Suzhou Travel Guide, how to plan a trip

As the Chinese saying states, "In heaven there is paradise; on earth are Suzhou and Hangzhou." Chinese people and foreigners alike hear of Suzhou from this perspective. In ancient times, Suzhou was a center of economic prosperity and cultural abundance. Throughout time people have spoken and recounted their experiences in Suzhou.

Suzhou's appeal is not its skyscrapers, expressways, or supermarkets. These sights can be seen elsewhere, including its neighboring city, Shanghai. Those who visit Suzhou marvel at its small bridges, murmuring brooks, classic gardens, and water towns. While experiencing its prosperity, visitors also witness the exquisiteness and elegance of Suzhou.

Classic Gardens

In China, gardens fall under two categories: one is the imperial garden, such as the Summer Palace and the Garden of Perfect Splendor in Beijing, and the Imperial Summer Resort in Chengde, all of which are magnificent and imposing. The other is the private garden, like those found in Suzhou. A Suzhou garden represents the original idea of an "urban scenery." It is a microcosm of the world in one corner of the bustling city, composed of the basic elements of water, rocks, plants, and buildings, arranged in such a way as to reflect the garden's sequential beauty including, the passage of time, the contrast between morning and evening, and succeeding seasons.

The classic gardens of Suzhou are a precious heritage within Chinese culture. More than 60 gardens are well preserved, and over a dozen are open to the general public, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden, the Master-of-Nets Garden, the Lion Forest Garden, and the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty. Top attractions in Suzhou >>

In December 1997, Suzhou's classic gardens were named World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

Cultural hands-on activities that can spotlight your trip

In Suzhou, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the city through various hands-on activities such as traditional silk-weaving, calligraphy and brush painting workshops, tea ceremonies, and visiting ancient gardens and temples to learn about the history and architecture of the city. 

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The best time to visit

The best time to visit Suzhou, the ancient city renowned for its stunning classical gardens, intricate waterways, and rich cultural heritage, is between April and October when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most vibrant, with flowers in full bloom and the natural scenery at its peak, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing and exploring the city's many attractions. More about the weather guide in Suzhou >>

Travel itineraries, how to plan a trip

A typical Suzhou travel itinerary might include visiting famous classical gardens such as the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden, exploring the historic Pingjiang Road and Tongli Water Town for a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture, checking out the modern Suzhou Industrial Park and Jinji Lake, taking a scenic boat tour along the Grand Canal, and indulging in local cuisines such as Suzhou-style fried rice, soup dumplings and other delicious dishes.

View the travel itineraries for Suzhou >>

Explore Suzhou with a Local Expert

Suzhou offers world-classic gardens and water towns for travelers to enjoy, travel with our Suzhou local experts and you will have an unforgettable experience! View Suzhou tours and create your trip!