Suzhou, China 6 Day Itinerary

Suzhou, China 6-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival and Canal Area Exploration

  • Arrive at Suzhou Railway Station or Suzhou Airport. You can easily get a taxi or use public transportation to reach your hotel.
  • Check-in at the recommended hotels like The Garden Hotel Suzhou, Hilton Suzie Hotel Suzhou, or Pan Pacific Suzhou.
  • Lunch: Visit local eateries for Sichuan cuisine, such as Suzhou Lao Sheng Zhai or Lao Gan Ma (老干妈).
  • Afternoon: Start your exploration with the iconic Shantang Street and take a boat ride on the Canal Cruise. Don’t forget to visit the Pingjiang Road Bridge.
  • Evening: Stroll around the beautiful Pingjiang Road and experience the lively night market.

Day 2: Classical Gardens and Museums

  • Morning: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have lunch at nearby restaurants like Guan Fu Yuan (观府园).
  • Afternoon: Head to the Master of Nets Garden and learn about Chinese art and culture at the Suzhou Museum.
  • Evening: Savor traditional Suzhou cuisine at 7 Sages of the Bamboo Grove (竹林七圣贤).

Day 3: Natural Wonders and Leisure Time

  • Morning: Travel to Tiger Hill for a panoramic view of Suzhou. Explore the Tiger Hill Pagoda.
  • Afternoon: Relax at the beautiful Lion Grove Garden, which is less crowded but equally captivating.
  • Evening: Dine at Liubo Xuan (榴剡轩) or other restaurants offering Suzhou cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 4: Outer Ring Area and Lingering Garden

  • Morning: Head to the Outer Ring Area. Visit the Lingering Garden, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nearby Tai Hu (Tai Lake) for a picturesque view.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of the Silk Embroidery Museum neighborhood and grab lunch at a local eatery.
  • Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Zhuqian Road. Dine at Xiang Sheng Hui (相圣汇) for a taste of Hunan cuisine.

Day 5: Day trip to Zhouzhuang Water Town

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the famous Zhouzhuang Water Town. Explore the ancient bridges, old houses, and picturesque landscapes.
  • Afternoon: Return to Suzhou in the afternoon and relax at your hotel or explore more of the city. Have dinner at a restaurant like Xiaolongcan (小龙蟼), known for its soup dumplings.

Day 6: Departure

  • Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs around the city or visiting any attractions you may have missed.
  • Lunch: Visit Hefei Road Snack Street to try local delicacies before departing.
  • Depart from Suzhou Railway Station or Suzhou Airport.

Things to Know

  • Suzhou’s weather is typically humid, so pack accordingly.
  • English might not be widely spoken, especially outside the tourist areas, so consider downloading translation apps or learning some basic Chinese phrases.
  • Suzhou has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and metro lines that can take you to most attractions. Taxis are also readily available.
  • Always carry cash as not all places accept cards, especially smaller restaurants and street vendors.