Suzhou Tours 2025

Is Suzhou worth visiting?

Suzhou is an ancient city built in 514 BCE, with a history of more than 2500 years. It is still located on the original site of the Spring and Autumn Period, and basically maintains the double checkerboard pattern of "parallel road and water, adjacent river and street" and primitive simplicity style of "small bridges, flowing water, houses". Strolling along the stone-paved streets alongside small canals, you will get to know the local people’s life style. It is a city of classical gardens, which are a treasure of world culture and art, and embody the essence of Oriental gardening art. There are more than 60 well-preserved classical gardens with the most well-known ones listed as the World Heritage by UNESCO, such as the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, the Master of Nets Garden, the Lion Forest Garden, and Tuisi Garden. The newly-developed area of the city has attracted some advanced industries and firms, which makes Suzhou a mixture of ancient and modern. Join in our selected tours to get to know this wonderful city.

What is the best time to visit Suzhou?

March to May and September to November.

Spring (March - May) is a great time. Perfect weather (10-20°C) with blooming gardens and vibrant festivals. For instance, azaleas adorn the Humble Administrator's Garden, and magnolias grace the Master of Nets Garden. Plus, there are various folk events like the Tiger Hill Flower Festival, letting visitors soak in the rich Jiangnan water town culture.

Autumn (September - November) is also wonderful. The weather is clear and pleasant. Besides enjoying the gardens, you can feast your eyes on the gorgeous red maple leaves at Tianping Mountain. And it's the prime season for Suzhou hairy crabs, especially delicious around Mid - Autumn Festival.

What are the absolute must-sees in Suzhou?

For starters, the classical gardens are a must-see – think of places like the Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan), the Master of the Nets Garden (Wangshi Yuan), the Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin), and the Lingering Garden (Liuyuan). Beyond the gardens, make sure to include historical spots like Tiger Hill (Huqiu) and Hanshan Temple. And for a dose of culture, the Suzhou Museum is fantastic. To really soak in the local atmosphere, wander down Shantang Street and Pingjiang Road. Finally, for a truly unique experience, carve out some time for the ancient water towns – Tongli, Luzhi, and Zhouzhuang are all highly recommended.

How many days are enough to explore Suzhou?

We recommend spending 2-3 days in Suzhou.

Sample 3-day Suzhou Tour Itinerary:

Day 1:
Morning: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden to experience the refined beauty of Suzhou’s classical gardens and enjoy the scenery that changes with every step.
Afternoon: Head to Suzhou Museum to learn about the city's history and cultural evolution. The museum itself, designed by architect I.M. Pei, is a masterpiece worth admiring.
Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Road, soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the water town, and try some local snacks.

Day 2 (Optional):
Morning: Visit Tiger Hill to explore the historical relics and legends of Suzhou’s most famous landmark.
Afternoon: Stop by Hanshan Temple to experience its serene, Zen-like ambiance and listen to the iconic bell chimes.
Evening: Head to Shantang Street and take a boat ride along the ancient canal, enjoying the illuminated night views.

Day 3:
Choose a water town, such as Tongli or Luzhi or Zhouzhuang, to immerse yourself in the peaceful, rustic charm of Jiangnan. Explore the old streets, stone bridges, and ancient buildings while savoring local delicacies.

What if I only have one day in Suzhou? What itinerary do you recommend?

One-day itinerary recommendation: Humble Administrator's Garden - Suzhou Museum - Lunch - Master of Nets Garden - Pingjiang Road - Dinner.

What local food would you recommend in Suzhou?

Suzhou-style noodles, Squirrel-shaped Mandarin fish, Oil-braised eel paste, Suzhou goat meat, Lake Tai's Three Whites (white fish, white shrimp, and whitebait). Traditional restaurants: Deyuelou and Songhelou. Street food at Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street, and Guanqian Street.

What are some unique Suzhou souvenirs?

Suzhou Embroidery (Su Xiu): Famous for its intricate craftsmanship.
Silk Products: Suzhou is known as the “Silk Capital.”
Suzhou Pastries: Perfect for gifting to friends and family.
Candied Fruits and Preserved Snacks: A local specialty.

How fast is the bullet train from Shanghai to Suzhou?

The bullet train from Shanghai to Suzhou typically takes 25-30 minutes, making Suzhou a popular destination for day trips or short getaways. Trains depart regularly from major Shanghai railway stations, such as Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station, arriving at Suzhou Railway Station. With frequent departures, you can easily plan a flexible itinerary.

Why choose Suzhou as a destination for school trips?

Suzhou can take students on a different educational journey. Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens, each one is like an open-air classroom. Students can dive into the principles of garden design—like “borrowed scenery,” “framed views,” and “opposing views”—to understand the aesthetics of ancient China in a real-world context.

Beyond the gardens, Suzhou has a rich culture and history. There are museums dedicated to everything from silk production to the imperial examinations. And let's not forget the iconic waterways and canals – the quintessential Jiangnan water town experience! Students rowing along the ancient canals visiting charming water towns like Tongli.

For a modern twist, Suzhou’s Industrial Park is a hub of innovation. Students can visit high-tech factories, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and even attend lectures on the latest advancements.

In addition, Suzhou has many sister schools abroad. This makes it a great location for international school exchanges and cultural programs.