Best Things to Do in Suzhou: 3-Day Itinerary For First-Timers (2025)

Last Updated on November 19, 2025

Are you planning to visit Suzhou during your next trip to China and looking for the best things to do in town?

Suzhou, located just 30 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai, is one of the most picturesque (and most visited) water towns in China. Famous for its lush and architecturally unique gardens and the charming small alleyways lined up with tiny shops, cafés, and surrounded by tranquil canals.

After visiting and loving Suzhou, I’ll share the best things to do in Suzhou and how you can combine them into an interesting 3-day itinerary. Plus, I’ll share helpful tips to plan your stay: from where to sleep to when to go to avoid the crowds, and more.

Is Suzhou Worth Visiting?

Suzhou is just a 30-minute train ride from Shanghai, and if you’re already landing there (which you probably are), it would honestly be a shame not to stop by. Suzhou is calm in a way that feels almost weird after the energy of Shanghai-

You’ll find that slow, small-town vibe that makes you want to wander with no destination, just following the flow. Its charm lies in its alleyways and canals. Boats gently slide past stone bridges, locals sit outside their homes chatting or playing cards, and life seems to move at half speed.

The houses lining the water look like they’ve been there forever. You’ll see grandparents playing with their grandkids along the banks, and ladies going about their daily chores with their doors wide open.

And then, of course, there are the gardens, Suzhou’s pride. These aren’t just pretty green spaces; they’re masterpieces of design, praised for centuries for a reason.

So yes, Suzhou is worth visiting. Just don’t expect a secret spot with zero tourists. But if you time it right (early mornings are the best time to be around), you’ll get to see a softer, quieter side of China that’s worth your time.

Planning Your Trip To Suzhou

2. Best Time to Visit Suzhou

The best time to visit Suzhou to avoid crowds and enjoy warm weather is during the shoulder seasons: early spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November).

The weather feels just right—warm but not too hot—and there are fewer tourists compared to the busy summer months and national holidays.

If possible, try to visit on weekdays rather than weekends and avoid major Chinese holidays (if you can), such as Golden Week in early October and Chinese New Year, when everywhere becomes extremely crowded.

Personally, I’d pick a weekend in April or May. Suzhou is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Spring.

3. How Many Days in Suzhou

Two days in Suzhou is enough time to see the main sights of the old town and get lost wandering its charming alleys. But if you can spend three days in town, even better. That way, you’ll have time to explore spots like Tiger Hill or the Panmen scenic area without rushing.

If you only have one day in Suzhou, you can still visit a couple of the most famous gardens, stroll around, grab a snack or tea at a local spot, and hop on a boat to explore Suzhou from the canals.

4. How to Get to Suzhou From Shanghai?

Suzhou is just a 30-minute train ride from Shanghai, and you’ll likely land there first. From Shanghai, you can take the high-speed train.

If you’re in Shanghai, the best way to get to Suzhou is by taking the high-speed train. On trip.com, you’ll find many early morning rides. Here’s how to plan your journey from Shanghai:

• Departure from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
• Arrival at Suzhou Railway Station, located in the Gusu district, close to Suzhou’s main tourist attractions.
• From the station, you can take subway line 4 and get off at Beisita, which is in the heart of the old town.
• Alternatively, you can arrive at Suzhou North Railway Station, a bit further north.
• From there, you can take a taxi, and it’s just a 13-minute ride.

5. How to Get Around Suzhou?

Walking is the best way to get around the old town, especially if you’re only there for a couple of days and want to see as much as possible.

That said, if you’re short on time or some spots feel a bit too far on foot, Suzhou has a subway with 6 lines (1-6) that can help you get around faster. Taxis are available to reach further away locations.

6. Where to Stay in Suzhou?

I have a rule: if I’m staying in a Chinese city for only a couple of days, it doesn’t make sense to be far from the beating heart of the town, and that’s true for Suzhou. When I was there, I stayed in the Gusu District, where the old town is.

