Suzhou Travel Guide

Basic information Telephone area code: 0512 Emergency call: 110, 119, 120 Travel Advisory Tel: 0512-65223131 Tourism Bureau complaint telephone: 0512-65223377 Destination overview Destination sketch Suzhou is located in southern Jiangsu Province in the center of the Yangtze Delta. Shanghai lies […]

Basic information

Telephone area code: 0512
Emergency call: 110, 119, 120
Travel Advisory Tel: 0512-65223131
Tourism Bureau complaint telephone: 0512-65223377

Destination overview

Destination sketch

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.

Culture

Kun Opera and Ping Tan

Kun Opera (Kunqu or Kunqiang) is the mother of all Chinese operas, which has a history of over 600 years. It originated in the Kunshan area of Suzhou City in the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and developed to be a musical system in the Ming Dynasty, and came into its golden age in the period of the Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. In 2001, the UNESCO awarded it as the Human Beings’ Verbal and Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Work. Kun Opera sounds graceful and haunting and is good at controlling the voice and rhythm as well as every word and sentence. These performance skills are vividly displayed in the ‘shuimoqiang’ (floating water mill tune) which embodies the distinctive character of the Kun Opera. When performed, the opera is accompanied by various kinds of instruments, such as flute, Sheng, Xiao (pipe), Sanxian (trichord) and lute. When you are in Suzhou, it will be an interesting experience to enjoy a noted Kun Opera, for example, the Peony Pavilion, A Story of the Screaming Phoenix, the Peach Blossom Fan or the Palace of Eternity.

Classical Gardens of Suzhou

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a group of gardens in Suzhou region, Jiangsu province which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Spanning a period of almost one thousand years, from the Northern Song to the late Qing dynasties (11th-19th century), these gardens, most of them built by scholars, standardized many of the key features of classical Chinese garden design with constructed landscapes mimicking natural scenery of rocks, hills and rivers with strategically located pavilions and pagodas.

The elegant aesthetics and subtlety of these scholars’ gardens and their delicate style and features are often imitated by various gardens in other parts of China, including the various Imperial Gardens, such as those in the Chengde Mountain Resort. According to UNESCO, the gardens of Suzhou “represent the development of Chinese landscape garden design over more than two thousand years,”and they are the “most refined form” of garden art.

Best Travel season

Suzhou is located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, so the weather is mild and moist with four distinct seasons. It’s best to pay a visit between January and April because the weather is not too cold and the flowers are in full bloom until June. The Plum Rain Season of June is followed by a hot July. After July arrives the harvest autumn of pleasant climate. Both the fresh fruits and seafood will surely whet your appetite.

Consumption level

In Suzhou, the daily consumption level is 300-400 yuan per people.

Practical information

Mudu Ancient Town – Visitor Center
Address: No. 188, Shantang Street, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City
Tel: 0512-665612

Taihu Visitor Center
Address: Sunwu Road, Yukou Town, Wuzhong District (Xiangxiang Road)

Zhouzhuang Visitor Center
Address: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Scenic Spot, 121 Quanfu Road, Kunshan City, Suzhou
Tel: 0512-57201626

Dongshan Visitor Service Center
Address: Wuzhong District, Suzhou City

Luzhi Visitor Service Center
Address: No. 2-1, Haizang Road, Zhizhi Scenic Area (Yinzhi Ancient Town Archway)
Tel: 0512-65021353

Tongli Scenic Area – Visitor Service Center
Address: Tongli Ancient Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou City
Tel: 0512-63323713

Intercity traffic

Aircraft

There is currently no airport in Suzhou. If you need to go to Suzhou by air, you must first go to Shanghai or Wuxi, then take a train or car to Suzhou.

Train

Suzhou Railway Station
Address: No. 27, Station Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival: Subway Line 2 to Suzhou Railway Station, 2A or 1A exit
Tel: 0512-67021752, 0512-67210291

Suzhou North Railway Station
Address: Xiangcheng District, Suzhou City Road
Arrival: Subway Line 2 to get off at Suzhou North Railway Station

Long-distance bus

Suzhou North Bus Station
Address: No. 477, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Tel: 0512-67530686, 65776577

Suzhou South Bus Station
Address: Yingchun Road, South Ring Road, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City
Tel: 0512-87181605

Suzhou West Bus Station
Address: Jinshan East Road, Changjiang Road, High-tech Zone, Suzhou City
Phone: 0512-68255168

Traffic in the city

Bus

Most buses in Suzhou operate until 19:30 every day, a single fare for ordinary cars is 1 yuan, and a single fare for air-conditioned cars is 2 yuan.

