Best Things To Do in Suzhou, China

Are you looking for what to do in Suzhou?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a UNESCO World heritage and display indescribable beauty, fascinating architecture and natural allure. Humble administrator’s garden/ Zhuo Zeng Yuan, Liu lingering garden/ Liu Yuan, Lion Grove garden/ Shi Zi Lin and Blue Wave Pavilion (Canglang Pavilion).
  • Tiger hill: Also known as Surging sea hill, this large hillock covers an enormous area of 14100 square metres and is 36 metres in height. A bounty of historical sites that can be dated back to 2500 years.
  • Suzhou Museum: Originally a site of the Mansion of Prince Zong, this museum was founded in 1960 and is dedicated to porcelains, relics of the revolution, most notably celadon, handicraft works, calligraphies and paintings of Ming and Qing Dynasties which define the history, art and culture of Suzhou and Yangtze delta.
  • Hanshan temple/ Cold Mountain Temple: Located at around three miles from the Fengqiao old town, this temple was originally built during the Liang dynasty. It was renovated repeatedly and the current 10600 square metres of area represents the architectural style of Qing dynasty.
  • Yipu garden/ the garden of cultivation: A small scale garden belonging to the Ming Dynasty, this elegant enclave depicts the simplicity of a typical Chinese garden.
  • Couple’s Retreat Garden/ Ou Yuan: Spread over 0.33 hectares of area, it is a classic residential garden and has many structures and buildings.
  • The Garden of the Master of the Nets/ Wang Shi Yuan: Smallest of Suzhou’s residential gardens, this one is impressive because of its unique space management which gives it an illusion of larger area. First designed and developed by the Sing dynasty, this was a part of the residence till Taiping’s rebellion in 1860’s.
  • Shantang Street/ Seven-Li Shantang: Claimed as the first street in Suzhou, the street has a history of 1100 years, distinct streets and alleys and happening events.
  • Jinji Lake: The largest inland city lake in China, Jinji Lake gets its name from the legendary golden rooster (Jinji) that once fell into a boat on the lake. Occupying the area of 10 square kilometres, Jinji Lake has a Cultural Convention and Exhibition Spot, Fashion & Shopping Spot, Leisure & Diverse Spot, Urban Sight-seeing Spot and Central Waterscape Spot.
  • Pingjiang Road: Paralleling the Pingjian River, Pingjiang road stretches for 1606 metres. Lined with typical houses of ancient Suzhou, this street has a phenomenal architecture. White walls and black tiles represent the simple but elegant way of Chinese architectural homes. The old town still retains the culture of Song Dynasty and boasts a history of 800 years.

THINGS TO DO

  • Visit the Guangfu ancient town.
  • Shop and eat at the Guan Qian Shopping Street.
  • Go for an adventure ride in Suzhou Amusement Park.
  • Take one-day trip to the Panmen scenic area: A historic site clubbed with fantastic verdant panorama.

Below we have a list of things to do in Suzhou and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Suzhou getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Suzhou with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Suzhou

Here is the list of things to do in Suzhou and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Humble Administrator's Garden Or Zhuo Zeng Yuan

    Garden, Picnic Spot, Exhibition , Unesco Site

    The most famous of all the classical gardens in Suzhou, this one covers an area of 52,000 square metres and is the largest of its kind. A UNESCO world heritage site, it was originally built in early 16th century. Created upon the old relics of a resident and a temple, huge halls, natural landscapes, man-made pavilions, small forests, hills, rock formations and water bodies add to the gigantic b...Read more
  2. Lion Grove Garden Or Shi Zi Lin

    Outdoors, Garden, Landmark, Observatory

    One of the four most important classical gardens of Suzhou, Lion grove garden was built in mid-fourteenth century during the rule of Yuan dynasty. The garden gets its name from the Lion cliff on Mountain Xitianmu in Zhejiang Province which also has many rock formations resembling lions. The garden was renamed several times and has always been a popular focal point for Buddhism activities. Sprea...Read more
  3. Tiger Hill

    Outdoors, Educational Site, Historical Site, Hill

    Also known as Surging sea hill, this large hillock covers an enormous area of 14100 square metres and is 36 metres in height. A bounty of historical sites that can be dated back to 2500 years, this is an example of ‘big treats coming in small package’. Attractions Include The tomb of King He Lu: After the burial of this king in 496 BC, a white tiger came and sat upon his grave henc...Read more
  4. Suzhou Museum

    4.4 (577 Votes)
    Suzhou Museum

    Art Museum, Museum, Educational Site, Performance

    Originally a site of the Mansion of Prince Zong, this museum was founded in 1960 and is dedicated to porcelains, relics of the revolution, most notably celadon, handicraft works, calligraphies and paintings of Ming and Qing Dynasties which define the history, art and culture of Suzhou and Yangtze delta. Exhibition halls surrounded by the classical gardens give the structure of the Suzhou museum...Read more
  5. Pingjiang Road

