Suzhou China 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Ancient Water Towns

  • Morning: Start your day at Tongli Ancient Town, a well-preserved water town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture. Take a leisurely stroll along the canals, visit the local temples, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
  • Lunch: Head to Tong Li Restaurant for some authentic local cuisine. Try their signature dishes like braised pork and steamed fish.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hanshan Temple, a historic temple complex with beautiful gardens and intricate carvings.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at Grand Garden Hotel’s restaurant, which serves local delicacies in a beautifully landscaped garden.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at the Grand Garden Hotel, a 5-star hotel located near Tongli Ancient Town. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with beautiful garden views.

Day 2: Visit Classical Gardens and Museums

  • Morning: Visit the Classic Chinese Garden, a beautifully designed garden with traditional architecture, water features, and scenic walkways.
  • Lunch: Eat at The Classic Garden Restaurant, which serves local cuisine in a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the National Silk Museum, which showcases the history of silk production in China. Learn about the silk-making process, see ancient artifacts, and buy some souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at The Silk Tea House.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at the same hotel, Grand Garden Hotel, for another comfortable night.

Day 3: Discover Modern Suzhou

  • Morning: Visit the Suzhou Museum of Science and Technology, which features interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
  • Lunch: Eat at The Museum Restaurant, which serves modern Chinese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Suzhou Industrial Park, a modern business district with shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Suzhou Garden Hotel’s restaurant, which serves international cuisine.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at the same hotel, Grand Garden Hotel, for another comfortable night.

Day 4: Explore Traditional Markets and Streets

  • Morning: Visit the Suzhou Textile Market, a bustling market selling local textiles, fabrics, and handicrafts.
  • Lunch: Eat at The Textile Market Restaurant, which serves traditional Chinese cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Jiangsu Street, a pedestrian shopping street lined with traditional shops, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Grand Garden Hotel’s restaurant.

Things to Know:

  • Suzhou is a city of 6 million people, so it can get crowded. Be prepared for crowds and long lines.
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (June-August).
  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).
  • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historic sites.

Transportation:

  • The easiest way to get around Suzhou is by taxi. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing.
  • There are also public buses and a metro system, but they may not be as convenient for tourists.
  • Consider hiring a private car or driver for the day to explore the city.

Tips:

  • Try local delicacies like braised pork, steamed fish, and Suzhou-style noodles.
  • Visit the historic sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Don’t miss the traditional Chinese tea ceremony at The Silk Tea House.
  • Be prepared for some language barriers. Not everyone speaks English, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Chinese phrases.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Suzhou!