Tricycle

Near the Suzhou scenic spot, human tricycles can be seen everywhere. Because some Suzhou attractions are distributed in the alleys, buses can’t be reached directly. At this time, tricycles come in handy. The tricycle starts at 2 yuan and costs 2 yuan per kilometer. The price of the tricycle is relatively flexible. When you get on the bus, you should talk to the owner about the price.

Attractions

Humble Administrator’s Garden

The beautiful waterside City of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province in South China is most famous for its elegant classical gardens. Among these, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, covering about 52,000 sq. meters (12.85 acres), is the largest and most renowned. Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has garnered many special honors. It is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site and has also been designated as one of the Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State as well as a Special Tourist Attraction of China. Along with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Resort of Chengde in Hebei Province and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou, it is considered as one of China’s four most famous gardens. No other classic garden in the country has been honored more than this one.
Address: No. 178, Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City Bus 1 , 2, 55, 202, 309, 811, 518, 529, 178 to Suzhou Museum Station
Opening hours: March 1st to November 15th 7:30-17:30; November 16th to February 29th 7:30-17:00
Tickets: 70 yuan / person in the off-season, 90 yuan / person in the peak season
Tel: 0512-67539869, 67510286
Www.szzzy.cn

Lion Grove Garden

Lion Grove Garden was built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) by a group of Zen Buddhist disciples of Monk Tianru as a memorial of their master – Monk Zhongfeng. Afterwards, it has changed hands and been renamed a number of times. Since Monk Tianru had once researched the Buddhism sutras at Lion Cliff on West Tianmu Mountain in Zhejiang Province with the guidance of Monk Zhongfeng, also there were many grotesque rocks in the garden resembling lions, the garden was first given the name Lion Grove. At that time, the garden was a popular center to host activities for literati and Buddhists. Many paintings and poems were inspired by it. Later, its name was changed to Bodhi Orthodox Temple (Puti Zhengzong) and Sheng’en Temple successively.
Address: No. 23, Garden Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take the bus tour 1, tour 2, 55, 178, 262, 811 to the Suzhou Museum, get off. You can also take bus 301, 305 to Pingjiang Road.
Opening hours: March 1st – October 15th 7:30-17:30, October 16th – the end of February next year 7:30-17:00; 30 minutes before closing the park to stop ticket sales
Tickets: April to May, July to October 40, June, November to March 30; children under 1.2 meters and below, or children aged 6 and under (required documents) are led by adults Free of charge, 70-year-olds and above can be exempted from the ticket with valid documents; children between 1.2-1.5 meters tall, or
6-18 year old minors, full-time school students, 60-69 year olds with half-price discount on valid documents
Tel: 0512-67773263
Www.szszl.com

The Couple’s Garden Retreat

Built in early 20th century by a couple. Many small garden rooms lead you from view to view. Each window or hall perfectly frames a set of plants, rocks or trees. Every inch of the garden has been carefully thought out. Most of the garden consists of covered walkways, so even though it may rain you will be able to enjoy this garden without getting wet.
Address: No. 6, Xiaoxinqiao Lane, Cangjie, Gusu District, Suzhou City (near Pingjiang Road)
Arrival method: Take bus 305, 301 to Dongyuan Station and get off at Yancang Street.
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, daily ticket sales stop at 16:30
Tickets: From April 16 to October 30, the adult ticket is 25 yuan, from October 31 to April 15 the adult ticket is 20 yuan, 1.2 meters – 1.5 meters for children, students, 60-70 years old with a valid certificate and a half-ticket. , children under 1.2 meters, senior citizens over 70 years old with valid documents free of charge
Tel: 0512-67272717
Www.szhzoo.cn

