Suzhou, China-4-day-itinerary

Suzhou Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: Classical Gardens and Canals

  • Morning: Start at the iconic Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s four most famous classical gardens. (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, ¥70)
  • Lunch: Head to Songshu Lou Restaurant for traditional Suzhou dishes like Dongpo pork and steamed fish with pickled mustard greens. (¥50-100 per person)
  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along the Pingjiang Canal, lined with ancient temples, bridges, and local shops. Rent a bike or take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery. (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, free)
  • Evening: Check-in at the Suzhou Renaissance Hotel or similar, and explore the nearby shopping street, Guanqian Jie. (¥800-1,200 per night)

Day 2: Silk Road and Local Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the city’s rich silk production history and even try your hand at silk weaving. (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, ¥20)
  • Lunch: Savor some local street food at the Guanqian Jie Food Street, such as rice cakes, stinky tofu, and grilled squid. (¥20-50 per person)
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Renmin Road Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs to local snacks. (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, free)
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Suzhou opera performance at the Suzhou Opera House. (7:00 pm - 9:30 pm, ¥50-100 per person)

Day 3: Water Towns and Pagodas

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the picturesque water town of Tongli, known for its canals, bridges, and traditional architecture. (9:00 am - 1:00 pm, ¥100-150 per person, including transportation)
  • Lunch: Try some local specialties like Wanshan crab and rice cakes at a restaurant in Tongli. (¥50-100 per person)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hanshan Temple, famous for its stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, and ancient pagodas. (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, ¥20)
  • Evening: Return to Suzhou and enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Pingjiang Canal. (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, ¥50-100 per person)

Day 4: Modern Suzhou and Departure

  • Morning: Explore the modern side of Suzhou at the Suzhou Industrial Park, a hub for technology and innovation. (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, free)
  • Lunch: Head to the trendy Xiangcheng District for international cuisine and coffee shops. (¥50-100 per person)
  • Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting before departing Suzhou. (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, free)

Things to Know

  • Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese, but many locals speak some English
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB)
  • Weather: Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons

Transportation

  • Suzhou is easily accessible by high-speed rail from Shanghai (30 minutes) or Beijing (4.5 hours)
  • Local transportation: taxi, bus, bike rental, and walking
  • Private car services and guided tours available upon request

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Try to avoid visiting during peak seasons (e.g., National Day, Labor Day) when popular attractions can be very crowded
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and gardens
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Suzhou snacks like rice cakes and salted duck eggs!

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: ¥2,400-4,800 (approximately $350-$700 USD) for 3 nights
  • Transportation: ¥500-1,000 (approximately $75-$150 USD) for high-speed rail tickets and local transportation
  • Food and drink: ¥1,000-2,000 (approximately $150-$300 USD) for meals and snacks
  • Attractions and activities: ¥500-1,000 (approximately $75-$150 USD) for entrance fees and guided tours

Total estimated cost for 4-day trip: ¥5,400-9,800 (approximately $800-$1,450 USD)