Suzhou China 7 Day Itinerary

Suzhou, China 7-Day Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Check-in at your hotel in Pingjiang Road area, the heart of Suzhou’s ancient city.
  • Lunch at Hu Tong Xiang, a popular local restaurant serving traditional Suzhou cuisine.
  • Visit the Shantang Street for a taste of old Suzhou and try some local snacks.
  • Explore the Pingjiang Road Bridge area in the evening.
  • Dinner at Liubo Garden Restaurant, known for its delicious Dongpo pork.

Day 2: Classic Gardens & Canals

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Visit the famous Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s “must-see” gardens.
  • Lunch at Liu Yuan Restaurant near the garden.
  • Afternoon visit to the Master of Nets Garden.
  • Take a boat ride on Pingjiang Road Canals to enjoy the scenic views.
  • Dinner at Wang Xiang Zhu Lou, a restaurant housed in an ancient building.

Day 3: Museums & Modern Suzhou

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Visit the Suzhou Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Lunch at Yi Tang Dumpling House.
  • Afternoon visit to the Suzhou Silk Factory, where you can see silk being made and purchase souvenirs.
  • Explore the modern area of Taihu Square and nearby shopping centers like PARKSON.
  • Dinner at a restaurant in Taihu Square or nearby.

Day 4: Day Trip to Zhouzhuang

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Take a day trip to the water town of Zhouzhuang. It’s a short train ride away.
  • Lunch in Zhouzhuang, there are many local restaurants to choose from.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring Zhouzhuang’s canals and ancient bridges.
  • Return to Suzhou in the evening.
  • Dinner at Leiqing Shizong, a restaurant specializing in fish dishes.

Day 5: Tiger Hill & Lingering Garden

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Visit Tiger Hill to see the Pagoda of Tiger Hill and enjoy panoramic views of Suzhou.
  • Lunch at Fish in the Snow, a restaurant near Tiger Hill known for its fish dishes.
  • Afternoon visit to the Lingering Garden, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Dinner at Donghuamen Snack Street for a variety of local street food.

Day 6: Explore East Suzhou

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Visit the Ouwu Tang Clan Ancestral Hall, a well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture.
  • Lunch at Xihui Xuan, a restaurant specializing in Suzhou cuisine.
  • Afternoon visit to the Suzhou Silk Embroidery Museum.
  • Explore the area around Dushu Lake, including the beautiful Dushu Lake Park.
  • Dinner at Zhongze Yuan for Sichuan cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Last-minute shopping in Pingjiang Road area or Taihu Square.
  • Check-out from your hotel and depart Suzhou.

Tips & Things to Know:

  • Mandarin (Putonghua) is the main language spoken in Suzhou, but many locals also understand basic English.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing apps are available, but it’s best to use a translation app for communication.
  • The weather can be quite humid, so pack accordingly.
  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or gardens.
  • Suzhou is famous for its silk, embroidery, and gardens. Consider purchasing these as souvenirs.