The Garden of the Master of the Nets

Originally created in 1140, and rebuilt in 1770 by the bureaucrat Song Zongyuan. The enclosed complex of house and garden is one of the smallest, most beautiful, and most perfectly proportioned in Suzhou. Don’t let the small size deceive you, this garden has enough to occupy you for half a day or more. On certain evenings there are demonstrations of many traditional performing arts.
Address: No. 11, Kujiatou Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take bus 55, 202, 511, 529, 811, 931 to the network of the teacher’s park, walk along the entrance of Kuojiatou alley; or take bus 47, 204, 501 and so on. At the North Station of Net Master Park, walk along the signboard at the alley.
Opening hours: from April 16th to October 30th, 7:00-17:30, October 31st to April 15th, 7:30-17:00; night tour opening hours from March to November Mid-term 19:30-21:30 Tickets: 40 yuan from April 16 to October 30, 30 yuan from October 31 to April 15, students, 1.2-1.5 meters children, 60-70 years old With a 50% discount on valid ID tickets, children under 1.2 meters and senior citizens over 70 years old are exempt from valid tickets; mid-March to mid-November 100 yuan
Tel: 0512-65293190

Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty

Mainly a rock and water garden.
Address: No. 262, Jingde Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City (inside the Suzhou Embroidery Museum)
Arrival method: Take bus 69, 301, 305, 313, 33, 112, 262, tour 1 and so on to get off at Chayuanchang station, walk to
Tickets: 15 yuan / person, children’s ticket 8 yuan / person
Phone: 0512-65225756

The Surging Wave Pavilion

One of the oldest of Suzhou’s wonderful collection of private or “scholar’s” gardens. More densely forested than other gardens, so ideal for hot days when you want to escape the sun. This garden is best viewed from within its many pavilions, with windows framing different views.
Address: No. 3, Canglangting Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take bus 1, 5, 27, 933, 101, 102, 308, 309, tour 2, tour 4, tour 4, etc.
Opening hours: April 16th to October 30th 7:30-17:30, October 31st to April 15th 7:30-17:00
Tickets: 20 yuan from April 16th to October 30th, 15 yuan from October 31st to April 15th, students with a valid certificate and a half-ticket, children under 1.2 meters, senior citizens over 70 years old with valid documents free of charge
Tel: 0512-65194375

Lingering Garden

Occupying an area of 5.8 acres (about 23,300 square meters), the Lingering Garden is located outside Changmen Gate in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Originally a classical private garden, it is one of the four most famous gardens in China. Possessing typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colors of the buildings. In 1997, it was recorded on the list of the world heritage by UESCO.

With a history of more than 400 years, the Lingering Garden has changed hands several times. Each owner did his best to perfect it. The garden was first built in 1593 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) by a retired official named Xu Tai. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), it was bought by Liu Shu. As a calligraphy lover, he carved masterpieces on both sides of the corridors of the buildings. He had also collected unusually-shaped stones in the garden. The succeeding owners followed his model when doing restoration work. Almost demolished in the 1930s, the garden was repaired sponsored by the government and then opened to the public.
Address: No. 338, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take bus No. 1, 85, 933 to the station, and get off at the bus.
Opening hours: 7:30-17:00
Tickets: 45 yuan / person from October 31 to April 15 of the following year, 55 yuan from April 16 to October 30/people
Tel: 0512-65337903
Www.gardenly.com

The Garden of Pleasure

Very small garden in the heart of downtown. Good place to have a cup of green tea. Usually visited by lots of local elder people.
Address: No. 1256 Renmin Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival mode: Take bus 5, 8, 1, 38, 101, 102, tour 4, 502, 933, tour 4 to get off at Leqiao North Station, then follow People’s Road to the north and take a few steps to the west.
Tickets: 45 yuan / person (including tea, listening to the bullet)
Tel: 0512-65249317

