Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’, is famous for its canals, classical gardens, and rich cultural history. Located in Jiangsu Province, it offers a blend of ancient charm and modern development. Though Suzhou lacks its own airport, it’s easily accessible from nearby cities. I took a high-speed train from Xi’an, which was very convenient and efficient.
My trip to Suzhou lasted for four days in total. Due to the hot weather, I spent most of my time relaxing in teahouses. In reality, two to three days would be enough to visit the main attractions. However, I prefer a slower, more relaxed pace for travel.
This unhurried approach allowed me to immerse myself more deeply in Suzhou’s cultural atmosphere, strolling through ancient alleyways and taking breaks in teahouses. It’s a perfect destination for those who appreciate a leisurely pace and want to experience the city’s charm without rushing.
Hotel in Suzhou China
I booked stayed at the Artyzen Habitat Suzhou, near the Master of Nets Garden, which is a convenient location, allowing easy access to several major attractions by public transport like the Metro and bus, which will get you to most sites in 30 minutes or less.
(The standard double room I booked)
(The breakfast buffet in Artyzen Habitat Suzhou)
(The breakfast buffet menu)
This hotel offers a breakfast buffet every morning, but I must say the food is not so good when compared to the restaurant I will mention later. The hotel’s service is nice, I forgot to bring the universal power adaptor and they offered one to me for free!
Day1: Guanqian Street, Pingjiang Road, Hong Deng Ji
Guanqian Street
One of Suzhou’s most bustling commercial streets — Gunqian Street, is filled with well-known brand stores and unique shops where you can buy local specialties and crafts. This pedestrian street is also home to many historic sites and temples, like the Xuanmiao Temple. However, be aware that Guanqian Street has become very commercialised in recent years, and if you’re short on time, and that’s not really your thing, it’s probably a spot you can skip. Although it is an interesting attraction if you’re looking for free things to do.
(Captured near the Xuanmiao Temple in the Guanqian Street area of Suzhou)
Pingjiang Road
Pingjiang Road is a typical representation of Suzhou’s old town, reflecting the historical appearance of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Another free attraction, this is a well-preserved ancient street with traditional shops and delightful local snacks. The cobblestone paths and narrow canals create a picturesque scene that takes you back in time. Enjoy a cup of Biluochun tea or some Suzhou-style sweets as you wander through this charming area.
During this four-day trip, I visited Pingjiang Road twice—once on a sunny day and once on a rainy day—and each experience was unique and memorable. If I visit Suzhou again, I will definitely return to Pingjiang Road. Even if your travel time is not long in Suzhou and only allows you to visit fewer attractions, you should not miss Pingjiang Road!
(Pingjiang Road on a rainy day, where visitors can take a leisurely ride on hand-paddled boats)
(Pingjiang Road on a sunny day)
(Sunny Pingjiang Road: A slice of authentic Suzhou life, distinct from the touristy Guanqian Street)
(Reflection of Pingjiang Road in the river)
(A fan shop on Pingjiang Road, with a cat resting on the counter. Strolling here feels very relaxing.)
(Pingjiang Road on a summer night, with a gentle breeze)
(A cat on Pingjiang Road)
Hong Deng Ji, a Suzhou-style Restaurant on Pingjiang Road
Suzhou Hong Deng Ji is a traditional Chinese restaurant specialising in Suzhou cuisine, known for its elegant dining environment and classic dishes.
I ordered signature dishes like Biluochun Shrimp and Su-style Braised Pork Belly. The average cost per person is 90 RMB ($20 AUD). The restaurant features unique decor with traditional Jiangnan elements, where you can enjoy Suzhou Pingtan performances while dining, providing an experience full of Suzhou charm.
(Hong Deng Ji, a restaurant on Pingjiang Road where you can enjoy a meal while listening to Suzhou Pingtan.)
(Stir-fried eggs with silverfish, Su-style braised pork belly, Biluochun shrimp, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables.)
Biluochun Shrimp
Biluochun shrimp combines fresh shrimp with Biluochun tea leaves. The shrimp are stir-fried with the aromatic tea, creating a light dish where the sweetness of the shrimp complements the floral notes of the tea.
Su-style Braised Pork Belly
Su-style Braised Pork Belly is a classic Suzhou dish made with pork belly, braised until tender with a rich, reddish-brown glaze. It is known for its sweet and savoury flavour and tender texture, making it a representative of traditional Suzhou cuisine.
Stir-Fried Eggs with Silverfish
Stir-Fried Eggs with Silverfish is a simple yet delicious Suzhou home-style dish. It features fresh silverfish and eggs, stir-fried together until the eggs are soft and the silverfish are tender. The dish has a light, fresh flavour, showcasing the subtle and refreshing taste typical of Suzhou cuisine. It’s a nutritious and tasty dish commonly found on family dining tables in the Suzhou region.
Ping Jiang Road Cafe: Suzhou Heyuan Suxiang
I randomly chose a roadside cafe to rest due to the hot weather. They offer coffee, tea, and Su-style dessert, most food and drinks below 30 RMB ($6 AUD).
