Suzhou Travel Guide

Suzhou Travel Guide

Suzhou is located in southern Jiangsu Province in the center of the Yangtze Delta. Shanghai lies to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Wuxi City to the west and the Yangtze River to the north. The city is divided by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from north to south. Since 42% area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, it is praised as the 'Venice of the Orient'. Built in 514 BC, this is an ancient city with over 2,500 years of history and numerous points of interest. The unique characteristics of the past are still retained today. The double-chessboard layout of the city, with 'the streets and rivers going side by side while the water and land routes running in parallel', is preserved intact.

The mild climate makes the city a desirable destination all year round. Touring the wonderful ancient water towns in the vicinity or lingering in the exquisite classical gardens in the downtown area, you will truly know the charm of a 'paradise on earth'. As the saying goes - 'Gardens to the south of the Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them'. These gardens attain their high reputation not only for their vast numbers, but also for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. At present more than 60 gardens are kept intact in the city, and some of them have been listed in the World Heritage List.

 Click to see all Suzhou Attractions
There is no airport in the city and travelers should use the nearby Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport. With four main train stations, the railway is well-developed. Frequent bullet trains run between Suzhou and Shanghai, which makes it possible to travel between the two cities in 30 minutes. Subway trains and convenient city buses can take visitors to most attractions within the city.
 
-

Dining

Suzhou Food
Tasting local delicacies should not be forgotten in your journey. Suzhou Cuisine belongs to the Jiangsu Style, which is one of the eight famous cuisines of China. The special sweet flavor and delicate appearance make the dishes greatly popular. Authentic notable local dishes and snacks can be found in Guanqian Street. You’ll never forget the delicious food and friendly service.

Shopping in Suzhou
Silk and embroidery are the very souvenirs most visitors are eager to buy in China. Here you have come to the right place. The city is the original site of Su Embroidery, and the silk products here enjoy a high reputation worldwide. If you want to buy, we recommend the souvenir stores at the Suzhou Silk Museum and Embroidery Museum.

Water Town at Night
Local nightlife is much quieter and more leisurely than in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. When night falls, one can enjoy the lovely scene on Shantang Street, take a boat ride on the Shantang River, or watch the local Kun Opera and Pingtan performance while sipping a cup of tea in a teahouse. Pubs or bars are also available, but traditional cultures are hardly felt there.

8 Things to Do in Suzhou at Night

Culture

Kunqu Opera
The city is the cradle of Chinese Wu Culture. Many great names and schools of art arose here. For example, the Wumen Fine Arts School is the finest in the city's history. Pingtan, Kun Opera and Suzhou Opera are praised as 'the three flowers' in the cultural history of the city. Furthermore, embroidery, fans and brocade produced here are noted worldwide.

Here are some basic facts and practical information to facilitate your life, trip, and business in the city.
  • Area Code & Zip Code
  • Banks
  • Famous Universities
  • Useful Phone Numbers
  • Hospitals
  • Post Office

You May Like

10 Places to Visit in China for a Trip of a Lifetime

10 Best Places to Visit in China for Return Visitors

10 Most Beautiful Cities in China

Top 10 Largest Cities in China by Population

China Population by City: List of 50 Most Populated Cities

15 Important Cities in China for Business Travel
 

- Last updated on Jun. 25, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Suzhou Travel
Asked by JC from MALAYSIA | Mar. 09, 2024 22:52Reply
Suzhou Jiangsu Railway Station
Is there a metro station near to Suzhou Jiangsu Railway station? Please provide direction. Also, can we buy the metro card from the counter and pay by cash?

Is there a direct bus from Suzhou Jiangsu Railway station to Leqiao Metro station? How much is the bus fare? Can I pay with coins?

Thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Olivia | Mar. 11, 2024 02:31
00Reply


It should be Jiangsu Suzhou Railway Station. There is no Suzhou Jiangsu Railway Station. The metro line 2 and line 4 both have a station right at the railway station. Of course, you can buy a metro card with cash at the counter.

Bus no.8 runs from the railway station to Leqiao, taking 35 minutes and CNY2; you can pay by coins. You can also travel by metro line 4, also taking CNY2 but only about 10 minutes.
Asked by Sandra from INDONESIA | Mar. 08, 2024 20:27Reply
Hello, Can you please advise how to go to Beijing by train?
I'm confused of the many stations like suzhou anhui,anhui east,gansu,jiangsu,jiangsu industrial park.
Thank you.
Answers (2)
Answered by Bill | Mar. 10, 2024 20:00
00Reply


Hi, it depends on your start point. Please elaborate which city you will depart.
Answered by Sandra | Mar. 13, 2024 22:16
00Reply


I depart from Suzhou. So I'm so confused with the many stations available. Don't know which one to choose? Any recommendation hotel in Suzhou that near metro with reasonable price?
Asked by JJ from MALAYSIA | Mar. 07, 2024 21:14Reply
Transportation in Suzhou
Hoping for someone to help me out on the following:-

1. Can I buy the metro card from the MRT station? Will cash be accepted? Can metro cards be used for public bus transportation?
2. Public Bus - can I pay with coins? Roughly how much would a trip cost? Say from Guanjianjie to Suzhou Higher Education Park?
3. What's the weather like in Suzhou from 11 - 15 March?
4. What are the nearest MRT stations to Pace Hotel in Suzhou Guanjianjie? Are they walking distance?
5. Do shops in Suzhou accept cash? I have difficulties downloading the digital apps.
Answers (1)
Answered by Lisa | Mar. 08, 2024 00:14
00Reply


1. Yes, you can. Cash will be accepted. Transport cards can be used both on buses and metros.

2. Yes, you can. It generally costs from CNY 1-3. From Guanqianjie to Suzhou Higher Education Park, it costs CNY 4 by metro and bus as there is no direct bus available.

3. It may be rainy and cloudy and the temperature ranges from 3 to 18C.

4. Leqiao Station at Metro Line 1 and 4 is the nearest metro station, about 200m away from the hotel.

5. Yes, they do accept cash.
Asked by Carmen Murray from CHINA | Jan. 22, 2024 18:33Reply
How much money to post a package to New Zealand? Weight is 10kg, dimension is 250cm x 20cm,
Answers (1)
Answered by Mark | Jan. 22, 2024 23:05
00Reply


It takes around CNY 1,500 by China Post.
Asked by Darrell D'Amaro from INDONESIA | Jan. 14, 2024 10:23Reply
Hello can i bring IQOS and Terrea (the cigarettes for the device)
I was wondering if i could bring them for University later in a month for personal use and what is the limit on the amount you can bring
Answers (1)
Answered by Helen | Jan. 14, 2024 19:45
00Reply


Generally, passengers are allowed to carry 2 smoking sets duty-free; 6 products (including disposable e-cigarettes, etc.) sold by e-cigarette cartridges (liquid atomizer) or the combination of e-cigarette cartridges and cigarette sets, but the total liquid volume does not exceed 12ml.
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail