Things to do & places to visit in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

Suzhou is a major city on the lower Yangtze known for its canals, bridges, pagodas, and beautiful gardens. These gardens were built and owned by wealthy families and emperors hundreds of years ago, and make for a pleasant place to wander during nice weather. Suzhou is also a major center for silk production and manufacturing, and a tour of a silk factory here provides an interesting and educational glimpse of this Chinese textile industry. Suzhou is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Suzhou city in Jiangsu, China. Timezone: Asia/Shanghai, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 17:09.

Top things to do (15)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Six Arts Museum (22 reviews)
- Most comprehensive personal collection
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums • History Museums

Six Arts Museum is the Shanghai / Suzhou Region's most astonishing Ancient folk arts museum! Six Arts Museum is devoted to the environmentally friendly rescue, preservation and display of ancient Chinese arts. Located in the beautiful ancient water village of Lili, Six Arts Museum exhibits architectural pieces, stone and wood carvings, and other religious and official pieces from all across China! See more..
4.5 Humble Administrator's Garden (2.325 reviews)
- The first Chinese garden you have to visit in Suzhou
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Parks • Gardens

There are multiple traditional Suzhou-style Chinese gardens in Suzhou, and 9 of these gardens have been inscribed in World Heritage list. The most famous and notable one is the Humble Administrator's Garden. It will take you about two to three hours to finish the walk throughout most of the places of interest. It's mandatory to make a reservation of your arrival time during a busy time like summer. It is recommended to join a tour guide service to further understand the background history and trivia behind this garden and the story of the founder. The complimentary tour guide service lasts for half an hour, guiding you through some of the most crucial buildings in the garden. You can understand more by requesting for a paid tour guide service. There are lots of photo opportunities in the garden, and you get to experience more when the history of these incredible buildings is revealed. The current price is RMB$70 in the off-peak season and RMB$80 in the peak season. See more..
4.5 Tiger Hill (1.026 reviews)
- Ancient Relic Waiting to be Seen
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Parks

The Yunyuan Pagoda and the moss covered stones were the highlights at this park. We loved the look and the feel of the area too with everything so picturesque and old. Besides the pagoda there is a few nice ponds and a pretty large bonsai garden. I would recommend bringing good shoes to this area as it was very slippery when we visited in early April. Plan to be here for an hour or two. Price to enter is 70 RMB during peak season April to October and 60 RMB for the rest of the year. See more..
4.5 Pingjiang Road (981 reviews)
- An interesting glimpse of the past

Narrow streets, local snacks, traditional souvenirs and picturesque canals. Take the time to look into the past, there was an old man who would personalise a silk fan for you by doing a painting and incorporating your name in both the Roman and Chinese alphabets. The snacks are all finger food with the sweet and savoury signature of Suzhou. Take a short trip on the canal or simply mooch. Fascinating history right before your eyes. See more..
4.5 Tongli Town (920 reviews)
- Come early to avoid the crowds
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites

We took a 9 am train on a Saturday from Shanghai to Suzhou, takes 25 min and then roughly an hour by taxi or subway to get to Tongli Watertown entrance. There is also a few gardens which together with the bigger ones in Suzhou belong to the UNESCO World heritage ensemble. Watertown is beautiful, plan for 4 hours which is plenty of time to take pics, have a nice lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants or just enjoy the scenery. See more..
4.5 The Lingering Garden (840 reviews)
- The best of Suzhou’s gardens
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

A Brief Description of the Lingering Garden Located at the outer side of the Chang Gate and built in the 21st year of the reign of Wanli under the Ming Dynasty (AD 1593), the Lingering Garden is reputed to be one of the four most famous gardens of China. In 1961 it was listed from the very first as cultural relics of national importance. Since 1997 it has been inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List. The Lingering Garden, covering 23,310 sq.m., is divided into the middle, eastern, western and northern parts. The middle part features fascinating landscapes and waterscapes. The eastern part is noted for its architectural beauties and limestone rockeries. The northern part is famed for its beautiful bonsai garden. And the western part boasts the mountain forest scenery and the delights of wilderness. Celebrated for its superb handling of architectural space and spatial relations, the Lingering Garden serves as a fine specimen of ancient Chinese garden and landscape design and reputably tops all the well-known gardens in Suzhou. The Lingering Garden provides English tour guide for free every hour since 2017. You can also choose to pay for a professional English guide with different guiding route or a guiding machine. Hope that during your short stay here, you can not only satisfy your eyes, but also experience the real Chinese culture and have a better understanding of our philosophy. See more..
4.5 Suzhou Museum (833 reviews)
- “Wu” culture and history
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

It is a museum with unique cultural display. There are museums with much larger array of display in this world, but the Suzhou museum stands out in terms of the specialised contents on display (e.g., you will get mainly “Wu” cultural displays, and there isn’t any filler elements like dinosaur skeletons or things like that). The bamboo garden outside is nice and the main outdoor area is picturesque too. See more..
4.5 Lion Forest Garden (766 reviews)
- Incredibly Beautiful!
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

While visiting friends in Shanghai we decided to take a day trip to Suzhou. In a long and sad story of mis-communication, we had much less time there than originally planned. The ONE garden we went to was the Lion Forest Garden, and it was STUNNING. We were four adults and 6 children, ranging from ages 2-9. They loved it tool. The garden is a maze of rock caves and outcroppings, ponds and paths and gardens. We were there in April, the the entire place was ablaze with flowers and colorful foliage. Every corner turned was a photographic opportunity. And unlike quiet, Zen-like gardens, this place was bustling. Our girls ran around, absolutely delighted by it all. The adults just soaked in the beauty, and we all left happy. This ONE garden visit was so enjoyable that when we revisit China in early 2008 we will spend a day or two in Suzhou. The gardens really have to be seen, and the Lion Forest Garden is a great place to start, even with KIDS! See more..
4.5 The Classical Gardens of Suzhou (694 reviews)
- Mysterious and peacefull...
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

Visited a few years back... Not your typical garden as it combines classical layout but with very distinctive rock features. It was both mysterious and peaceful at the same time. A serene place to spend a few hours in admiring the classical Chinese architecture of different structures and the plentiful covered walkways. A not to be missed attraction in Suzhou! See more..
4.5 Master-of-Nets Garden (572 reviews)
- World Heritage Site
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

This location is a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s an awesome location to learn more about Chinese culture. The detail within the woodwork of the facility combined with the beautiful gardens make this a go to place when in China. See more..
4.5 Jinji Lake (442 reviews)
- Exemplary Chinese urban lake and green environment
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water

Jinji (Golden Chicken) Lake gives oxygen to Suzhou. The lake feels large enough to be like a sea but you can walk round it briskly in less than 3 hours (follow the "Fitness Trail"). Inevitably quite crowded on/near the plaza in front of the famous "Big Trousers" skyscraper, you can excape the throng quite fast. Architecture around the lake is generally attractive - and dramatically lit up in the evening. Restaurants/cafes either near the plaza or especially near the Culture & Arts Centre, also on East side (Western) or SW section. Boat trips available and I believe you can visit the island in the middle with a pagoda. If you are well-heeled, try staying at the ship-shaped Crowne Plaza (v good) on NW shore. Just a pity that the famous fountain show has been cancelled for 18 months See more..
4.5 Panmen Gate (242 reviews)
- Loved loved loved it!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Walking Areas

Hugeeeeee area to walk and lots to see. Pan Gate is the only existing gate in Suzhou today and the only one that has land AND water gates. Ancient Suzhou had 8 gates surrounding and protecting it. There’s the Wu Gate Bridge here too, Suzhou’s oldest bridge. In addition, there’s the Wu Zixu memorial temple here too. See more..
4.5 Cloud Rock Leaning Pagoda (Yunyan Ta) (172 reviews)
- Highlight of Tiger Hill
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

