Suzhou Tours

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.

• 7. Beside Shanghai, what are other cities near Suzhou worth explorations?  

  There are many cities, historical or modern, and with convenient transportation to Suzhou, worth an extended exploration. Here is the list for your reference:
  Hangzhou: famed for the West Lake and known as the Silicon Valley of China, Hangzhou is a top destination, about 1.5 hours by high-speed train from Suzhou. Here, visitors can stroll along the iconic West Lake, explore the lively Lingyin Temple, and delve into enduring Chinese tea culture.
  Wuzhen: About a 1.5-hour drive from Suzhou, Wuzhen is known for its crisscrossing waterways and well-preserved architecture. Blue Printed Cloth Workshop in the old town and Wuzhen Darma Festival annually happening in October add unique charms to it. 
  Nanjing: Rich in historical significance as one of the four ancient capitals of China, Nanjing, about one hour from Suzhou by high-speed train, offers landmarks such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, and Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty. 
  Wuxi: Located near Taihu Lake, Wuxi is known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions such as Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle) and Lingshan Giant Buddha. Only about an hour's drive from Suzhou, it's a perfect choice for nature lovers.

• 8. What are the characteristics of Suzhou food?  

  Suzhou cuisine is known for its delicacy, light taste, and distinct Jiangnan flavors. Key characteristics include:
  1. Sweetness: Many classic Suzhou dishes, like Squirrel Mandarin Fish and Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs, feature a prominent sweetness.
  2. Lightness and Freshness: Emphasis on freshness, with minimal seasoning to preserved the ingredients' original flavors.
  3. Dim sum culture: Suzhou boasts a variety of dim sum, both sweet (e.g., Suzhou moon cakes) and savory (e.g., pan-fried steamed buns).
  4. Noodles: Renowned for rich broths and toppings, such as Three Shrimp Noodles and Braised Duck Noodles.
  5. Aquatic Delicacies: Abundant seafood, including Taihu Three Whites (fish, shrimp, silverfish) and Yangcheng Lake mitten crabs.
  6. Wine Culture: Suzhou rice wine, particularly Huadiao, complements the local dishes well with its robust aroma.