Suzhou, China 4 Day Itinerary

Suzhou, China: 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Historical Sites

  • Breakfast at Xiang Shan Lou, famous for its Suzhou-style cuisine. (No. 575 Tong An Road)

  • Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous classical Chinese gardens in China. (No.1 Xuanwu Road, Pingjiang District)

  • Lunch at Tong An Road, where you can find various local snacks and dishes.

  • Afternoon visit to the Lingering Garden - another UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful pavilions, halls, rockeries, and pools. (No.2 Wen Liu Xiang, Pingjiang District)

  • Evening stroll along Shantang Street, enjoy the local nightlife and buy souvenirs.

  • Dinner at Taihu Lu Soy Milk Noodles, a local specialty. (No.136 Shatang Road)

  • Stay at the Suzhou Marriott Hotel or Sofitel Suzhou, both offering luxury accommodations and convenient locations.

Day 2: Water Towns & Museums

  • Breakfast at hotel or try Li He Coffee Shop (No.49 Tong An Road)

  • Take a day trip to Tongli Water Town - famous for its ancient bridges, old houses, and beautiful gardens.

  • Lunch in Tongli, with options including local restaurants and street food vendors.

  • Return to Suzhou and visit the Suzhou Museum, showcasing artifacts from the region’s history. (76 Wangshi Yuan Road)

  • Dinner at Wanshan Xuan for delicious Suzhou cuisine. (No.295 Guan Qian Street)

Day 3: Canals & Silk

  • Breakfast at hotel or try local breakfast at a bakery on Tong An Road.

  • Morning boat ride along Pingjiang Road - one of Suzhou’s most beautiful canals.

  • Lunch at Jiangnan University Canteen, known for its affordable and tasty dishes. (No.189 Wen Shu Street)

  • Afternoon visit to the Silk Museum to learn about Suzhou’s famous silk industry. (257 Jinji Lake East Road)

  • Dinner at Xiang Shan Lou, revisit for more delicious Suzhou-style dishes.

Day 4: Relax & Departure

  • Breakfast at hotel or try a local café, such as Sweet Café (No.239 Wen Shu Street)

  • Spend the morning relaxing at Tiger Hill, enjoy the scenery and visit the Pagoda of Tiger Hill.

  • Lunch at Fuxiangge - a popular restaurant with traditional Suzhou decor. (No.78 Xuefu Road)

  • Departure, with memories of beautiful gardens, canals, and delicious food in Suzhou!

Things to Know

  • Suzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate, so pack layers for varying temperatures and rain gear for potential showers.

  • English is not widely spoken, so it may be helpful to have translations or a translation app on your phone.

  • Transportation: Taxis are readily available, but you can also use the bus system or rent a bike to get around. The city also has a metro system that covers most of the tourist attractions.

  • Remember to respect local customs and etiquette when visiting temples and gardens. Dress modestly and remove hats and sunglasses before entering these sites.

Tips

  • Try the local Suzhou-style noodles, soy milk noodles, and dumplings during your visit.

  • Take a boat ride along Pingjiang Road to see the stunning canals and traditional architecture.

  • Visit Tongli Water Town for a charming day trip outside of Suzhou city.