We loved the Pagoda of Tiger Hill and the walk leading up to it. The pagoda is very old and the steps leading up to it are very nice. The area in April is quite wet and slippery so do bring a good pair of shoes. Ticket price for entry is 70 RMB for peak season April to October and 60 RMB for the rest of the year. The park around also has many nice ponds, walking paths and a large bonsai tree garden. See more..
4.5 Suzhou Garden Museum (108 reviews)
- Come here before you visit actual gardens
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality Museums

This is a great museum to prepare your visit to actual classical gardens of Suzhou. There are docents who do free guided tours at certain times of the day. The museum did a great job dissecting key components of Suzhou's classical gardens so you know what to look for when you actually visit one. See more..
4.5 Canglang Pavilion (Blue Wave Pavilion) (102 reviews)
- One of the top gardens in Suzhou
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

The building of the Surging Wave Pavilion dates back to 1045 CE. It is a little further afield than the Humble Administrators Garden but easily reached. A tranquil space with typical mountain,water, rock features interspersed around the architecture. See more..
4.5 Moon Harbour (80 reviews)
- Super nice place to walk around, also in winter
Piers & Boardwalks

Found after 3 visits to Suzhou this gem. Lots of good restaurants and coffee shops. Beautiful buildings and art. You need to take the metro line 2 to Time Square. Then you can walk to Moon Harbour. The surrounding of Time square has a lot of nice shops too See more..
4.5 Suzhou West Hill Scenic Area (75 reviews)
- Lakeview and hills
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains

This island is connected to Suzhou by bridges. Fun to drive on the island, especially the roads with lakeviews and the hilly and bendy ones. See more..
4.5 Luzhi Ancient Town (56 reviews)
- A boat tour and history
Historic Sites

We certainly enjoyed the boat tour and the views of the old City. Outstanding and well worth the time spent. We also walked along some of the adjacent shopping streets and visited some of the small food stores. See more..
4.5 Xiyuan Temple of Suzhou (56 reviews)
- The top site in all of Suzhou
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Religious Sites

Slightly off the beaten path, this large complex should be THE must see for anyone visiting Suzhou. If you come around 3:30PM, you'll find it almost empty and there's enough time to visit the truly impressive temples and gardens, before the monks and priests start setting everything for evening prayers around 4:00PM, when they'll ask you to leave the main temple building. At 4:30PM the temple is filled with nuns and monks in impressive robes, who begin their evening ceremony, all of which you can watch from the doors. It's well, well worth it. However, the most important part of the serene complex is the Arhat Hall. Inside, you'll find 500 giant, golden Buddah's, each one completely unique and representing a different meaning. They are behind glass, but still the site is amazing. Some of them actually break through the glass, depending on their arm gesticulation. The Arhat Hall closes around 4:00 - 4:30PM. See more..
4.5 Suzhou City Moat (53 reviews)
- Great for morning jogging
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Bodies of Water

The single best renovation of the city is its city moat and the walking path along it. Just a great place for morning jogging and the best place to see the city and people. Everyone, not only tourist, should try it. See more..
4.5 Tuisi Garden (52 reviews)
- The Most Beautiful Garden
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Visited a lot of gardens in Suzhou, all of them are different. This is in my eye the most beautiful, in fact this is my second time to Tongli, mostly for visiting this particular garden again. It's smaller compared to most gardens, compact but yet not cramped in design & layout, very clever design. Every angle or direction you look, there is a different view. Also, it's less crowded than the gardens that are in Suzhou city. Tips: 1. Go very early before the tour buses/ crowd arrive, I was always the first tourist there during my few nights stay in Tongli. 2. Take a rest when it's crowded, there are benches upstairs in the garden, best part, its with view to the pond! The crowd will be gone very soon as most tourists only spend a maximum of 30 minutes in a garden. 3. Worth to stay in Tongli for a night or 2 if like quite town, if you have time. Fun: Not sure how many found a hidden stairway camouflaged as a little stone hill. See more..
4.5 Sanshan Island (45 reviews)
- A real gem
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Walking Areas

