For centuries, Chinese poets have called Suzhou paradise on earth. We completely agree: Suzhou’s gardens belong in heaven. There are 69 splendid gardens in the city, 8 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Each and every single garden is beautiful. The gardens date back to the 11th to the 19th Century. The rest of the city is interesting too. There are ancient pedestrian streets, pagodas, parks, and lots of canals.
The city has a modern area too and top-notch hotels. That’s why we believe every trip to China must include Suzhou. Besides, its’ very easy to go there from the rest of the country.
Explore the Classical Gardens of Suzhou
We are talking about gorgeous gardens with carved rocks, lakes, streams, ancient pavilions, bridges, trees, and flowers. Of the 8 UNESCO listed, 3 were our favorites. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is the biggest. Built in the 1100s, it surrounds a lake.
The Lingering Garden dates back to the 16th Century. We loved the long-roofed walkway that connects the garden’s buildings.
The smaller Master of the Nets Garden is from the 12th Century. The beautiful tree in the Barrier of the Cloud Grotto dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
Visit the Suzhou Museum
Please take note that you need to book the entrance ticket to the Suzhou Museum in advance. It’s free and amazing! The building designed by Chinese genius I.M. Pei in 2006 is gorgeous too.
The collection inside the museum blew our minds. There are over 30,000 objects dating back millennia. There’s also modern art and some 70,000 books!
Take note that the old section of the museum is the Bei Family Temple, located in the Lion Grove Garden. It holds the folk art collection. Both places are worth your time.
Walk along the Pedestrian Streets
You have to walk, people watch, eat, and drink in the city’s pedestrian streets in the Old Town. Pingjian Road borders the river. Dating back to the 12th Century, it’s one of China’s most famous historic streets.
Shangtang Street is older and longer. Built in the 9th Century it’s 3 miles long and borders a canal. Go at night to see it fully illuminated in all of its glory.
Guanqian Street is known for its ancient temples. Ten temples line the shortest and newest street (150 years). Our favorite was the Xunmiao Temple from the Tang Dynasty but rebuilt in the 18th Century.
Admire the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal (Jinghang) is the world’s oldest and longest. The massive UNESCO listed water system passes through Suzhou on its way to Hangzhou. Hanshan Temple is next to it.
The best places to admire the canal are along the Suzhou Moat, Shangtang, Xujiang, and the Baodai Bridge. The massive stone bridge is one of China’s oldest.
You can also take a boat tour along the canal. Cruises depart from Baijuyi Wharf on Shangtang Street and take approximately 1 hour. We took one at night and had a great time.
Enjoy the View from the Tiger Hill Pagoda
The Tiger Hill Pagoda took our breaths away. It is one of our favorite places in China. The 150-foot (46 meters) pagoda crowns a hill in the middle of a splendid garden.
Though the pagoda dates back to the 10th Century, most of what we can see today dates back to 1871. As you will notice, it leans to one side.
Do not rush and admire the garden around the pagoda. No worries, it’s easy to go up the slope that leads to the pagoda. You can see the Grand Canal from there.
Visit the Hanshan Temple
We believe the Hanshan Temple is one the prettiest temples in China, and the world. The original temple dates back to the 5th Century. Destroyed many times, its final reconstruction was in 1900.
Though the pink temple is huge, it looks delicate and ethereal. No wonder Chinese poet Zhang Ji wrote a poem about it over 100 years ago. The poem is still famous in China and Japan.
Take note that the temple is alive. People visit to pray for peace. You will see scholars writing with brushes and ink. Notice the massive iron bells that decorate the temple.
Bike Around Jinji Lake
Not everything is old in Suzhou. The city has fantastic modern architecture too. Most of it is around Jinji Lake. The lake is next to the city’s contemporary icon: The Gate of Orient.
The massive tower presides over the 3 square mile lake (8 km²). There are jogging and bike lanes around the lake. You can walk or bike at all times.
There’s a water and light show every afternoon. If you get hungry, or want to shop, check out Suzhou Center, the city’s fanciest mall.
Explore the Tongli Ancient Town
We were tired so we took a taxi to Tongli Ancient Town and couldn’t believe our eyes. The ancient town is one of the nicest in China. Locals call it the Venice of the East.
Each and every single canal is beautiful. There are some 55 bridges with lovely views over the town. Walk, breath, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Together with the 8 other gardens in Suzhou, the Retreat and Reflection Garden in Tongli is also a UNESCO listed site. The 1885 garden overlooks a quaint lake.
Where to Stay
Though the Old Town is the best area to stay in Suzhou, the hotel offer is not that great. Therefore, we stayed in two hotels.
We first stayed in the old town, at the Pan Pacific Suzhou. The fancy property resembles a traditional Suzhou village and has direct access to the historic Panmen Gate. The rooms are comfy and big. However, there is no heating, so we don’t suggest staying there in winter.
We then moved to the Renaissance Suzhou, close to the Gate of the Orient Tower. The hotel has a pool with a hot tub and a sauna. The service was impeccable.