Yipu Garden

Located in the ancient Suzhou city, Yipu Garden is a small scale garden with artistic characteristics of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The garden highlights its simple, unsophisticated and elegant style. In November 2000, it was included in the World Cultural Heritage List by the UNESCO.
Yipu Garden is simple and natural, showing the typical characteristics of the gardens of the Ming Dynasty. The layout is simple and open, with a pond as the center. The Hall of Erudition and Elegance is the main hall in the garden, and to the south of the pond stands an artificial hill built with earth, with cliffs and narrow paths piled up with rocks, showing changeable and natural scenic sights.
To the east of the pond stands the Milk Fish Pavilion. The pavilion was constructed in the Ming Dynasty and is skirted by water on three sides, looking ancient, rustic and elegant. The Sound Moon Corridor to the west of the pond leads to the Qin Hut Courtyard, which is linked with other scenic sports by a round gate. The Gull Bathing Pond in the courtyard looks as if it was linked with the large pond, an only example in the garden of Suzhou. The yard is decorated with lake rocks, flowers and trees, being the most tranquil place in the garden.
Address: No. 5, Wenyanong, Changmen, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: You can reach by bus 54, 31, 501, 262, 522
Tickets: 10 yuan
Opening hours: closed at 16:30 every day
Tel: 0512-67271614

Shantang Street

Shantang Street, an ancient riverside pedestrian road in northwest Suzhou, Jiangsu, is very popular with tourists. From Changmen Gate (the west gate of the ancient city) in the downtown, it winds northwest on the northern bank of the Shantang River, and ends at scenic Tiger Hill. It extends about 2.2 miles (seven li), hence the name “Seven-Li Shantang”.

In 825, Bai Juyi, a renowned Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) poet, was transferred to Suzhou as the governor. There and then he inaugurated the Shantang River canal project. Later, a road parallel with the river on the north bank was constructed. These made Shantang block into a busy transport and commercial hub. The Shantang Street is cited as “the First Street in Suzhou” mainly for three reasons: a history of nearly 1,200 years; representative of the local streets and alleys; and associated with distinguished people and events.

Shantang Street can be sectioned into two by Bantang Bridge. The east part, from Duseng Bridge in Changmen, is built up with houses and shops; while the west part, from the Tiger Hill, is natural landscape. The entire block features typical characteristics of south China in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The clear river meanders along under small arched bridges interspersed with wooden boats adrift, passing numerous old residences and shops on the bustling street. All the above is a picturesque rendering of a beautiful ancient water town in south China. It is ideally a place to stroll, try all kinds of local snacks and pick up souvenirs. You should go boating to take in the street scene from a different angle. When night falls and the red lanterns glimmer below the eaves, it becomes hard to resist.
Address: Xinmin Bridge, Guangji Road, Shantang Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: You can take bus 7, 64, 70 to go to Guangji Bridge, then go back to the north for 100 meters to Xinmin Bridge; you can also take bus No. 34, 204, 304, 311, 315, 415, 501 Take the bus to Shangtang Street and enter Shantang Street from the southeast intersection.
Opening hours: The block is open all day, Yuhan Hall is open from 8:00-21:00, and the rest of the attractions are open from 8:00-17:00
Tickets: There is no entrance ticket for Shantang Scenic Area

North Temple Pagoda

Viewable from the train station, the peak of the pagoda is Suzhou’s most famous. A garden and temples are on the grounds.
Address: North Section of Renmin Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival mode: By bus 1, 5, 8, 54, 69, 101, 102, 112, 313, 602, tour 1, tour 4 branches can directly reach the North Temple Tower
Opening hours: 7:45-17:30, 17:00 stop ticket sales
Tickets: 25 yuan / person (joint ticket)
Tel: 0512-67531197, 67516743

Pingjiang Road

Pingjiang Road is a historical street that located in the northeastern Suzhou ancient city. The length of this road is 1,606 meters which has been recorded since the Song Dynasty. On the map of Suzhou ancient city in Song Dynasty, the Pingjiang Road was regarded as the main route. After 800 years, Pingjiang Road is still well-preserved.

Pingjiang Road is a stone route with a river flowing along it. Bridges across the river, houses with white walls and black roofs built along the stone road, locals especially the old walking leisurely, the scene here shows a traditional Suzhou local life. As well, it is a traditional Chinese painting scene for tourists to appreciate. Because of its ancient style, Pingjiang Road becomes the symbol of Suzhou ancient city. Only a street distance away to the Guanqian Pedestrian Street, Pingjiang Road is a quite place for people to get rid of the noisy city.

