised Crab Meat with Tofu (豆腐烧蟹粉) The meat from the Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs is mixed with tofu and braised in a clay pot with special spices to make a flavorful dish.
5. Songshu Guiyu (松鼠桂鱼) This dish is made with a small bony fish called the mandarin fish, which is deep-fried and served with pine nuts, sliced ham, and bamboo shoots in a savory-sweet sauce.
6. Biluo Shrimp (碧螺虾) These tiny shrimp are native to Suzhou's Jinji Lake and are known for their lovely green color. They are often served boiled as simple but delicious appetizers.
7. Suzhou-style mooncakes (苏式月饼) These mooncakes are different from the standard Chinese mooncakes since they're usually sweet and filled with red bean paste, lotus seed paste or jujube paste. They are often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. All of these dishes are great representatives of Suzhou's culinary tradition, so make sure to sample them all!
You can find general info about typical foods in China here.

Is Suzhou an expensive destination for tourists?

Suzhou is generally considered to be a mid-range priced tourist destination. While it is not as expensive as major cities like Shanghai or Beijing, it may be slightly more expensive than smaller nearby cities. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation can vary depending on the specific area and type of establishment you choose. However, with careful planning, Suzhou can be an affordable destination. It is always a good idea to plan a budget beforehand and research different options for accommodation, restaurants, and activities to help you stay within your budget.

Where to find accomodation in Suzhou

It is best to find accommodation in the downtown area of Suzhou, which is where the majority of the tourist attractions are located. Additionally, the areas near Jinji Lake and the Suzhou Industrial Park also offer a wide range of accommodation options and easy access to transportation.
You can check hotel prices at Suzhou here:
Booking.com

Is Suzhou a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Suzhou is generally a safe place for tourists. The crime rate in the city is low, and violence against tourists is rare. However, like in any other city, visitors are advised to take basic precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding isolated areas after dark, not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and keeping an eye on their belongings in crowded tourist areas. It is also recommended to be aware of scams, such as fake tour guides and pickpocketing. As long as travelers exercise common sense and caution, they should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Suzhou.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in China here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Suzhou.

What type of travelers will enjoy Suzhou the most?

Suzhou, China is a great destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people, and families.
Couples will find Suzhou's romantic gardens and beautiful water towns very appealing. They can explore the ancient city wall, take a scenic boat ride on the canals, and visit Suzhou's traditional gardens, which are famous for their exquisite beauty.
Young people looking for fun can enjoy Suzhou's vibrant nightlife, amazing street food, and bustling shopping scene. They can also explore the city's modern attractions, such as amusement parks and water parks.
Families will appreciate Suzhou's family-friendly activities, including the many parks, museums, and cultural sites. Children will enjoy exploring the Lion Grove Garden, the Suzhou Science and Technology Museum, and the Suzhou Amusement Land.
Overall, Suzhou is a versatile destination that has something for everyone.

How to get around Suzhou

There are several options of transportation to move around Suzhou, China: 1. Metro: Suzhou has a modern Metro network that covers the city and its suburbs.
2. Bus: Suzhou has a comprehensive bus network that connects every corner of the city.
3. Taxi: Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced in Suzhou. You can hail a taxi on the street, or through a mobile app such as Didi.
4. Bicycle: Suzhou has many bike rental stations that offer a cheap and convenient way to get around the city. 5. Private car: If you prefer to have more control and privacy, you can opt to rent a car or hire a private driver.

What to see around Suzhou

Sure, here are a few nice places to visit in a day trip from Suzhou: 1. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town - A picturesque water town with ancient bridges, canals, temples, and gardens.
2. Tongli Water Town - Another charming water town famous for its ancient architecture, canals, and scenic views.
3. Jinxi Ancient Town - A small ancient town with traditional architecture and arts and crafts museums.
4. Thousand Island Lake - A scenic lake surrounded by mountains and featuring many small islands, perfect for boating and hiking.
5. Luzhi Ancient Town - A well-preserved town with traditional architecture and a network of canals and bridges.
6. Taihu Lake - A large freshwater lake with scenic views, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.
7. Suzhou Museum - A museum featuring Chinese art and cultural artifacts, including ancient paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics.
These are just a few suggestions - there are many more places to visit within a day trip from Suzhou, depending on your interests and preferences.
For every travel information about China you can click here.

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