(Suzhou Heyuan Suxiang, a roadside cafe on Pingjiang Road)
This cafe is actually owned by a popular homestay calledSuzhou Heyuan Suxiang. If you want to experience a traditional Suzhou courtyard with grey bricks and black tiles, I highly recommend this place.
(The owner’s cat was hanging out at the entrance of the cafe, which is also the entry to the homestay. )
However, during a chat with the owner, I found out it’s extremely popular! I guess because it’s located on Pingjiang Road, easy access to most local attractions in Suzhou.
Hot tips: This roadside cafe is near the river so be sure to bring insect repellent (you can also ask the cafe’s owner).
Day 2: The Master of Nets Garden, Suzhou Centre
The Master of Nets Garden
You can buy online tickets via WeChat’s mini program, almost all ticket services in Suzhou can be booked online on WeChat, or you can book online via Trip (the same price as WeChat, around $8 AUD).
The Master of the Nets Garden was originally built by Shi Zhengzhi, a book collector and official during the Song dynasty (1127–1279), initially named ‘Fisherman’s Retreat’.
In the early Qing dynasty, retired official Song Zongyuan purchased and rebuilt the garden, renaming it ‘Master of the Nets Garden’.
(The daytime scenery of the Master of the Nets Garden)
Although it changed hands multiple times, unlike some other gardens, the Master of the Nets Garden did not suffer from prolonged neglect. Each owner prioritised its maintenance. By the early 20th century, the garden was opened to the public and underwent systematic restoration, maintaining its historical continuity and cultural integrity.
Though it’s one of the smaller gardens in Suzhou, it’s celebrated for its clever use of space and intricate layout. The garden has a rich history, attracting notable figures like the painter Tang Yin. Interestingly, a courtyard inspired by this garden can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese classical gardens.
（There are also many koi fishes in the lake at the Master of the Nets Garden）
The Master of Nets Garden is my favourite among all the gardens in Suzhou, despite its being less famous, and smaller than other gardens in Suzhou.
(The windows in the Master of the Nets Garden. One of the characteristics of Suzhou gardens is that each window must have a beautiful view, with different scenery to enjoy in every season)
（The Yichun Dian is a space in the Master of the Nets Garden for hosting guests）
(The study room in the Master of the Nets Garden features traditional Chinese furniture arranged in a symmetrical layout, balancing both aesthetics and functionality)
One of the garden’s unique events is the special ‘Night Tour’ event, which transforms it into a magical and unforgettable place. I highly recommend visiting it at both day and night to fully appreciate its charm.
（The night view of the Master of the Nets Garden offers a completely different experience compared to the daytime.）
（It’s the same location in daytime: the courtyard and small bridge of the Master of the Nets Garden）
Suzhou Centre
Suzhou Centre is not only a mall, but also a fantastic place to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. It offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This centre is a symbol of Suzhou’s rapid modernization and provides a sharp contrast to the city’s ancient gardens.
(You can enjoy the fabulous night view from Suzhou Centre)
(Sephora in Suzhou Centre)
(Suzhou Centre looks like a pair of pants from a distance)
(the view from the terrace at Suzhou Centre)
(Shake Shake burger’s receipt)
(Shake Shake burger in Suzhou Centre)
I had lunch at Shake Shack in Suzhou centre, where the average cost was about 100 RMB per person ($20 AUD).
Day 3: Lingering Garden, Qili Shantang Street, XinMeiHua restaurant
Lingering Garden
A ticket to Lingering Garden is $11 AUD. While it is slightly more expensive than the Master of Nets Garden, it is much bigger. This garden is known for its elegant pavilions, beautiful flowers, and intricate rock formations. It is especially famous for its magnificent halls and the delicate arrangement of natural and artificial elements.
(the lake in Lingering Garden)
(the different type of lotus flowers in Lingering Garden with amazing Taihu Rocks)
(various bonsai in Lingering Garden )
(the moon gate in Lingering Garden)
(Bonsai with Taihu Rocks in Lingering Garden)
Qili Shantang Scenic Area (Qili Shantang Street)
Qili Shantang Street is an ancient street showcasing the historical nature of the Ming and Qing dynasties. However, unlike Pingjiang Road, Qili Shantang has fewer original ancient buildings, with some structures being modern re-builds. I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time in this area because despite the history, it has a very commercial atmosphere, the food and drinks have higher prices and the queues are so long, and please consider the restrooms in this area are a lot of tourists.
I just spent half an hour on the main street of Qili Shantang to take some pictures. The quaint bridges and flowing canals provide a picturesque setting. Historically, this area was an important commercial hub, known as “Suzhou’s First Famous Street.” The poet Bai Juyi once left a poem here.
(the bridge on Qiling Shantang)
(VERY VERY crowded, and there can be long queues for the restrooms!)
Due to the intense heat, I had to take a break in a cafe to cool down, waiting for the sun to set before continuing my exploration with a boat tour from Bai Juyi Wharf, which is the only entertainment activity I recommended in Qili Shantang!
(Qili Shantang’s cafe environment)
The environment and atmosphere of the Cafe are nice but the price and the drinks are not.