The street, which is busy with vehicular and pedestrian traffic despite its narrowness, received an honourable mention from UNESCO in 2005 when it took the Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.
Address: Pingjiang Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City, near the entrance of Yuanqiao at the intersection of the south, and the intersection of Baijiayuan and Dongbei Street at the intersection of the north
Arrival method: take bus 2, 9, 32, 68, 70, 89, 112, 146, 178, 261, 307, 514, 518, 800, 900 (North Ring Road), Tour 2, Tour 5, etc. to the door Get off at the station

Changmen Gate

Changmen Gate, was connected to Changmen Street (today’s Xizhongshi), and is shown in the picture, Bustling Suzhou drawn during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. There was a tower over the gate, resembling that of Panmen Gate. The outer gate of Changmen Gate was near to the suspension bridge. A rectangular enclosure for defense outside the gate kept another enclosure with a southern catalpa gate and a northern catalpa gate. The southern gate is joined to Nanxin Road, and the northern gate leads to the north wharf. During the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851-1864) period, the enclosure of Changmen Gate was destroyed and only the inner city gate and supporting gate remained. In 1927, the municipal government dismantled the supporting gate and the narrow old city gate and reconstructed a Roman style gate in 1934. The reconstructed Changmen Gate has three gateways with a central one for vehicles and the other two for sidewalks. The Changmen water gate, to the north of the inner city gate, is along the Xiatangjie River. It had wooden fences in 1949 but was dismantled in the 1950s. Nowadays, only the base of the water gate remains. The stone bridge Julong Bridge outside the water gate was transformed into a mild dam in the 1970s.
Address: Intersection of Shantang Street, Xikou, Xizhong City, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival mode: Bus North Station can take bus 7, 64, 70, 522 and so on to Guangji Bridge Station, then go back to the north for 100 meters to Xinmin Bridge, which can be seen through the Qili Shantang Ancient Street. Tricks. You can also take bus 34, 31, 204, 304, 311, 315, 415, 501 to Shangtang Street Station, and go back to the bridge at the east intersection to see the Tuen Mun.
Opening hours: 6:00-22:00
Tickets: Free

Xumen Gate

There has been a saying : “The golden Changmen Gate and the silvery Xumen Gate”. As a shining pearl regarded by Suzhou people, Xumen Gate is in the great landscape that within a land of good harvest. As early as the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the emperor was smart enough to choose western outskirts of Suzhou city to build majestic palaces. In later times it had been used for reception of foreign guests and imperial ambassadors, who could appreciate the beautiful scenery of the great Suzhou city. In the chaotic and poor times of the Qing Dynasty, carriages and boats were gathered near Xumen Gate to attract tourists in order to make money. Nowadays is the prosperous and peaceful era, the area around Xumen is evergreen and becoming a tourist attraction in one of the great travel destinations in China.
Address: South of Wannian Bridge, Qimen Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take the bus 1, 51, 70 inner ring, 200 inner ring, 300 north line, 522, 921 road and get off at Tuen Mun station
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
Tickets: Free

Panmen city gate

This gate is renowned for its unique structure as a combined water and land gate. It was originally one gate in a city wall built in 514 BCE, but the present structure is from a 14th century rebuild. The remaining wall is 300m long and 5m high. Visiting Pan Men includes access to a large and rather lovely garden with ponds and pavilions (feed the koi for ¥2), a boat ride, the city water and land gate, and an original foot bridge over the grand canal.
ddress: No. 1 East Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival mode: Take bus tour 2, tour 5, 7, 39, 701 and get off at Panmen Scenic Spot. Opening hours: 7:30-17:00, stop ticketing at 17:00
Tickets: Adult tickets 40 yuan, 1.2 meters – 1.5 meters (including 1.5 meters) children, students, 60-69 years old with a valid certificate half-vote, 1.2 meters (including 1.2 meters) children, over 70 years old, military retired cadres , active military personnel, disabled persons with free documents with free tickets. Ruiguang Tower needs to pay 6 yuan per person.

