Suzhou, China 3 Day Itinerary

Suzhou 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Historic Suzhou

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at Lao Zhang Fu (老张府), a popular local restaurant.
  • Visit the Shantang Street (商塘街), one of Suzhou’s oldest streets, and stroll along its picturesque waterfront.
  • Explore the nearby Pingjiang Road (平江路), another iconic canal area filled with traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants.

Afternoon:

  • Take a boat ride on Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园) canals to gain a different perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Visit the stunning Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园), one of China’s classic Chinese gardens, and spend some time marveling at its intricate design and beautiful scenery.
  • Stop by the Master of Nets Garden (篱笆之美) for a quick look, another famous Suzhou garden.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a delicious Peking Duck dinner at Xiang Wei Jie (香味街), a popular local Peking Duck restaurant.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Luhui Road (鹿晖路) at dusk, known for its beautiful night views and romantic atmosphere.

Day 2: Discover Modern Suzhou

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at a local café like Blue Frog.
  • Visit the Suzhou Industrial Park (苏州工业园区) to see modern Suzhou’s high-tech and eco-friendly developments.
  • Take a tour of the Hua Shan Chi Tian Temple (花山畲天寺), one of the largest Buddhist temples in Suzhou.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Ouchi Zhong Road (欧赤中路) for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
  • Visit the unique O’ocean Aquarium, where you can interact with penguins and other marine life.

Evening:

  • Dine at Yu Garden (裕园餐厅), a restaurant known for its creative and delicious Suzhou cuisine.
  • Take a stroll along the Wangshu Road (王树路) at night, famous for its modern architecture and illuminated trees.

Day 3: Relax and Unwind

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at Tong Le Yuan, a restaurant serving traditional Suzhou breakfast dishes.
  • Visit the Tiger Hill (虎丘) and its pagoda, offering stunning views of Suzhou’s cityscape.
  • Explore the nearby Garden of the Master of the Nets, one of the most famous gardens in Suzhou.

Afternoon:

  • Take a relaxing boat ride on the Taihu Lake (太湖) to unwind and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Visit the Lingering Garden (沈园), another UNESCO World Heritage site, and take your time to appreciate its tranquility.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Five Happiness Restaurant (五福餐厅), a local restaurant known for its authentic Suzhou dishes.

Things to Know:

  • Transportation: Suzhou has an efficient metro system, buses, and taxis. You can also rent bicycles or electric scooters to explore the city.
  • Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (RMB) for transactions in Suzhou. Major credit cards are accepted at larger establishments.
  • Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Suzhou, but many people understand basic English. It’s helpful to learn a few simple phrases.
  • Weather: Suzhou has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Pack clothing suitable for the time of year you visit.
  • Getting Around: A combination of walking, public transportation, and taxis is the best way to get around Suzhou.