The whole experience is great and off the beaten track. You can get there in a speed boat, it's the most exciting option. There are loads of things to do like the Buddha trail, biking, walking round the ill ages or picking oranges. Plenty of guest house for eating and water, drinks and ice creams available all over the pace. You can stay overnight very cheaply. See more..
4.5 Weitang Chinese Pearl and Gem City (24 reviews)
- Excellent Pearls
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Flea & Street Markets

I travel to Suzhou on business frequently and always seem to end up here buying pearls for my female relatives. There are many vendors but the one I recommend is Mei of Wangshi Jewelry in booth no. 14. She has excellent pearls and is fair. I never have to worry about buying fakes. She has both fresh water and saltwater pearls. Always a good buy. See more..
4.0 Shantang Street (810 reviews)
- Awesome ancient canal area
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Walking Areas

Experiencing a walk in the Shantang Street and surrounding area is almost like going back in time, but there are many signs of its modern day commercialization for sightseers, shoppers and diners. We. Our walk through the area was very enjoyable, even though I have been here before. See more..
4.0 Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal (537 reviews)
- The city of canals!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Bodies of Water

Suzhou is located in southern Jiangsu Province in the center of the Yangtze Delta. The city is divided by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from north to south. The city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams. This is an ancient city with over 2,500 years of history and numerous points of interest the unique characteristics of the past are still retained today. See more..
4.0 Hanshan Temple (422 reviews)
- Peaceful and Beautiful
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

This temple is truly beautiful and has characteristic Chinese architecture. The water canal beside the temple looks amazing in the late afternoon light. It is a fairly large temple with several different sections. Incense sticks were placed by visitors in front of the deities and the entire place smelled heavenly and the atmosphere was peaceful. The legend of the saints, Han & Shan was quite interesting and holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and visitors from other cities. I was surprised that we were allowed to wear shoes inside the temple. The statues of HAN & SHAN and the main large statue of Buddha looked beautiful. I wanted to spend a long time there, but had to leave because of time restrictions. I would love to visit the temple again. See more..
4.0 Guan Qian Shopping Street (339 reviews)
- A Main Street in Suzhou
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Guan Qian Street is a main shopping and dining street in Suzhou. There are a lot of Chinese shops and they are quite cheap. Recommend to go but beware of the shuttles and the motorbikes there as they always use the horn and it's quite dangerous. See more..
4.0 Suzhou Silk Museum (306 reviews)
- Beware of mosquitoes...
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums

I was told that this was the best silk museum in China so I decided to pay it a visit. I had trouble enjoying the museum though.... as soon as I entered the room where you get to see the silk worms and the mulberry, I was attacked by mosquitoes! I have always been sensitive to mosquito bites so I rushed straight back into the hall. In the 5 minutes that I was outside with the silk worms and mulberry, I received 20 mosquito bites (17 on my legs and 3 on my arm). By the time we left the museum, my legs were swollen and it hurt to walk. My friend on the otherhand did not get a single bite... Keeping an open mind, I do find the museum quite educational. We even got to watch people weave the silk. The museum is quite small though since the gift shop seems to take up a large amount of space. I would NOT recommend this place for those of you who are mosquito magnets. See more..
4.0 Suzhou Water Park (106 reviews)
- Unbelievable
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Water Parks

In Suzhou it is so hard to find a swimming pool but this park was fantastic. The slides are great and they even have a proper swimming pool! The park is really really clean. There wasn't too much queues either. For 125 RMB for a day it is so worth it!! I would advise this for a day out. See more..
4.0 Luzhi Town (101 reviews)
- Luzhi Water Town
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Well this is my 4th water town during my stay in Shanghai 1st you can get in for free.Take a 5rmb bike taxi and ask him to take you to area to get in for free. Well I went in the last week in Sept,2013 it was a little crowded. But well worth the trip Luzhi has over 2,500 yrs. of history! And theirs some good deals on gifts and the food was decent and not to bad on prices. Bring a camera! Expect to spend a few hours to see everything. Have fun! See more..

Things to do & places to visit in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

Top things to do (15)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

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