Xiyuan Temple

The temple was founded in the Yuan dynasty, was ruined and then became part of a large classical garden, Xiyuan or West Garden. The garden belonged to a Senior Government Official during the Ming Dynasty. When he died, his son donated the garden to the monastery. Most of the buildings were destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in 1860. It was rebuilt after the war.
Address: No. 18, Xiyuan Lane, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival: Take Bus 406 to Xiyuan and get off at Damen Double Bridge. You can also take the 34, 311, 317 air conditioning, 400 North Line, 949 Road, Tour 5 North Line, and Tour 5 South Line to get off at Xiyuan East Station.
Opening hours: 7:30-17:00 in summer and 8:00-17:00 in winter
Tickets: 25 yuan / person, students, 60-70 years old with a valid certificate half a ticket 12.5 yuan, children under 1.2 meters, 70 years old or older with a valid certificate free of charge.
Tel: 0512-65349545 (gutang), 65334359
Www.jcedu.org

Twin Pagodas

A pair of brick Northern Song Dynasty pagodas stand sentinel over the stark remains of an Arhat Temple from the same era. Mostly intact stone pillars, gracefully carved with floral designs, at the corners of the foundation, give a sense the invisible halls size and a The temples are damaged in the rest. The temple was damaged in the Qing dynasty and abandoned totally at the onset of China’s republic. The grounds are peaceful but feel like a stone graveyard with fragments of carvings displayed around the Outer wall or used as stands for bonsai plants.
Address: Inside Dinghui Temple Lane, Fenghuang Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take Bus 40 East Line, 40 West Line, 55, 89, 204, 309, 501, 529, 811, You 2 Road, You 5 South Road and get off at Shuangta Station
Opening hours: 8:00-16:30
Tickets: 8 yuan / person

Suzhou Art Gallery

Exhibits of painting and calligraphy, especially modern Chinese art and local Suzhou artists.
Address: Canglang Pavilion, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take bus 5, 8, 33, 38, 54, 69, 101, 102, 112, tour 1, tour 4 and get off at Pingmen station
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, stop at 16:00, closed on Monday, open as usual on holidays
Tickets: Free, visitors must go to the counseling office to get tickets.
Www.szpcc.com

Tiger hill

A famous Song Dynasty (960-1279) poet, Su Shi said, ‘It is a lifelong pity if having visited Suzhou you did not visit Tiger Hill.’ This epitomises the general opinion of those who have seen this local beauty spot with its many Attractions that we shall endeavour to describe for you.
Climbing it, you will find a number of historical sites some of which can be Traced back over 2,500 years to the founding of Suzhou. Although the hill is relatively small it has rich history. These are just some of the highlights of what to be found there.
Address: No. 8, Huqiushanmen, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival mode: Take the tour to the south gate of Huqiu, take the bus No. 2, and take the bus No. 8 and No. 949 to the north gate of Huqiu.
Opening hours: 7:30-17:30
Tickets: April to May, July to October 80 yuan, June, November to March 60 yuan; 1.2 meters to 1.5 meters (including 1.5 meters) children, 6 to 18 years old (including 18 years old) ) Minors, students, and 60-69 year olds outside Jiangsu Province with a valid half-ticket, 6 years old (including 6 years old) or 1.2 meters (including 1.2 meters) children (to be accompanied by an adult), 70 years old outside Jiangsu Province The above elderly, elderly people over 60 years old in Jiangsu Province, with valid documents free of charge
Tel: 0512-67232305, 65323488
Www.tigerhill.com

Cold Mountain Temple

Most of the buildings date from the Tang Dynasty except for the nearest built five-storey pagoda. Address: Hanshan Temple, Fengqiao, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Arrival method: take bus 30, 31, 33, 44 air conditioning, 300 North Line, 301, 307, 324, 406, 415, 442, 622, You 3 Road, get off at Heshanqiao Station, walk about 400 meters to enter the scenic spot
Opening hours: 7:30-17:00, 16:30 deadline for ticket sales
Tickets: 20 yuan / person
Tel: Hanshan Temple Guest Hall 0512-65336634, External Relations Department 0512-67236213 www.hanshansi.org

