It would be a great pity to visit China without experiencing a Suzhou tour. Known as the 'Oriental Venice,' 'City of Silk,' and 'Garden City,' Suzhou is just as beautiful as you've imagined. Our Suzhou tours offer you the chance to explore the famous Suzhou gardens, including UNESCO-listed classics like the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, and Lion Grove Garden.
Whether you're traveling from Shanghai to Suzhou or Hangzhou to Suzhou, we can customize your itinerary to suit your needs. Simply browse our popular tours and send us your inquiry
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Suzhou Tour FAQs
- 1. Why should I visit Suzhou?
Only 30 minutes by high-speed rail from Shanghai, Suzhou is an easily accessible destination, which can be visited visa-free for up to 144 hours if transiting through Shanghai, Nanjing, or Hangzhou.
Known as the "Garden City" and "the Oriental Venice", Suzhou boasts UNESCO-listed gardens and charming water towns where you can take serene boat rides along canals lined with centuries-old houses and stone bridges.
Suzhou is also famed for its silk and embroidery production, offering visitors chances to explore traditional handicrafts and purchase exquisite local products. - 2. How many days should I spend in Suzhou?
Two to three days are ideal for exploring Suzhou's highlights, including iconic gardens like the Humble Administrator's Garden, its ancient canals and streets, the Suzhou Museum, or the nearby water town like Tongli.
For a deeper dive, including silk-making experiences, artistic museums, less-visited gardens, or areas around Taihu Lake, consider extending your stay to four or five days.
A day trip from Shanghai by high-speed train or private car is also feasible. - 3. How to choose among the many gardens in Suzhou?
Every garden in Suzhou has its style and charm. When making a choice, you may consider the following aspects:
1) Historical value and Scale
Humble Administrator's Garden, known for its grand layout and rich waterscapes, is a must-see for the first-time tour of Suzhou.
The Lingering Garden, famed for its compact layout and exquisite rock formations, is perfect for lovers of classical architecture.
2) Style and Theme
Lion Grove Garden, famous for its rock formations and caves, is ideal for rock art enthusiasts and families with children. |
Canglang Pavilion, the oldest garden in Suzhou, offers a natural, simple layout for those enjoying tranquility.
3) Traffic and tour experience
Master of the Nets Garden, with a compact and exquisite layout, hosts night performances, like Kunqu opera.
Yiyuan, known for its tranquility and privacy, is perfect for those preferring to avoid crowds.
4) Time Factor
If short on time, you can visit a garden according to its style and popularity, and the Humble Administrator's Garden can be the first choice.
With more time, pair Humble Administrator's Garden with the Lion Grove, which is close to each other and has complementary styles, or the Lingering Garden and the Master of Nets Garden for diverse experiences. - 5. Are there any modern attractions in Suzhou?
Besides its historical sites, Suzhou also has modern places, like the Suzhou Center Mall, Jinji Lake, and the Suzhou Industrial Park, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment and showcasing the city's economic growth and contemporary culture.
- 6. Can I do a day-trip from Shanghai to Suzhou?
Suzhou is only 30 minutes away by high-speed train or 1.5 hours by drive from Shanghai, making it an easy day trip from Shanghai. On such a day tour, you can visit a famous garden, explore its ancient canals and streets, and stroll the nearby Tongli Water Town.
Top Places to Visit in Suzhou

Suzhou is referred to as the "city of gardens," and more than 50 of its ancient private gardens still stand today, some of which were included in the World Cultural Heritage List in 1997. The largest classical garden in Suzhou, The Humble Administrator's Garden, was one of them. It was constructed 500 years ago and features gorgeous pools, exquisite rockeries, elegant halls and pavilions, and an abundance of flowers and trees. The Lingering Garden, which formerly belonged to a Ming Dynasty official, is another one of them and is recognized as a typical example of Suzhou classical gardens.
- MASTER OF THE NETS GARDEN
The site is Suzhou's sole private garden that is open at night. As nightfall comes, why not take a stroll around here to feel the Chinese romance, while listening to the instrumental ensemble of pipa and xiao, enjoying water sleeve dance, and appreciating the Kun Opera?
- SUZHOU MUSEUM
The comprehensive museum showcases the history, culture, and artwork of Suzhou. Over 20,000 items make up its collections, which include national treasures of Buddhism, burial objects from royal tombs, porcelain, pottery, jade ware, and paintings and calligraphy.
- TONGLI WATER TOWN
Private gardens, temples, celebrity mansions, and dozens of well-preserved ancient bridges are the majority of the town's iconic structures. The Min Cake, a type of rice cake made as a tribute to the former royals and filled with beans and walnuts, is a must-try snack in this town.
- GRAND CANALBecause of this canal, Suzhou became a paradise for thousands of merchants in ancient China, at that time, nearly half of the freight was transported by water. The canal now is a popular attraction, connecting many historical sites, such as Pan Gate, a gate of the ancient city wall.
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Interested in a tour of a single city in China? Here are some of China's most visited cities that just might strike your fancy. No matter if you want a basic overview of the city or a more in-depth look at it, our experts can make an itinerary that fits your needs.
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