That way, you’re close to all the sights and get that kind of experience where, stepping out of your hotel, you immediately stumble into restaurants, street food stalls, and a lively vibe, without needing to take the subway.

Below are some hotel recommendations:

• Pace Hotel Suzhou: The location of this hotel is fantastic, right in the heart of town. Additionally, the staff are extremely kind and welcoming, and the rooms and overall vibe feel incredibly cozy and comfortable.

• Cendre Hotel: Located close to the Lingering Garden (one of my favorites in Suzhou), it’s a little further out but still within the district. The value for money here is unbeatable, and the staff will help you discover the city like no one else.

• Suzhou Blue Gate Youth Hostel: If you’re a solo traveler looking for that hostel vibe, this is a great option. The staff speaks English and can help you getting around the city. The hostel is modern, with both dorms and private rooms, and it’s conveniently located near the main sights in the city center.

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If you’re looking for more details on traveling to China, here’s my travel guide. You’ll find everything from visa requirements and the best times to travel to tips on language, etiquette, and so much more.

Best Things To Do In Suzhou: 3-Day Itinerary For First-Timers

If you’re wondering what to do in Suzhou, below is the itinerary I followed during my recent trip. It’s a mix of gardens (of course!), casual strolls around the alleys and canals, and some visits to the most important historical sights in Suzhou. I’ll also share some extra things to do around Suzhou if you have more than 3 days.

Make sure to check out the Suzhou attractions map below to save the locations of all the sights included in the itinerary.

Day 1: UNESCO-Protected Gardens & Museums

1. Humble Administrator’s Garden

⏰ Visit Time: 2-3 hours 

🏷️ Ticket Price: From 70 to 80 ¥. Make sure to bring your Passport to purchase tickets.

Located on the Northwest side of the Gusu District, the Humble Administrator’s Garden is the most impressive in Suzhou, making it also the most crowded with tourists.

Plan to visit early in the morning on weekdays to avoid peak season and National Holidays. In this way, you will experience the Garden as it’s supposed to be: with calm, silence, and plenty of space to soak in the beauty all around you.

If you’ve never visited a classic Chinese garden, you’ll be touched by how perfectly the natural surroundings blend with the garden’s architectural elements: pavilions, rockeries, stone bridges, and pathways. It truly feels like you’ve stepped into a painting.

2. Suzhou Museum

⏰ Visit Time: 1-2 hours 

🏷️ Ticket Price: Free. Make sure to bring your Passport.

Located right beside the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Suzhou Museum is a must-see for its distinctive design and architecture.

The exhibition’s display is impressive, featuring around 30,000 pieces, including cultural relics, calligraphy, and paintings. However, the museum’s structure and design are the aspect that draws all the attention.

Designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, the external structure reflects Suzhou’s architectural style, featuring elements such as waterways and courtyards, presented with a modern twist.

The interior highlights how traditional Chinese architectural features, such as sloping roofs, combine with contemporary glass, steel, and granite elements. 

3. Couple’s Retreat Garden

⏰ Visit Time: 1-2 hours

🏷️ Ticket Price: ¥45. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Located near the East leg of the Waicheng River and surrounded by canals, the Couple’s Retreat Garden is less popular than the Humble Administrator’s Garden.

This means you’ll (hopefully) be able to enjoy the still atmosphere without hordes of tourists talking loudly or elbowing for photos next to you.

The location and layout of the Garden are truly unique. Everything is in pairs, symbolizing the theme of love and couples (as the name suggests). The Garden is divided into two sections, separated by an elegant open pavilion at the center.

Within the Garden, you’ll find a teahouse, a noodle restaurant, and all the classic Chinese garden architectural features. Compared to the Humble Administrator’s Garden, this is smaller. But its design and peaceful atmosphere make for a beautiful visit.

Day 2: Tiger Hill, Twin Pagodas & Other Gardens

4. Tiger Hill

⏰ Visit Time: 3-4 hours 

🏷️ Ticket Price: 60-70 ¥, depending on the season. You can purchase tickets in advance here.

