Top 50 Best Things to Do in Suzhou
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Suzhou

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  • Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden)top_1
    󰺂8.8
    36.4
    Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYi Liang Pavilion in Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden) is open for a limited time
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Enjoy colorful scenery at the year-round flower show
    󱨜World Heritage Site
    󱨠Saved by 4605 users󱨠50989 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    任逍遥之任逍遥之

    Suzhou gardens are indeed masterpieces where the creator and craftsmen's hearts and minds blend seamlessly. Every pavilion and terrace is imbued with poetry, every blade of grass and every tree is a painting. The winding paths lead to secluded spots, where the unexpected beauty of "a sudden revelation" awaits. The light and shadow outside the latticed windows shift with the changing light of dawn and dusk, weaving the gentle grace of Jiangnan and the philosophical concept of leaving space within a small space. Strolling among them is like stepping into an ancient dream, one can't help but tread lightly, afraid to disturb the serene beauty flowing between the bricks, tiles, grass, and trees. If one has the leisure, a visit during a light rain or at sunset allows one to appreciate the poetic imagery of "rain pattering on banana leaves" and "the moon casting shadows on flowers," making it a truly elegant destination worth making a special trip for.

  • Hanshan Templetop_2
    󰺂8.2
    9.36
    Suzhou.New Urban District/ Hanshan Temple2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFall scenery at Hanshan Temple: A quiet and profound search for the long-lost autumn | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    Highlights:
    󱓊Over 1,400 years history
    Experience the poem's serene ambiance
    󱨠Saved by 1740 users󱨠17819 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M69***27M69***27

    Strolling hand-in-hand with your loved one at Hanshan Temple, the ancient temple is tucked away in the bustling city yet remains tranquil and serene. Red walls and black tiles reflect a Zen-like atmosphere, and the poetic imagery of "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" permeates the entire journey. Together, we strike the prayer bell, admire the calligraphy inscriptions, and feel the romance of fishing lights on the river flowing through our hearts. It is an unforgettable journey that combines cultural heritage with the warmth of our love.

  • Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden)top_3
    󰺂8.0
    15.6
    Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street4.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜Gem of World Cultural Heritage
    21 caves & 9 labyrinthine paths
    󱨠Saved by 1828 users󱨠17047 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M81***32M81***32

    Lion Grove Garden, a classical garden located in Suzhou, is like a dazzling pearl embedded in the picturesque landscape of the Jiangnan water towns. It is not only one of the four most famous gardens in China, but also a gem of Yuan Dynasty garden art, renowned worldwide for its unique rockery landscape.

  • Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area
    4
    󰺂7.9
    15.55
    Suzhou.Suzhou Railway Station District4.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA poetic encounter between the thousand-year-old Tiger Hill Pagoda and red maple trees | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Gardens in Suzhou
    Highlights:
    󱨜Tiger Hill Pagoda (World's 2nd leaning tower)
    󱓊Spring Art Flower Show: Rare Blooms
    󱨠Saved by 1665 users󱨠19782 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Tiger Hill in Suzhou, hailed as "the First Mountain of Wu," is a landmark historical site in Suzhou. It is not only the resting place of King Helü of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period, but also embodies 2,500 years of Jiangnan cultural heritage and legends. Upon entering Tiger Hill, the most striking feature is the majestic, leaning Yunyan Temple Pagoda, a thousand-year-old pagoda that has become a symbol of the ancient city of Suzhou. The Sword Pool, deep and emerald green, is said to be where Helü buried his sword, and the cliff carvings bear witness to the footsteps of scholars and poets throughout history. Strolling along the mountain path, one encounters historical sites such as the Sword Testing Stone, the Tomb of Zhenniang, and the Thousand-Man Stone, each with its own story. Su Shi's lament, "To visit Suzhou without seeing Tiger Hill is a great regret," still resonates. Tiger Hill is not just a mountain, but also an open-air museum of Wu culture. Spring flower festivals and autumn temple fairs infuse the tranquil landscape with a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. Here, the beauty of nature and the charm of culture blend perfectly. Strolling through the area, one can almost hear the echoes of history and feel the unique, refined, elegant, and profound character of Suzhou.

  • Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
    5
    󰺂7.8
    23.4
    Suzhou.Shi Road/Shantang business district2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Stunning Jelly-Like Pond at Suzhou's Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Gardens in Suzhou
    Highlights:
    󱨜World Heritage Site
    󰀆Crown Cloud Peak: five unique features
    󱨠Saved by 1493 users󱨠11327 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    任逍遥之任逍遥之

    The true beauty of Lingering Garden lies in its exquisite detail. Unlike the expansive, freehand style of the Humble Administrator's Garden, it weaves mountains, water, pavilions, and flowers into a delicate poem. Entering the garden, framing the view through the interlacing branches of ancient trees, the light and shadow through the latticed windows overlap with the distant pavilions, creating a living painting. With each step, the scenery changes, like turning the pages of a beautiful picture book. Especially around the Crown Cloud Peak area, the slender, delicate rocks complement the surrounding winding corridors and waterside pavilions, subtly concealing the ingenious idea of ​​"though made by man, it seems as if created by nature." On a sunny afternoon, sunlight filters through the carved window lattices onto the bluestone slabs, scattering golden spots, and even the air is filled with a serene, ancient charm. Compared to the grand scale of the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden is more like a reserved scholar, requiring careful appreciation to savor the enduring beauty hidden in the details.

