Top Things to Do in Suzhou: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Suzhou is one of those cities that draws you in. Amid slow-moving canals, classical gardens where every corner seems planned down to the last millimetre, and neighbourhoods like Gusu or Pingjiang, with their white facades reflected in the water, the city moves to its own rhythm that you feel the moment you arrive.

And wow, it has that certain something that’s difficult to explain, as if every street held a different story.

Here you'll find what to see in Suzhou. And discover places worth taking your time over, gardens best enjoyed without watching the clock, canals to stroll along at sunset… and so much more!

If that blend of tranquillity, beauty and little discoveries sounds good to you, keep reading a bit more.

What to Do in Suzhou Based on Your Stay

Ultimately, the best way to enjoy Suzhou largely depends on how much time you have and the kind of trip you fancy.

The city is quite compact, so even a quick break can pack in more than you might expect, especially if you choose your starting point wisely. To give you a clear idea, here’s a table with itineraries designed for different paces and styles of traveller.

You’ll see that, with a little planning, Suzhou is best explored unhurriedly, with its distinctive charm appearing around every corner.

So, whether you go for a day or stay for weeks, Suzhou always finds a way to surprise you, with that intimate touch that makes it a very special trip.

Must-Visit Districts in Suzhou

Suzhou has that old-world charm you feel the moment you start wandering. Amid tranquil canals, gardens that feel like little havens, and narrow lanes where life moves to its timeless rhythm, it’s a city that beautifully preserves the essence of Wu culture. The lovely thing is that each neighbourhood offers a different atmosphere, so it’s worth lingering in each one and letting yourself be surprised.

Here are some of the most distinctive districts, the ones that help you understand why Suzhou wins you over without making a fuss.

Pingjiang

Pingjiang is probably Suzhou’s most recognisable postcard. Narrow canals, stone bridges, white facades and boats gliding slowly by while people stroll along the alleyways.

It has that laid-back feel that invites you to pause for a moment, poke around a little shop or two and, if you fancy, carry on to the nearby gardens just a stone's throw away. As evening falls, with the lights reflecting on the water, it really comes into its own.

Gusu

Gusu is the oldest part of Suzhou, an intriguing blend of tradition and constant buzz. Here, temples, long-standing shops and shopping streets like Guanqian Street rub shoulders, and it’s always buzzing. It’s the perfect neighbourhood to combine history with a more urban wander, with everything from little local stalls to peaceful nooks where you can pause for a while.

Shantang Street

Shantang Street is the kind of street that wins you over almost without you realising. It has more than a thousand years of history and, amid its canals, little wooden boats and old houses, there’s a very special atmosphere in the air.

It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll and to sample local fare at one of the stalls that fill the area. In the soft light of sunset, the street becomes even more photogenic.

Huqiu

The Huqiu area centres on Tiger Hill, a place filled with paths, leafy trees, and temples that suddenly appear amid the greenery. It’s a lovely spot to spend a peaceful morning, especially if you fancy a breather from the busier city centre.

The leaning pagoda adds that quirky touch that makes the visit different and quite memorable.

Tongli (Wujiang)

Tongli is a little gem. Although it’s a little further away, it more than makes up for it: narrow canals, ancient bridges, boats drifting by slowly, and historic houses that have preserved their original architecture beautifully.

If you fancy exploring a traditional village at a leisurely pace, this is one of the best. What’s more, the local food is absolutely delicious and the stroll is lovely at any time of day.

Top 5 Activities and Landmarks to See in Suzhou

Suzhou is one of those cities that blends the old and the new effortlessly. One moment you’re strolling through a classical garden brimming with tiny details and, the next, you’re stepping into a contemporary museum that fits surprisingly well with the timeless architecture.

Between temples, Ming-Qing houses and green spaces that feel tailor-made for slowing down, the city has something to suit every taste. Here are five spots that work a treat whether you’re here for a couple of days or staying longer.

Humble Administrator's Garden

The Humble Administrator’s Garden is one of those places that, even though it appears in every photo, is just as impressive when you see it for yourself.

Its ponds, arched bridges, wooden pavilions… everything is arranged with an almost millimetre-perfect harmony. If you go early, you’ll notice that gentle hush that makes the stroll even more pleasant.

👉 Book your ticket to the Humble Administrator’s Garden from £7.44 on Trip.com

Tiger Hill

There's something special about Tiger Hill, perhaps it's that blend of nature, temples and the leaning pagoda that peeks out among the trees.

It’s an ideal place to walk at a leisurely pace, let the trails lead you, and pause at the odd impromptu viewpoint. There are more open stretches and more tucked-away corners, so the walk never feels monotonous.

👉 Book your entry ticket to Tiger Hill from £6.37 on Trip.com

Suzhou Museum

The Suzhou Museum is the kind of place that surprises you more with the overall experience than with any single exhibit. The building, designed by I. M. Pei, beautifully plays with light and water, and inside you’ll find ceramics, calligraphy and ancient artefacts that tell the region’s story without ever feeling heavy.

