Suzhou: Your No-BS WTF Travel Guide

[Abraham Kris]

Hello everyone! If you are a lazy traveler like me who does not like to think much when making travel plans, then keep this 2-night and 3-day itinerary for Suzhou!

How to get to Suzhou?

• Taking a high-speed train is highly recommended to reach Suzhou Station. This station is right in the city center, which makes it convenient to go to any scenic spot.

Travel plan without detours!

Day 1: Ancient Charm and Bazaar Culture

• Suzhou Museum ️
  • This museum is very famous and was designed by the renowned architect Liang Sicheng (note that the original content mentions I.M. Pei but refers to him as Mr. Liang by his Chinese name).
  • Reminder: The museum is extremely popular! It is absolutely necessary to book tickets in advance through the official mini-program or app! Otherwise, you may come all the way and find out there’s no admission available.
• Zhuozheng Garden
  • As one of China's most famous gardens, it could also be considered representative of Suzhou gardens. With azaleas in spring, lotus flowers in summer; it is a beautiful sight all year round.
  • Hint: Because it's so well-known, it tends to be quite crowded too; especially during festivals — be mentally prepared.
• Pingjiang Road ‍️
  • A historic water town street with narrow stone pavements, riverside, and options for gondola boat rides and trying local snacks.
  • Personal note: Recently more commercialized than before, with large crowds, it's worth visiting for a casual wander, yet don't expect too much.
• Shuangta Market
  • To experience local life and find delicious Suzhou delicacies like cakes and noodles at reasonable prices, come here!
• Guanqian Street ️
  • Similar to Nanjing Road in Shanghai or Wangfujing Street in Beijing, an old-fashioned shopping alley where you can purchase local specialties from many traditional shops.

Day 2: Serenity and History Tracing

• Hanshan Temple
  • Known from famous ancient poems about "the temple bell ringing past midnight", this place has become a must-visit destination.
• Xiyuan Temple 🧘‍️
  • Often with fewer visitors compared to Hanshan Temple, it’s preferred by locals, famous for feeding pigeons and petting cats within the monastery grounds.
• Liu Yuan
  • As one of the four famous gardens in Suzhou, it feels more delicate compared to Zhuozheng Garden with each step offering another picturesque view.
• Huqiu Hill
  • Sometimes referred to as the "First Scenery of Wuzhong," its inclining tower is often compared to Pisa’s Leaning Tower. With a larger area and longer route, it likely requires more time.
• Shantang Street ️
  • An idiom referring to both Suzhou's and Hangzhou's beauty, lit up beautifully at night.
  • Suggestion: Extremely crowded, particularly at night.

Day 3: Quaint Life & Modern City

• Fengmen Alley
  • A lively wet market where genuine Suzhou life can be experienced with fresh produce and breakfast foods available in abundance.
• Wangshi Garden ️
  • A more compact and exquisite garden offering Kunqu Opera performances at night, adding to its charm.
  • Caution: Night tours require additional booking and reservations in advance.
• Jinji Lake
  • Representing the modern side of Suzhou, with large lakes surrounded by tall buildings, perfect for cycling and walking.
• Oriental Gateway
  • One of the landmarks in Suzhou, known for its unique and funny nickname "Big Trousers" among Chinese internet users due to its design.
• Oriental Gateway, 53rd Floor
  • With great views of Jinji Lake at night where entrance may require additional payment or purchase inside restaurants. Information should be obtained in advance if the night view interests you.

Accommodation Suggestions

• For an authentic Suzhou experience: selecting the Gusu District will bring you close to classical gardens and numerous snacks.
  • Advantage: proximity to classical gardens and abundant snacks.
  • Disadvantage: older area and hotels might feel antiquated; during holidays, the surroundings could be busy and noisy.
• For a modern experience: choosing the Jinjilake area provides new, good-quality hotels, plenty of dining options, and entertainment, but the distant scenic spots would need transportation or taxis.

Important Travel Tips!

• Reservation! Reservation! Reserve!!!
  • Popular attractions like Suzhou Museum, Zhuozheng Garden, and Lions Grove (if planning to visit) need to have your tickets booked in advance through their respective apps or mini-programs, preferably a few days before the actual trip during peak season (spring, autumn, and public holidays).
  • Pay particular attention to Suzhou Museum, free of charge but difficult to get tickets in a hurry because of high demand — be strategic instead of trying your luck at the door.
• If you feel perplexed over choosing gardens:
  • No need to visit every single garden since visiting similar ones might become tiresome. Picking 2-3 representative gardens (the itinerary includes the Zhuozheng Garden, Liu Garden, and Wangshi Garden) will be sufficient.
• Old City Transportation:
  • During rush hour or weekends, traffic jams could be caused by narrow urban streets in the old city. Sometimes walking is quicker than hailing cabs when the distances are short and weather permits, or cycling on bike-sharing platforms.
• Watch Out for Scalpers and Rogue Tour Guides
  • At train stations or scenic sites, individuals aggressively offering tickets at lower rates or claiming to know a shortcut leading to secret routes should be politely refused, avoiding purchasing or following them! Stick to official ticket providers or apps.
• Buy Souvenirs Carefully:
  • Looking for local crafts like silk, Suzhou Embroidery, and Biluo Spring tea? Visit reputable stores, avoid tourist spots such as Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street for high-quality items with fair prices to avoid impulse buying.