Suzhou China 7 Day Itinerary

Suzhou 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Classic Gardens

  • Morning: Arrive in Suzhou and check-in at Hotel Nikko Suzhou or similar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s four most famous classical gardens. Stroll through the beautiful scenery, pavilions, and water features.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Suzhou cuisine at Songshu Lou Restaurant, try their signature dishes like Songshu Lou Soup and Steamed Fish with Pickled Mustard Greens.

Day 2: Canals and Water Towns

  • Morning: Take a stroll along the Grand Canal (), one of the oldest and longest canals in China.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tongli Water Town (), a charming ancient water town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture. Take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Evening: Try some local street food at Guangfu Road Snack Street, like stinky tofu and grilled squid.

Day 3: Temples and Pagodas

  • Morning: Visit the Lingering Garden (), another classical garden in Suzhou, famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Hanshan Temple (), a Buddhist temple with a long history and stunning architecture. Climb to the top of the Beisi Pagoda () for panoramic views of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese massage at Banyan Tree Spa.

Day 4: Modern Suzhou

  • Morning: Visit the Suzhou Museum (), which features exhibits on the city’s history, culture, and art.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Guanqian Street Pedestrian Street (), a popular shopping and dining area with modern architecture and lively atmosphere.
  • Evening: Try some international cuisine at The Bookworm, a popular expat hangout.

Day 5: Zhouzhuang Water Town

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zhouzhuang Water Town (), a picturesque ancient water town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture. Take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Shen House (), a well-preserved traditional Chinese residence with beautiful gardens and architecture.
  • Evening: Return to Suzhou and enjoy dinner at Jinjiang Hotel Restaurant, try their signature dishes like Dongpo Pork and Steamed Fish.

Day 6: Wuzhong and Yangtze River

  • Morning: Visit the Wuzhong (), a scenic area with beautiful gardens, temples, and stunning views of the Yangtze River.
  • Afternoon: Take a cruise along the Yangtze River (), one of China’s most iconic rivers. Enjoy the scenic views and learn about the river’s history and significance.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Xiangxue Lou Restaurant, try their signature dishes like Steamed Crab and Stewed Abalone.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Suzhou and head back home.

Things to Know

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals in Suzhou also speak Wu Chinese dialect. English is not widely spoken, so it’s recommended to learn some basic Chinese phrases or download a translation app.
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still preferred at many places.
  • Weather: Suzhou has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and dry.

Transportation

  • Airport: Suzhou Xiangcheng International Airport (SZV) is the nearest airport, about 30 minutes from the city center.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but not all drivers speak English. It’s recommended to have your destination written in Chinese characters.
  • Public Transportation: Buses and metro lines connect major tourist attractions. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Remove your shoes before entering temples or traditional residences, and avoid taking photos inside temples or museums without permission.
  • Learn some Chinese phrases: Show respect for the local culture by learning basic Chinese phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).
  • Haggle at markets: Haggle politely and respectfully when shopping at local markets.
  • Try local food: Suzhou is famous for its traditional cuisine, so be adventurous and try some local dishes.

Other Interests

  • Silk production: Suzhou is famous for its silk production, visit a silk factory or museum to learn more about the process.
  • Classical Chinese gardens: Suzhou is home to many classical Chinese gardens, each with its own unique architecture and history.
  • Local festivals: Attend local festivals like the Suzhou Silk Festival or the Dragon Boat Festival to experience the city’s vibrant culture.