👉 Book free entry to Suzhou Museum on Trip.com

Lion Forest Garden (Shizilin)

Lion Grove Garden is a small maze in the best possible way. Rocks, narrow passageways, unexpected windows and bridges linking different areas make for a very entertaining walk.

It has a playful streak that sets it apart from more stately gardens, so it’s easy to end up wandering around more than you’d expected.

👉 Book your ticket to the Lion Forest Garden from £3.03 on Trip.com

Hanshan Temple

Hanshan Temple is a serene place, with tranquil courtyards and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down.

Amid the peal of bells, the reddish walls and tree-lined paths, you feel a little removed from the world, even though you’re still in the city. Going early has its own charm, as everything is quieter.

👉 Book your ticket to Hanshan Temple from just £1.82 on Trip.com!

Suzhou, the “Venice of the East”

Suzhou has earned that nickname for more than just a pretty comparison. Its canals, stone bridges and whitewashed houses reflected in the water, together with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens, give the city a character that’s unique within China.

There’s a calmer, almost intimate rhythm, best appreciated when you slip into its narrow alleyways or let yourself be carried away by the sound of water flowing slowly.

Amid boat trips, meticulously tended gardens and neighbourhoods that preserve the essence of ancient Wu culture, Suzhou invites you to look a little closer at every corner. And perhaps that’s why so many travellers keep coming back.

🚤 Boat trips along the historic canals

A boat trip is probably the loveliest way to see Suzhou’s old town.

You drift along tranquil canals, slip beneath centuries-old bridges, and watch as traditional houses peer out over the water as if it were the most natural thing.

If you do it at dusk, when the red lanterns light up and their reflections colour the canal in warm tones, the experience is so much better. It’s a simple plan, but one of those that leaves you with a very clear picture of the city’s soul.

🌿 Discover Suzhou’s secret gardens

Suzhou’s gardens are another world. More than parks, they’re compositions designed down to the last detail: rocks, ponds, pavilions, shade and light playing in a way that feels both calculated and natural at once.

What’s interesting is that each garden has its own personality; some feel more secluded, others more open, and all of them hide little nooks that are best discovered when you’re in no rush. Every so often you pass by a pond and hear nothing but the water moving, and in that moment you understand why these gardens are regarded as a treasure.

The Best Time to Visit Suzhou

Suzhou is a city you can enjoy pretty much any time of year, though it’s true it has its standout moments.

Spring and autumn usually steal the show, with the gardens at their best and walks along the canals especially pleasant, but each season has its own character and little surprises worth bearing in mind.

To help you get your bearings without being overwhelmed by endless forecasts, here’s a clear summary of what awaits you, depending on the time of year.

Whichever season you choose, Suzhou always finds a way to deliver an experience to match. Whether it’s a garden, a local market, or a stroll along the canals that you’ll enjoy far more than you’d expect.

If you'd like to tailor your trip to what each season has to offer, have a look at the activities available on Trip.com and pick the ones that best suit your time of year.

Suzhou Day Trips: Best Nearby Sights

Suzhou has the wonderful advantage of being right in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, surrounded by water towns, canals, and cities steeped in history.

From here, it’s very easy to get around and head off on short getaways that offer plenty of scope, especially if you fancy a change of scene without having to set aside too many days.

Tongli: Ming architecture and tranquil canals

Tongli is one of those places best savoured at an unhurried pace. Its Ming- and Qing-era houses, stone bridges and narrow canals create a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, almost as if you’d slipped into an old postcard. If you go early, you can wander the narrowest lanes practically alone and watch the locals start their day with a charming natural ease.

• Travel time: 30–40 min
• Transport: direct bus from Suzhou or a reasonably priced taxi
• Must-sees: Tuisi Garden, Three Lives Bridge, canal boat trip

Zhouzhuang: The most picturesque water town

Zhouzhuang proudly calls itself the most beautiful water town in the region — and with good reason. Its canals weave a gorgeous maze, and the perfectly preserved houses look as though they haven’t changed in centuries.

The Double Bridge area is a fantastic spot for photos and, if you have time, a boat ride lets you see the village from a very different perspective.

• Travel time: 50–60 min
• Transport: tourist bus or train to Kunshan + local bus
• Must-sees: Double Bridge, Chengxu Temple, traditional waterside houses

Shanghai: A glimpse of the great modern metropolis

If you’re craving a striking contrast to Suzhou’s calm, Shanghai is the perfect getaway.

In less than an hour, you go from quiet canals to impressive skyscrapers, endless lights, and an urban pace that switches your mindset in a matter of minutes. Spend the morning along the Bund, the afternoon at one of Pudong’s observation decks, and end the day wandering the streets of the French Concession, which oozes charm.

• Journey time: 25–40 minutes (depending on the train)
• Transport: high-speed train from Suzhou Station or Suzhou North
• Must-sees: The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), Shanghai French Concession

👉 Book your train ticket to these fantastic destinations with Trip.com 🎁

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