    Outdoors, Off Road, River, Educational Site

    Paralleling the Pingjian River, Pingjiang road stretches for 1606 metres. Lined with typical houses of ancient Suzhou, this street has a phenomenal architecture. White walls and black tiles represent the simple but elegant way of Chinese architectural homes. The old town still retains the culture of Song Dynasty and boasts a history of 800 years. Bookshops, Local opera theatres, Pingtang museum...Read more
  6. Suzhou Amusement Park

    5 (287 Votes)
    Suzhou Amusement Park

    Amusement Park, Entertainment, Neighborhoods , Rides

    Great rides, a huge sign resembling the “HOLLYWOOD” sign and China’s biggest suspending rollercoaster are the highlights of this amusement park. Suspended Looping coaster, Flying Coaster, park’s faux Roman coliseum and derelict pirate ship certainly entertains the visitors!
  7. Liu Lingering Garden Or Liu Yuan

    Garden, Historical Site, Architecture , Unesco Site

    Spread over 23,300 Square metres of area, this was originally a classical private garden and is one of the four most famous gardens in Suzhou. Built in classic Qing style, it is famous for its delicate beauty, magnificent halls and admirable structures. It has a history of 400 years and needless to say is a UNESCO world heritage sight. Divided into four parts; Promising structures, stunning nat...Read more
  8. Shantang Street Or Seven-Li Shantang

    Landmark, Bridge, Walking Area, Entertainment

    A riverside pedestrian road in the northwest area of Suzhou, Shantang Street is a very popular tourist hub. It begins at the Changmen gate and ends at the scenic tiger hill. It stretches for 2.2 miles (Seven Li in Chinese units) which gives the street its name. Claimed as the first street in Suzhou, the street has a history of 1100 years, distinct streets and alleys and happening events! Shanta...Read more
  9. Hanshan Temple Or Cold Mountain Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors, Historical Site

    Located at around three miles from the Fengqiao old town, this temple was originally built during the Liang dynasty. It was renovated repeatedly and the current 10600 square metres of area represents the architectural style of Qing dynasty. Attractions within the temple area include: Grand prayer hall Sutra-collection building Bell tower Fengjian Pabilion Tablets corridor Puming Pagoda Statue ...Read more
  10. Jinji Lake

    4.5 (193 Votes)
    Jinji Lake

    Outdoors, Shopping Center, Lake

    The largest inland city lake in China, Jinji Lake gets its name from the legendary golden rooster (Jinji) that once fell into a boat on the lake. Occupying the area of 10 square kilometres, Jinji Lake has a Cultural Convention and Exhibition Spot, Fashion & Shopping Spot, Leisure & Diverse Spot, Urban Sight-seeing Spot and Central Waterscape Spot. Considered Suzhou’s ‘New He...Read more
  11. Guan Qian Shopping Street

    Market, Street Market, Shopping Center

    A popular commerce hub of the Suzhou downtown, Guan Qian shopping street is famous for its speciality restaurants, high-quality ham-stores and silverware merchandise. You can also shop for some fashionable clothing at the Golden eagle shopping centre! Great for Shopaholics!
  12. Panmen Scenic Area

    Bridge, Historical Site, Boating, Games

    A historic site clubbed with fantastic verdant panorama is what makes the Panmen scenic area a top-rated tourist destination of China. Attractions within the scenic area: Ruigung Pagoda: Oldest Pagoda in Suzhou from the Three Kingdoms period. Panmen City Gate: The only well preserved water and land city gate Wumen Bridge: Highest ancient bridge in Suzhou, built in early 11th century.  Th...Read more
  13. Blue Wave Pavilion Or Canglang Pavilion

    Garden, Hill

    One of the four most famous gardens in the city, it is also the oldest and date back to Northern Song Dynasty (906-1127). Incredible man-made rock formations, verdant bamboo forests, winding corridors, pavilions, hills, pools, mountain forests and huge halls with history represent the amalgamation of man-made beauty and natural allure!
  14. Couple's Retreat Garden Or Ou Yuan

    Garden, Leisure

    Originally built by Lu Jin- a prefect of Baoning district in late 19th century, this garden was later developed by Shen Bingcheng-the magistrate of Susong. Referring to the two parts of the garden that resembles a couple; it was also called as Couple’s retreat garden. Spread over 0.33 hectares of area, it is a classic residential garden and has many structures and buildings within its are...Read more
  15. Yipu Garden Or The Garden Of Cultivation

    Outdoors, Garden, Educational Site

    A small scale garden belonging to the Ming Dynasty, this elegant enclave depicts the simplicity of a typical Chinese garden. Halls, narrow paths adorned by rocks, pavilions, pond, yards and corridors lined up with beautiful trees and flowering plants are a pleasant sight! Drop in here for a morning stroll or an afternoon recreation!