Ⓜ️ How to get there: take the subway to Sujin Subway station, then take a bus or a taxi to the foot of the hill. An alternative way is to take the shuttle boat from Shandang Alley (Shandangjie)

Tiger Hill is a natural sight with a deep spiritual vibe. It’s actually where Suzhou’s founder, He Lu, is buried, and there are plenty of legends about mysterious things that might’ve happened here; locals love to talk about them.

The Cloud Rock Temple Pagoda sits right at the top of the hill. It’s the oldest and tallest pagoda south of the Yangtze River. Because of its slight lean to the north, people call it the “Leaning Tower of Pisa in China”, except it’s older and taller than the Italian one.

But Tiger Hill isn’t just about the pagoda. The whole area is full of little historical relics, like the Beamless Hall from the Yuan Dynasty and the Wanjing Villa, where you’ll find a peaceful bonsai garden that’s just perfect for a quiet walk.

Given the area’s size and the stories tied to it, booking a guided tour with a local guide can make your visit more insightful and meaningful. You can find bilingual private tours here.

5. Luohan Twin Pagodas

🏷️ Ticket Price: ¥10. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Ⓜ️ How to Get There: The best way to the Twin Pagodas from Tiger Hill is by taxi, which takes about 10 minutes. 

From the vast Tiger Hill site, you can head back toward downtown Suzhou to visit the Twin Pagodas in the Luohan Garden.

This quiet, tiny garden is home to two nearly identical pagodas—one just slightly shorter than the other—standing around 30 meters tall. It’s rare to find twin pagodas like these in China, especially on a former Buddhist temple site.

Unfortunately, you can’t go inside the pagodas, but you can wander the gardens and snap some photos of these towering structures. In spring, the place is lovely, with pink magnolias adding an extra touch.

6. Master of The Nets Garden

⏰ Visit Time: 1-2 hours

🏷️ Ticket Price: From 30-40¥. You can purchase tickets on site.

Another day, another classic Chinese garden. The Garden of the Master of the Nets is just a 15-minute walk from the Twin Pagodas.

Like the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Couple’s Retreat Garden, this one is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and for good reason.

What makes it stand out is its clever use of limited space. It’s only about one-sixth the size of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, yet it somehow feels spacious and full of hidden corners to explore.

Winding paths lead you past koi-filled ponds, stone bridges, and pavilions, perfectly placed to take in views of rocks, trees, and reflections on the water. Even if it’s already your third garden of the trip, every corner of this one will still feel special.

Day 3. Pan Men Scenic Area  & Lingering Garden

7. Pan Men Scenic Area

⏰ Visit Time: 1-2 hours 

🏷️ Ticket Price: 40 ¥

Ⓜ️ How to Get There: Take subway line 4 to Nanmen subway station.

The Pan Men Scenic Area is a quieter, less-crowded spot on the southwest side of Suzhou. It’s built around the historic Pan Gate, the ancient structure that once controlled access to the city by both land and water. Today, it’s considered the best-preserved gate of its kind in all of China.

The area feels like a compact display of Suzhou’s architectural charm, almost like it was designed with travelers on a tight schedule in mind.

The site includes the Ruigang Pagoda, a seven-story, 43-meter-tall tower from the Song dynasty (which you can visit with a separate ticket). You’ll also cross the Wu Men Bridge, the tallest stone bridge in Suzhou, also dating back to the Song era.

8. Lingering Garden

⏰ Visit Time: 2-3 hours 

🏷️ Ticket Price: 45-55¥ You can purchase tickets on site

Ⓜ️ How to Get There: from Nanmen subway station at the Panmen Scenic Area, take subway line 4 to Suzhou station. From there, take line 2 to Shilu subway station. It’s a 40-minute journey; you can also take a taxi, which will be much faster. 

The Lingering Garden is one of China’s Four Famous Classical Gardens, along with the Summer Palace, the Chengde Mountain Resort, and the Humble Administrator’s Garden.