Qili Shantang Boat Tour
If you want to travel to Suzhou in the summer, you need to be aware that temperatures in Suzhou are often above 35 degrees! In saying that, a boat tour is a nice way to avoid the peak heat and enjoy the scenery more comfortably: ) You can book the ticket online in advance on WeChat or Trip, around 50 RMB ($10 AUD) depending on the route you book. I recommend taking the boat tour at dusk (you’ll see why in the next pictures.)
(the day view in Qili Shantang’s Boat tour)
(the good way to enjoy the sunset on the boat in Qili Shantang)
(Qili Shantang will turn lights and lanterns on at dusk)
At dusk (7 pm in summer), Qili Shantang becomes even more enchanting as the street’s lanterns light up, creating a beautiful night scene.
What to Eat in Suzhou
XinMeiHua restaurant
Authentic Suzhou cuisine at a good price. Don’t miss trying their signature dishes like squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and Biluochun shrimp. As I had already tried the Biluochun prawns at Pingjiang Road earlier in my trip, I didn’t order this dish this time.
Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish
This dish is a specialty from Suzhou, where the fish is cut to resemble a squirrel, then deep-fried. It is served with a sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and tomato paste.
(Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish at XinMeiHua Restaurant)
(Wotou, a Chinese cornbread)
(what wotou matched is the sausage with lotus leaves )
(stir-fried seasonal vegetable in Xin Mei Hua is better than Hong Deng Ji)
(Xin Mei Hua’s Su-Style dessert)
This restaurant can almost represent Suzhou and Jiangnan cuisine!!! It’s 80 RMB ($15 AUD) per person, and I highly recommend it!
Day 4: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Pingjiang Road Tea House
Humble Administrator’s Garden
This is the largest and most famous garden in Suzhou which means you must book a ticket (around $16 AUD) one or two days in advance! If you want to have a better experience in this garden, the morning ticket (before 9 am, as early as possible) would be better due to fewer people in this period.
Since its inception, the Humble Administrator’s Garden has undergone numerous changes in ownership and faced periods of neglect. Originally established by Lu Jiuyuan during the Ming dynasty, it was later owned by various families, including the Shen and Wang families, each of whom made modifications or expansions to the garden. By the late Qing dynasty and the Republican period, due to social upheaval and economic reasons, the garden was occasionally neglected and fell into disrepair. However, by the mid-20th century, the state took over, restored, and reopened the garden.
(In a corner of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, some visitors are sheltering from the rain in the pavilion)
Compared with the other gardens, this one has the biggest lotus pond, I travelled here in late July, which is the best time to see lotus’ blooming.
(Lotus flowers in Humble Administrator’s Garden)
(lots of maple trees in the Humble Administrator’s Garden, which could be a different amazing view during the autumn)
(A cat leisurely strolling in the Humble Administrator’s Garden)
(The Humble Administrator’s Garden looks even more tranquil in the rain)
(A duck swimming in the lake of Humble Administrator’s Garden)
Allow three to four hours to visit this garden as it is a giant one, I didn’t hang out in every spot here but still spent two hours exploring.
Pingjiang Road Tea House
No trip to Suzhou is complete without experiencing the local tea house culture, and Pingjiang Road is the perfect place to do so. Spend your afternoon at a tea house on Pingjiang Road, immersing yourself in traditional Chinese tea culture. This one is the third tea house I visited on my trip! This tea house also offers a serene environment where you can sip on a variety of teas, such as Biluochun, Longjing tea, and Jasmine tea.
- Biluochun: Known for its delicate fragrance and sweet taste.
- Longjing Tea: A green tea famous for its smooth leaves and fresh aroma.
- Jasmine Tea: A blend of green tea and jasmine flowers.
In regular tea houses, a cup of tea typically costs around 8-25 RMB (around $1.5 to $5 AUD). The one I got in this image was only two bucks, and water refills are free anytime:)
High-end tea houses often offer snacks as well, with prices ranging from 50-80 RMB per person ($10 to 20 AUD). At those tea houses, you can also enjoy live traditional music performances
~
During this four-day leisurely trip to Suzhou, I found myself longing for more. My favourite parts were the strolls along Pingjiang Road and the oriental garden aesthetics reflected in every plant, brick, and tile of the Master of the Nets Garden. In terms of the food, I was completely won over by Suzhou-style dishes! Even though Suzhou cuisine isn’t widely known, its unique flavours are unforgettable!
When planning a trip to Suzhou, one of the key factors to consider is avoiding the rainy season. Additionally, it’s important to steer clear of China’s peak tourist periods, such as public holidays and school breaks.
Although, one of the charms of Suzhou gardens is that they offer different views throughout the year. I found the time I visited a bit too hot, so I had to spend a lot of time in shopping malls or cafes to stay cool. But summer is also the only season to enjoy lotus flowers in full bloom.
If I could visit Suzhou again, I might choose to go in late November. This season is Suzhou’s late autumn, with temperatures around 15 degrees. It’s the perfect time to appreciate the red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves!
