Day 1: Classical Gardens & Pingjiang Road
Morning
Start your trip with the most iconic of the classical gardens of Suzhou: The Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园). Arrive early (around 7:30 AM) to enjoy it quietly. Located on Metro Line 2, it’s easy to reach.
Spend 2–3 hours wandering through pavilions, lily ponds, and bamboo groves. Don’t miss Yuanxiang Hall and Tingyu Pavilion — peaceful and full of charm.
Lunch
Head to Songhelou, a long-standing Suzhou restaurant, to try sweet-and-sour Mandarin fish (松鼠桂鱼) and lotus root with osmanthus syrup.
For a quick bite, stroll over to Pingjiang Road for Tangbao (soup dumplings) and meat-filled mooncakes — both inexpensive and satisfying.
Afternoon
Explore Pingjiang Road, a cobblestone lane beside a canal. Sip a pot of Biluochun tea at a local teahouse like Liuyuan Teahouse, and check out boutique shops selling silk scarves, embroidery, and other crafts.
Evening
Wrap up your day at Time Café, a riverside spot with views of lantern-lit water alleys — a peaceful end to your first day.
Day 2: Canal Cruise, Suzhou Museum & Jinji Lake
Morning
At 9:00 AM, board a boat along the Ancient Grand Canal, one of the oldest man-made waterways in the world. The ride lasts about 1 hour (¥30–50) and passes under stone bridges and by white-walled homes — one of the must-see Suzhou attractions.
Lunch
On Guanqian Street, grab snacks like sweet taro with osmanthus, glazed lotus root, or seasonal green rice balls (Qingtuan). Try crab shell pastry (Xie Ke Huang) if you like savory.
Afternoon
Visit the world-renowned Suzhou Museum, designed by architect I.M. Pei. It’s free, visually stunning, and rich in history. One of the top things to see in Suzhou, it blends old and new perfectly. Set aside 1.5 hours to enjoy the exhibits.
Evening
Take a taxi to Jinji Lake (金鸡湖) for modern Suzhou vibes. Walk along the lakefront, enjoy the light show, or grab a drink at Mai Café or the W Hotel bar — a different side of Suzhou that’s lively and contemporary.
Day 3: Zhouzhuang Water Town Escape
Morning
Leave early (7:00 AM) for Zhouzhuang, one of China’s most famous water towns, about 1 hour from Suzhou. This is a highlight if you want to explore beyond the city and see Suzhou and Zhouzhuang together.
Take a boat ride (¥50), glide under stone bridges, and listen to boatmen sing traditional songs.
Lunch
Eat at Shenting Restaurant, a historic spot where I had Wansan pork knuckle and sliced pork belly — both rich in flavor and local history. Finish with sticky rice balls or Qingtuan if available.
Afternoon
Wander through quiet lanes, sip Apo Tea (阿婆茶), and try a bit of Huadiao rice wine. I spent an hour at a riverside teahouse with jasmine tea, just listening to the water and watching daily life unfold.
Return
Head back to Suzhou by sunset. If you still have energy, Lion Grove Garden or Tiger Hill are nearby and worth a short stop.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn — avoid hot, humid summers.
- Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Carry some cash for small shops.
- Language: Basic English is spoken in most tourist areas, but translation apps help a lot.
- Pace: Suzhou rewards slow travel. Leave some time unplanned and just wander.
This 3-day trip gave me a true taste of Suzhou’s elegance, calm, and contrast. From the classical gardens and historic streets to the modern lakefront and nearby Zhouzhuang, every moment felt meaningful. If you’re visiting Suzhou for the first time, I hope this guide helps you experience the city not just as a tourist, but as a traveler.