  • Zhouzhuang
    6
    󰺂7.7
    26
    Kunshan.Outside Zhouzhuang Ancient Town32.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoZhouzhuang's mid-winter ginkgo season: A 400-year-old tree welcomes visitors to admire its golden leaves | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    Ming & Qing architectural complexes views
    󰋄Photographers' paradise & must-visit
    󱨠Saved by 2762 users󱨠10616 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    E35***28E35***28

    Hiring a guide this time was definitely the right decision. It was the first time our family cousins ​​had organized a trip together. I've been to Zhouzhuang Water Town many times, and I think if I just wandered around aimlessly, rushing through the sights, even the best scenery and cultural heritage would be wasted. By watching and listening, the beautiful scenery, cultural heritage, and historical stories came to life. The key was that the guide was excellent—attentive, warm-hearted, highly professional, and very knowledgeable. It was a very enjoyable experience, and everyone praised him!

  • Suzhou Museum
    7
    󰺂7.4
    Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street4.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Designed by architect I.M. Pei
    󱓊White walls & bamboo courtyard
    󱨠Saved by 1756 users󱨠3197 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    暴宝妮暴宝妮

    The Suzhou Museum's opening day was met with widespread media coverage of the overwhelming demand and difficulty in securing tickets, a phenomenon still fresh in many people's minds. Although admission was free, advance reservations were required to reserve a specific date. Many popular tourist attractions experience similar initial surges in visitors, only to quickly become deserted once the initial novelty wears off. However, the Suzhou Museum continues to attract global visitors even on weekdays. Not during summer vacation or holidays, it's still packed with people on a random weekday. This is likely due to its sheer beauty; it's not just a museum, but a successful fusion of world-class architecture, precious artifacts, innovative exhibitions, and the aesthetics of Jiangnan lifestyle. If you have ample time, I recommend observing the changing light and shadow effects throughout the museum, especially in the central hall and corridors, to appreciate how natural light breathes life into the space through the glass ceiling.

  • Tongli Ancient Town
    8
    󰺂7.3
    41.6
    Suzhou.Outside Tongli Ancient Town20.5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    Ancient architectural complexes (Ming & Qing)
    󰀆Experience centuries-old street life
    󱨠Saved by 2072 users󱨠7283 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I visited Tuisi Garden and the Three Bridges in Tongli Ancient Town 20 years ago. This time, it seemed there were fewer tourists, but the scenic area was more spacious and orderly. This was my first time visiting Pearl Tower Scenic Area. It has a story behind it, and the sound of Suzhou storytelling performances could be heard from time to time. It was a good experience, and there were also quite a few newlyweds dressed up for photos.

  • Shantang Street
    9
    󰺂7.0
    Suzhou.Shi Road/Shantang business district2.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cruise with Jiangnan views
    󱨜Birthplace of Kunqu Opera & Chinese folk songs
    󱨠Saved by 2196 users󱨠1693 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    In the Zhenqu Garden at night, the melodious sound of flutes and the gentle singing fill the air. Leaning on the railing, one can savor the elegant tunes and let one's thoughts wander freely. To complete this, enjoy a soft and chewy Suzhou pastry and a cup of fragrant jasmine tea—how wonderful! Turning around suddenly, the sound of a piano, like a spring or a mountain path, rises softly in the garden. A girl, as melancholy as a lilac, holds an oil-paper umbrella and drifts past us like a dream. Let us follow the river of time and savor these cultural products that carry the deep warmth of Suzhou's nostalgia!

  • Master-of-Nets Garden(Wangshi Garden)
    10
    󰺂6.7
    15.58
    Suzhou.Shiquan Street/Pan Gate Scenic Area4.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 5 of Gardens in Suzhou
    Highlights:
    󰀆Enjoy folk art performances (Nightly)
    󰋄Delicately arranged pavilions and towers
    󱨠Saved by 521 users󱨠2949 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    五行缺土26五行缺土26

    Although small in size, it is exquisitely crafted. Pavilions and towers are built along the water, their layout compact, offering a picturesque view at every turn. The Colorful Cloud Pond is lively, the architecture elegant, and there are numerous inscriptions and plaques. Here, one can truly experience the refinement and profound cultural heritage of Jiangnan gardens, making it well worth a visit.

Best things to do in Suzhou (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Suzhou? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Suzhou offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Suzhou

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Suzhou experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden)

• Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street | 5 km from downtown

• : Enjoy colorful scenery at the year-round flower show,World Heritage Site

Hanshan Temple

• Suzhou.New Urban District/ Hanshan Temple | 2 km from downtown

• : Over 1,400 years history,Experience the poem's serene ambiance

Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden)

• Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street | 4.8 km from downtown

• : Gem of World Cultural Heritage,21 caves & 9 labyrinthine paths

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Suzhou

If you want to explore attractions just outside Suzhou, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Suzhou, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Suzhou special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Suzhou

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Suzhou

Ready to explore the best of Suzhou? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Suzhou?
These are all Best Things to Do in Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden), Hanshan Temple, Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden), Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area, Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Suzhou?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Suzhou include:Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden):4.6, Hanshan Temple:4.6, Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden):4.7, Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area:4.7, Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden):4.7
At what locations in Suzhou can Best Things to Do in Suzhou be found?
The Best Things to Do in Suzhou are mainly located in:Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden):Suzhou, Hanshan Temple:Suzhou, Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden):Suzhou, Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area:Suzhou, Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden):Suzhou
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