Suzhou

Travel Guide
Suzhou Museum showing interior views
Dotted with gardens, crisscrossed by canals and studded with pagoda-style temples, this ancient Chinese city is a relaxing place to discover by bicycle, boat or on foot.

The ancient city of Suzhou is often referred to as the “Venice of the Orient” because of the canals and lakes that weave between its city streets. Suzhou is just over 100 kilometres (63 miles) from Shanghai but the culture and customs of the former Wu capital differ greatly from China’s most populatedcity. Suzhou dates back to the 6th century B.C. and traditional ways of life still resonate in the streets of this rapidly modernising city. Spend a few days exploring Suzhou’s gardens, courtyards and buildings which provide evocative glimpses back through the city’s 2,500-year history.

The star attractions of Suzhou are its splendid gardens, of which more than 60 can be found scattered throughout the city. Take a boat ride through the canals of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the city’s largest garden. Marvel at the intricately carved tree roots and extensive bonsai collection. Explore the design of the Lingering Garden, with lake and mountain scenes. Lose yourself amid the twists and turns of the Lion Forest Garden and on hot days cool off under the forest canopy of the Surging Wave (Canglang) Pavilion. These gardens are among Suzhou’s Classical Gardens, which are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Crisscrossed with charming canal streets and bridges, compact Suzhou is the perfect walking or cycling city. Stroll across 1,000-year-old paving stones on scenic Ping Jiang Road, pausing to admire ancient shophouses and Western-style coffee shops. Shop for souvenirs along Shan Tang Street then explore the quite neighbourhoods beyond. The city is also studded with pagoda-style temples, such as the Cold Mountain Temple, Huqiu Tower and the joss smoke-shrouded Temple of Mystery.

Getting around Suzhou is a breeze thanks to a network of pedicabs and easy-to-follow walking paths. Take a ride along the canals aboard a historic boat to see the city from a different angle. Although Suzhou doesn’t have its own airport, nearby Shanghai and Wuxi are less than an hour away by shuttle bus or high speed train.

Where to stay in Suzhou

Suzhou Museum showing a park

Suzhou Old Town

Noted for its gardens and historic sites, there's plenty to explore in Suzhou Old Town. Top attractions like Guanqian Street and Metro Shopping Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lindun Lu Station or Leqiao Station to see more of the city.

Suzhou Old Town
Suzhou which includes a bridge and a pond

Gusu District

Spend some time visiting places like Shantang Street while getting to know Gusu District, and be sure to check out the colorful gardens. You can hop aboard the metro at Shantang Jie Station or Shi Lu Station to see more of the area.

Gusu District
Jinji Lake featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Suzhou Industrial Park

While you're in Suzhou Industrial Park, take in top sights like Yuanrong Times Square or Suzhou Culture and Arts Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Zhongnan Jie Station or Dongshahu Station.

Suzhou Industrial Park
The Nymph of the Lotus pond in Suzhou, China.

Zhouzhuang

While visiting Zhouzhuang, you might make a stop by sights like Zhouzhuang Ancient Town and Shen Wansan's Tomb.

Zhouzhuang
Jinji Lake showing outdoor art and a park

Wuzhong

Wuzhong is a destination travelers like for its lake views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Yingchunlu Station or Baodai Lu Station to explore sights like Dushu Lake.

Wuzhong
An early spring view across Tongli Lake. There's an ancient temple from which you can hear the bell ring. A tranquil place.

Wujiang

The gardens and parks are just a few things visitors like about Wujiang. Retreat & Reflection Garden and Lake Tai are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Wujiang Renmin Guangchang Station or Wujiang Coach Station to get around the larger area.

Wujiang
Pan Pacific Suzhou
Pan Pacific Suzhou
4.5 out of 5
259 Xin Shi Road, GuSou District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,870 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P3,870
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this golf hotel in Suzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Panmen Scenic Area and Pan Gate are located nearby. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (321 reviews)
"The breakfast is super!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Pan Pacific Suzhou
Renaissance Suzhou Hotel
Renaissance Suzhou Hotel
4.5 out of 5
229 West Suzhou Ave, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu
The price is P4,403 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P4,403
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Suzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions In City Shopping Mall and Gate to the East ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (157 reviews)
"Nicely located next to Suzhou Center Mall. Nice selection of restaurants around and comfortable beds!"

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Renaissance Suzhou Hotel
Suzhou Marriott Hotel
Suzhou Marriott Hotel
5 out of 5
1296 Ganjiang Road West, Gu Su District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
The price is P4,279 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
P4,279
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Suzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions Suzhou Canal Park and West Garden Temple are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
"Elevator is slow, I waited for 4 times to get down from floor 31. Suggest to choose higher floor so you would be easier to get in"

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

Suzhou Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Xinghai Suzhou
Citadines Xinghai Suzhou
4 out of 5
58 Xinghai Street , Jiacheng Garden, Building 27, Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Suzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Gate to the East and In City ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (155 reviews)
"Excellent experience, with it clean room and convienant location. i will surely book again when i travel to suzhou again. The only bad comment you can give is only the lack of beautiful view. 10/10"

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024

Citadines Xinghai Suzhou
Somerset Emerald City Suzhou
Somerset Emerald City Suzhou
4.5 out of 5
No 436 Changjiang Road Suzhou New Distri, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Suzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Suzhou Amusement Park and Suzhou Water Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (143 reviews)
"Clean well-equiped hotel located conveniently in a shopping complex"

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024

Somerset Emerald City Suzhou
Somerset Baitang Suzhou
Somerset Baitang Suzhou
4 out of 5
No 266 Suzhou East Avenue, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Suzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Yuanrong Times Square and Ferris ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Breakfast was just OK and not the best value, but excellent apart from that."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2019

Somerset Baitang Suzhou
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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