Suzhou, China-3-day-itinerary

Suzhou, China Itinerary - Day 1

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start the day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at Jinji Lake Hotel’s Cafe, located in the heart of Suzhou. Try their congee and steamed buns.
  • 9:00 am: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s four most famous classical gardens. It’s a serene oasis with beautiful landscapes, water features, and traditional architecture.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm: Take a break for lunch at Xiaolongkan Restaurant, which serves Suzhou-style cuisine. Try their signature dishes like Dongpo pork and steamed fish.
  • 2:00 pm: Explore the historic district of Shanju Street, known for its traditional architecture, antique shops, and local markets.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy a romantic evening stroll along the Garden Bridge at night, when it’s beautifully lit up. It connects two classical gardens, the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Lingering Garden.
  • 8:00 pm: Dine at Shangri-La Hotel Suzhou’s Restaurant, which serves international cuisine with a focus on fresh local ingredients.

Suzhou, China Itinerary - Day 2

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the iconic Lingering Garden, another of Suzhou’s four famous classical gardens. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, landscaping, and traditional garden features.
  • 11:00 am: Explore the nearby Tiger Hill scenic area, which offers great views of the city.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 pm: Take a break for lunch at Wanghu Restaurant, located near Tiger Hill. Try their Suzhou-style cuisine and enjoy the garden views.
  • 2:00 pm: Visit the Suzhou Museum, which showcases the city’s history, art, and culture.

Evening

Suzhou, China Itinerary - Day 3

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the beautiful Tongli Ancient Town, a well-preserved water town that’s perfect for walking and exploring.
  • 12:00 pm: Take a break for lunch at Huangjin Restaurant, located in Tongli Ancient Town. Try their traditional Suzhou dishes.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Visit the nearby Oriental Pearl Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple with stunning views of the city.
  • 4:00 pm: Explore the charming streets and shops of Shiquan Street in Tongli Ancient Town.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Return to your hotel for some relaxation time or explore more of Suzhou’s nightlife.
  • 8:00 pm: Dine at Grand Hyatt Suzhou’s Restaurant, which serves international cuisine with a focus on fresh local ingredients.

Useful Information

Transportation

  • Suzhou is easily accessible by high-speed train from Shanghai and other major cities.
  • The city has an extensive network of buses, taxis, and bike-sharing services.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds at popular tourist destinations during peak season (summer and holidays).
  • Try to learn some basic Chinese phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and gardens.

Accommodation

  • Shangri-La Hotel Suzhou: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Suzhou, with stunning views of Jinji Lake.
  • Jinji Lake Hotel: A 4-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Grand Hyatt Suzhou: A 5-star hotel that provides luxurious accommodations and excellent service.

Getting Around

Transportation Options

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but it’s always a good idea to have your hotel staff call one for you.
  • Bus: Suzhou has an extensive network of buses that cover most areas of the city.
  • Bike-Sharing: Suzhou has a bike-sharing service that allows you to rent bicycles by the hour or day.

Food and Drink

  • Xiaolongkan Restaurant: A local favorite that serves traditional Suzhou cuisine.
  • Huangjin Restaurant: A restaurant located in Tongli Ancient Town, serving authentic Suzhou dishes.
  • Dongfang Restaurant: A restaurant that serves a wide range of Suzhou-style cuisine.

Other Tips and Information

Weather

  • Suzhou has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Be prepared for hot summers and mild winters.
  • The best time to visit Suzhou is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.

Responsible Tourism

Respect Local Customs

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and gardens.
  • Remove your shoes when entering traditional buildings or homes.
  • Avoid taking pictures inside temples or sacred areas without permission.