Suzhou Museum

Pei lived most of his life in the US and was a very successful architect there, known for the glass pyramid outside the Louvre in Paris, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and other landmarks. He came out of retirement in his 80s To return to Suzhou to create a museum that married his modernist sensibility with his sense of the region; as a teenager he lived in Shanghai and often visited family in Suzhou. Do not miss the recreation of the Ming Dynasty scholar’s study. Address: Suzhou 204 Northeast Street
Arrival mode: take the 1st, 2nd, and 5th roads, bus 40, 55, 178, 202, 309, 313, 518, 529, 811, 923, etc.
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, stop ticketing at 16:00
Tickets: Tickets will be issued free of charge during the invoice period of the museum’s new museum (special circumstances must be collected by my valid documents), each person is limited to one, valid on the same day (limited to 3,000 people per day)
Phone: 0512-67575666

Suzhou Silk Museum

Most of the artifacts are faded and rather plain looking, but the live silk worms are quite a sight. Address: No. 2001, North Section of Renmin Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, near the North Temple Tower
Arrival method: take bus No.1, No.5, No.8, No.31, No.54, No.69, No.101, No.102, No.103, No.112, No.313, No.406, No.602, No.1, 4 Road to the North Temple Tower, then walk along the Renmin Road to the north for 100 meters.
Opening hours: 7:30-16:30
Tickets: Free
Tel: 0512-67531977
Www.szsilkmuseum.com

Confucian Temple

First established in the Northern Song Dynasty (1035 CE), the Confucian Temple has continually been one of the most important institutes for higher studies in the country. Much of its ground today is still occupied by Suzhou Middle School. Flanked by trees of hundreds of Years of age, the main hall includes an impressive portrait of Confucius made of lacquer, and various ceremonial instruments. Ask the guard for the four Song Dynasty Steles, each standing more than 15 feet tall, which include a Song dynasty map of the city ( Much of it still works today), a map of China, a sky map, and a lineage of all Chinese emperors till the 13th century when these steles were carved.
Address: No. 613 Renmin Road, Suzhou City
Arrival method: Take the 4th and 2nd roads, and the 103, 101, 309 and 321 buses can be reached.
Tel: 0512-65197203

Yangcheng Lake

It is a freshwater lake about 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) northeast of the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, China. It is the most famous area of ​​origin for the Chinese mitten crabs which are considered a delicacy. Yangchen lake is located between Lake Tai And the Yangtze River. It crosses the boundary of the cities Suzhou, Changshu and Kunshan and has a surface area of ​​about 20 square kilometers (7.7 sq mi).
The Chinese mitten crabs migrate from Yangcheng Lake towards the Yangtze delta for mating in September and October. The local fishermen harvest the animals during this migration. In 2002, the total production of Chinese mitten crabs in Yangcheng Lake was estimated to be about 1,500 tonnes ( 1,500 long tons; 1,700 short tons).
Address: Wuzhong District, Suzhou City
Arrival: Take Bus No. 87 at Suzhou North Bus Station and go directly to Yangcheng Lake Town www.sip-ych.com

Lingyanshan Temple

It is a prominent Buddhist temple with a 1600 year history in Suzhou, was the palace for Xishi in BC494 located at the peak of Lingyan Hill.
Address: Lingyan Mountain, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City
Arrival time: Take the bus at 43, 43, 312, 446, 663 and get off at Lu Lingyan Temple Station. Opening hours: 8:00-18:30
Tickets: 1 yuan / person
Tel: 0512-66261310

Qionglong Mountain

It is the highest mountain of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is located in southwest of Suzhou, whose elevation is 341.7m.[1] One of the most famous ancient Chinese militarist Sun Tzu lived here after retirement, and he wrote the masterpiece The Art Of War here. Qionglong Mountain has the longest sky way in Suzhou and the only provincial natural reserve in Suzhou as well.
Address: Lushan, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City
Arrival mode: take the 43 and 64 bus to reach the scenic spot
Opening hours: 8:30-16:30
Tickets: Adult tickets 80 yuan, 1.2 meters – 1.5 meters (including 1.5 meters) children, students, 60-69 years old with a valid certificate half-vote, 1.2 meters (including 1.2 meters) children, over 70 years old, military retired cadres , active military personnel, disabled persons with valid documents free of charge
Tel: 0512-66245286
Www.qlsgwh.gov.cn

Itinerary

Classic Suzhou 1 Day Tour

Humble Administrator’s Garden – North Temple Tower – Tiger Hill – Cold Mountain Temple – Moat River

