Suzhou Attractions

Top Things to Do in Suzhou - Suzhou Must-See Attractions

Things to Do in Suzhou

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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Suzhou.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Suzhou

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying

  • Dick Z
    Bangkok, Thailand3,831 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It has been compared to Venice, as other places boasting many canals have, but it is truly a nice place to walk around. It is relatively quiet, just beware of the silent electric motorcycles whizzing by. The place can easily be reached by subway from Suzhou station. It is the last stop on line four and the ride takes about 45 minutes.
    Written 5 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • thetankengine
    Christchurch, New Zealand201 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This garden might be small, but it packs a punch! It's a fantastic example of classic Chinese garden design, with all the beautiful features you'd expect. While the night tour fee (120 RMB) is a bit steeper, it's worth it during the summer. You'll be rewarded with a peaceful experience, free from the daytime crowds.

    The night tour truly elevates the experience. They have special lighting that transforms the garden and even include a live performance of traditional Suzhou Pingtan music. It's an unforgettable experience! Booking the night tour is easy - you can do it through the official Suzhou gardens app within WeChat.

    Overall, I highly recommend this garden, especially if you can swing the night tour.
    Written 15 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dick Z
    Bangkok, Thailand3,831 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an old classical garden with many structures inside, belonging to a former administration. It is located next to the Suzhu museum and the best way to get there is by subway. Line 6 has a stop with the Garden's name. As has been said the place is often overcrowded, making a nice relaxing walk somewhat of a challenge. But since it is one of the most famous gardens maybe even in China I still think you should see it, although as a total experience I can not give it 5 balls.
    Written 5 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zfy Ed
    Singapore, Singapore10,512 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Pingjiang road is a historical street that dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. With well-preserved blocks of ancient buildings and historical shophouses, it acts as an epitome of ancient Suzhou. Walking around Pingjiang road resembles stepping in the daily life of the people in the olden times. There are also several museums here such as the Pingjiang Cultural Center and the Fan Museum etc, present the rich history and culture of the city.

    The scenery here, be it day or night is nice and charming, where visitors will be able to experience and indulge in rich cultural, handicrafts and arts activities, delicious local food and of course the superb lake view where you can also take a boat ride along the small canals! And some visitors will dress in the traditional "han" costumes to walk around the place, and is sure a worthwhile visitation experience!
    Written 18 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BigSteve85
    Essex, UK50 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth the trip but very popular so gets crowded. Although lots of steps there is a land train that takes the scenic route from the entrance to the pagoda. Also a circular boat trip which is well worth taking.
    Written 29 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maree R
    Christchurch, New Zealand1,238 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice gardens that are very busy. We were on a tour so did not have to navigate the ticket system as were another couple of buses that arrived at the same time. There are several areas inside with water features and some bonsai trees and there are people everywhere. Well worth seeing but overcrowded.
    Written 28 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dick Z
    Bangkok, Thailand3,831 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The street can easily be reached by subway, one stop from Suzhou Station. It is a nice area with many shops for food and souvenirs. There is canal where boat rides are offered and along the canal there are also some restaurants with outside seating.
    Written 5 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zfy Ed
    Singapore, Singapore10,512 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Suzhou Museum is located on the west side of the Humble Administrator's Garden in Pingjiang District in Suzhou city center. It includes the new building that was opened in 2006 and the ancient building of the palace of King Zhong during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The entire museum resembles a small garden, besides the ancient buildings, there's the small lakes with greenery all over the place.

    And in the new museum building, visitors will be able to see various artifacts such as pottery, jade, paintings and calligraphy from the ancient times to the modern times. And back in the palace of King Zhong, visitors can also see the beauty and elegance of the “Su-style painting”. And if you are into arts, paintings and calligraphy, you will surely like this place. And from here, it's a short walk to visit the Administrator's garden featuring the Jiangnan scenery and beauty and also the lion's forest with lots of sculptures.

    It was crowded during our visit there and was told this was always the case and had to queue to get in. Unfortunately, my mobile battery went flat and so didn't manage to take more pics (though my friends did) as I could not find my powerbank which later found it in my another handcarry bag instead of my haversack!
    Written 18 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim
    865 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lion Forest Garden is one of the four top tourist destinations in Suzhou. Compared with the lesser-known destination such as the Master-of-Nets Garden, it is much more crowded. Most of the buildings of the Lion Forest Garden are used for bonsai display. They are nice, but not unique for the Lion Forest Garden. I found that the highlight of the tour is the winding pathways through the rockeries surrounding the lake. It may take you around one hour to go through all the winding pathways, and you will experience different views when you pop out of the pathway.
    Written 16 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TOMOSUMIC
    Trogir, Croatia815 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In the very center of Suzhou, there are several beautiful gardens.
    I was with my Chinese friends in one, and I enjoyed it.
    It is probably even more beautiful with more flowers in April and May.
    It was a holiday, and there were perhaps too many people.
    And with that, there was also a nice yes,
    Next time, when I come, I go to visit the other gardens as well.
    Written 4 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PaulSiow
    Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,697 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We came by metro and took a short walk to the visit the grand canal. There were many smaller tributaries around this canal. You can take boat rides to slowly enjoy the area or you can walk. We walked and it was quite enjoyable. Congested with tourists though, like most tourist sites in China.
    Written 5 April 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ian Anderson
    Shanghai, China158 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jinji (Golden Chicken) Lake gives oxygen to Suzhou. The lake feels large enough to be like a sea but you can walk round it briskly in less than 3 hours (follow the "Fitness Trail"). Inevitably quite crowded on/near the plaza in front of the famous "Big Trousers" skyscraper, you can excape the throng quite fast. Architecture around the lake is generally attractive - and dramatically lit up in the evening. Restaurants/cafes either near the plaza or especially near the Culture & Arts Centre, also on East side (Western) or SW section. Boat trips available and I believe you can visit the island in the middle with a pagoda. If you are well-heeled, try staying at the ship-shaped Crowne Plaza (v good) on NW shore. Just a pity that the famous fountain show has been cancelled for 18 months
    Written 14 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.