Suzhou, China 5 Day Itinerary

Suzhou 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Sites

  1. Check-in at a Hotel: Recommended hotels include the Sofitel Suzhou or the JW Marriott Suzhou. Both are centrally located and offer luxurious accommodations.
  2. Shantang Street (上汤街) - Stroll along this historic canal-side street, enjoy local snacks, and shop for souvenirs.
  3. Pingjiang Road (平江路) - Another famous street lined with traditional Chinese architecture, shops, and restaurants.
  4. Humble Administrator’s Garden (拱阁园) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of Suzhou’s most beautiful gardens.
  5. Lingering Garden (维哈园) - Another must-visit garden, known for its intricate design and scenic beauty.
  6. Dining: Try local dishes such as Dongpo Pork (东坡肉), Suzhou Steamed Fish with Vermicelli (苏泾鱼粉), and Lion’s Head Meatballs (狮子头) at popular restaurants like Yigao Lou (益高楼).
  7. Transportation: Suzhou has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and the subway. Taxis are also widely available.

Day 2: Classic Gardens & Silk Culture

  1. Master of Nets Garden (网师园) - A beautiful garden with a unique architectural style.
  2. Tiger Hill (虎丘) - Visit this historic site, climb the pagoda for a panoramic view of Suzhou, and learn about its silk culture.
  3. Lion Grove Garden (狮子林园) - A smaller but equally beautiful garden with unique rock formations and tranquil ponds.
  4. Suzhou Silk Museum - Learn about the history and production of Suzhou’s famous silk products.
  5. Dining: For a more upscale dining experience, try Cantonese cuisine at Yue Fu Lou (悦府楼) or Huaiyang cuisine at Zhen Atman (真安曼).
  6. Evening Cruise on Suzhou’s Canals - Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise along Suzhou’s famous canals.

Day 3: Modern Suzhou & Shopping

  1. Suzhou Museum (苏州博物馆) - A modern museum showcasing ancient Chinese art and artifacts.
  2. Overseas Chinese Town (华侨城) - A large commercial area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
  3. Paradise City (苏州天府商城) - A massive shopping mall with international brands, a movie theater, and an aquarium.
  4. Dining: Try local street food at Zhongguancun Market or enjoy international cuisine at The Place (悠悠食堂).
  5. Transportation: Explore modern Suzhou by renting a bike or taking the city’s electric buses.
  6. Tips: Bargain when shopping at local markets, and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Day 4: Day Trip to Tongli Water Town

  1. Take a boat tour around the picturesque canals of Tongli Water Town (桐梨水城).
  2. Visit Ancient Bridges and historical sites such as the Chen Family Residence and the Zhang House.
  3. Dining: Enjoy local dishes at one of the many restaurants in Tongli.
  4. Return to Suzhou: Take a bus or hire a car/taxi back to Suzhou.
  5. Relax: Spend the rest of the day exploring more of Suzhou’s canalside areas, or simply relax and enjoy your hotel’s facilities.
  6. Dining: For a romantic dinner, consider Fish in the Rain (雨中鱼), a restaurant famous for its innovative presentation.

Day 5: Departure

  1. Last-minute Shopping: Visit any shops or markets you may have missed during your trip.
  2. Check-out and Departure - Depending on your departure time, you might be able to squeeze in a quick visit to another attraction before heading to the airport.