Suzhou Garden Tour

DAY 1: Humble Administrator’s Garden – Lion Grove
DAY 2: Canglang Pavilion – Lingering Garden

2 days weekend tour

DAY 1: North Temple Tower – Lion Grove – Coupled Garden – Guanqian Street – Moat River
DAY 2: Mudu – Han Shizhong Tomb – Lingyan Temple – Guangfu Ancient Town

3 days tour

DAY 1: Humble Administrator’s Garden – Zhongwangfu – Suzhou Museum – Lion Grove
DAY 2: Canglang Pavilion – Nets Garden – Shiquan Street – Phoenix Street – Suzhou Park
DAY 3: Mudu – Han Shizhong Tomb – Lingyan Temple

Food

Suzhou has been called the ‘land of milk and honey’ since ancient times and Jiangsu cuisine, of which Suzhou cuisine makes up one important part, is one of the eight famous culinary arts in China. Suzhou dishes are praised highly by food connoisseurs from both home and abroad. Derived from local time-honored culinary skills, the cuisine attains its unique sweet flavor from strictly selected materials, an elaborate way of cooking, and a unique color, aroma and shape. Nearby Taihu Lake (Tai Lake) supplies abundant fresh sea food that adds more color to the table culture of Suzhou. At the same time, more consummate culinary skills are mastered by the locals.
It is an important custom for locals to eat specific dishes according to the changing seasons. For example, Biluo Xiaren (quick-fried shrimp with biluochun tea) is sampled in spring and Xigua Ji (young chicken wrapped in watermelon rind and steamed) is well tasted in summer. Maybe, autumn is the time most yearned for by the population, because it is time to enjoy the delicious steamed crabs and nutritious Bafei Soup (barbel soup). As well as these famous dishes, Songshu Guiyu (mandarin fish, stewed and fried), which was praised by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) is considered to be the ultimate Suzhou dish, and it is highly recommended that you try it during your visit.

Shopping

Su Embroidery

Su embroidery is one of the four major styles of Chinese Embroidery. Vivid depictions of animals, people, landscapes and flowers are popular themes of Su embroidery. Traditional embroidery is blended with fashionable contemporary elements, yielding a style of embroidery that is appreciated by both Chinese people and foreigners. You can enjoy more exquisite Suzhou embroidery in the Su Embroidery Museum, which is at No.262, Jingde Road.

Song Brocade

From ancient times, the silk produced in Suzhou has been considered among the best in China. As its name implies, Song Brocade, which is woven from the outstanding silk of Suzhou, is made in the style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Song Brocade, which is made in a variety of styles and serves many functions, is always elegantly designed and colored. If you want to learn more about the silk culture of the city and do some shopping, the Suzhou Silk Museum is a must. It is located at No.2001 Renmin Road and can be reached by buses No.1 and 102 and the tourist special buses No.1 and 2.

Suzhou Fan

This is another of the fine handcrafts available in Suzhou. The traditional folding fans can be made of sandalwood or mandarin silk, while the newer style round fans are made of paper. They make good gifts for yourself or a friend back home.

Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Prints

Usually posted on exterior doors, Chinese New Year prints were originally used to exorcise the house of evil spirits. The combination of interesting subjects with woodblock printing helped this craft develop into a popular form of folk art. Incorporating auspicious themes that portray mother and child, local stories, religious motifs and well-known fables, Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Prints, which are internationally recognized, are created using a three-step process that requires the image to be drawn on paper, carved in the selected wood and then printed. You can purchase this Chinese traditional handcraft at No.190 Shantang Street.

Suzhou Writing Brush

Writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper are the four treasures of calligraphy in China. The special Huzhou writing brush that is currently produced in Suzhou, originated in Zhejiang Province. Brushes sold in the city today have incorporated a series of improvements, becoming a distinctive specialty of the area.

Biluochun Tea

Biluochun green tea is produced in Wu County. It is one of the ten famous Chinese Teas and is noted for its smooth shape, fresh color, fragrant aroma and mellow taste. The best Biluochun tea leaves are picked during March and April, and the prepared tea leaves are curled like screws and covered with white fuzz. Production of authentic Biluochun tea is very limited, making it expensive and hard to find.

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