Its charm lies in how every element, though set within a relatively compact space, is perfectly placed to create harmony between architecture and nature. It’s also designed with the human eye in mind.

After stepping through a narrow, dim corridor at the entrance (you might even wonder if you’re in the right place), the space suddenly opens up, and from that moment on, every step and turn reveals a new, picture-perfect view.

The garden is divided into four main sections, each with its special features. The eastern area is rich in pavilions and hallways, framed by corridors. The central part feels like walking through a Monet painting (water features, rockeries, and cascading flowers). To the west, towering old trees create a play of light and shadow. And up north, you’ll find a bonsai garden.

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FAQ Section

1. What to Do in Suzhou At Night?

Suzhou has plenty of fun evening activities and a lively nightlife. In addition to the more common expats and travelers gathering in pubs and bars, you can decide to enjoy some local experiences.

• Stroll Around the Lively Night Markets: One thing I love doing in China is aimlessly strolling around old streets lined with shops owned by older people. Here, you can meet locals, buy unique gifts that are not tourist traps, and soak in the authentic Chinese vibe.
• Visit the Master of the Nets Garden by Night: This is the only garden in Suzhou that allows visitors to visit at night. While the ticket is double the price (around 100¥), there’s no better way to experience the garden.
• Enjoy a Pingtan Exhibition While Sipping Traditional Chinese Tea: Pingtan is a musical form born in Suzhou during the Song dynasty. It usually involves one male and one female performer who play two traditional Chinese instruments. You can ask your hostel host or hotel staff for the closest and best Teahouse where you can enjoy an actual Pingtan exhibition.

2. What to Do in Suzhou for Free?

Suzhou is one of those towns where simply strolling around its alleys feels like a gift (and it is, because it’s free, and also one of the best things to do in Suzhou!).

In Suzhou, you can start from Pingjiang Road, its nearby alleys, or Shangtang Alley. Getting lost observing locals’ daily life unfold or small boats crossing the bridges was one of my favorite things to do.

3. What to Do in Suzhou in One Day?

Suzhou is one of the most popular day trips from Shanghai, and while one day is not enough to do it all, you can still get a glimpse of what this small town is about.

In one day, you can easily visit a couple of gardens, strolling around, stopping by a teahouse or a snack shop, and enjoying a boat ride on the canals.

If that’s your deal, make sure to check these 1-day itineraries in Suzhou. You’ll also discover how to plan your day trip to make the most of your time and see as much as possible.

4. Where to Go After Suzhou?

If you’re still building your itinerary and wondering where to stop after 3 days in Suzhou, you have more than one option:

• 2 Days in Hangzhou: Hangzhou is located around 2 hours from Suzhou, and it’s one of the most charming cities, which you can easily visit in a couple of days. Picture this: lush, vibrant green tea fields, a lake landscape that inspired Chinese poets for centuries, and alleys untouched by restoration.
• 2 or 3 Days in Nanjing: Nanjing is about 2.5 hours from Suzhou and is one of China’s most underrated cities, likely due to its proximity to Shanghai. However, it was one of China’s capitals during the imperial dynasties, and it’s so rich in history, unique architecture, and charm
• 1-Week China Itinerary: Of course, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing can be combined for a short but so rich itinerary. These four cities are all close to one another, but so different in vibe and atmosphere. It will feel like exploring four different corners of China while staying in the same area.

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There you go! These are the best things to do in Suzhou based on my first Suzhou itinerary. Despite its popularity, I do believe Suzhou is still worth visiting, and hopefully, this article helped you gain some clarity on what to see in town.

If you’re still planning your trip to Suzhou, make sure to check out this complete China travel guide. It will be helpful if you’re missing any last-minute information.

And if you’re looking for some itinerary inspiration beyond eastern China, you can check out this two-week travel itinerary (ideal for first timers!) or this 7-day off-the-beaten-path itinerary in Gansu, north-east China.

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