Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou: Hours, Address, Humble Administrator's Garden Reviews: 4.5/5
Humble Administrator's Garden
Humble Administrator's Garden
4.5
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
278 within 3 miles
Finland Home Cafe
211
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Cafe • European
Danish Baking Shifu
75
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Cafe • European
Wu MenRen Jia (Pan Ru Xiang)
52
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Zhejiang • Asian
Bianyifang Roast Duck
1
0.2 miChinese
SuZhou XiaoChi
1
0.3 miChinese • Zhejiang
Ancient Ape Coffee
6
0.3 mi
Wei's Ao Noodle House
1
0.4 miChinese
YaBa ShengJian
102
0.6 mi$ • Chinese • Fast Food • Asian
ShangXia Ruo JiuBa
3
0.4 miBar • Pub
ShangHe Coffee
5
0.5 miCafe
Attractions
146 within 6 miles
Suzhou Museum
832
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
Furong Pavilion
2
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Parks
Lion Forest Garden
766
0.2 miGardens
Suzhou Folk Custom Museum
9
0.2 miHistory Museums
Suzhou Art & Crafts Museum
9
0.3 miArt Museums
Suzhou Coins Museum
5
0.3 miSpeciality Museums
Pingjiang Road
981
0.7 mi
DongBeiJie BuXingJie
494 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Suzhou Silk Museum
305
0.6 miSpeciality Museums
North Pagoda Garden
74
0.6 miParks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,326 reviews
Excellent
1,134
Very good
846
Average
282
Poor
48
Terrible
16
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada1,661 contributions
Couples
We had a quick visit in the garden and thought it was very nice. The garden is well thought out but we found it too busy to enjoy.
We visited on a Friday and when we bought tickets we had to reserve a time to enter the garden. We may have lucked out because we bought tickets at 11:20 and were able to get in at 11:30 but could see this place getting much busier.
The area around the garden is very nice with many good dining options as well as all the fast food flair.
We visited on a Friday and when we bought tickets we had to reserve a time to enter the garden. We may have lucked out because we bought tickets at 11:20 and were able to get in at 11:30 but could see this place getting much busier.
The area around the garden is very nice with many good dining options as well as all the fast food flair.
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sean Liu
Taiwan1,331 contributions
There are multiple traditional Suzhou-style Chinese gardens in Suzhou, and 9 of these gardens have been inscribed in World Heritage list. The most famous and notable one is the Humble Administrator's Garden. It will take you about two to three hours to finish the walk throughout most of the places of interest. It's mandatory to make a reservation of your arrival time during a busy time like summer.
It is recommended to join a tour guide service to further understand the background history and trivia behind this garden and the story of the founder. The complimentary tour guide service lasts for half an hour, guiding you through some of the most crucial buildings in the garden. You can understand more by requesting for a paid tour guide service.
There are lots of photo opportunities in the garden, and you get to experience more when the history of these incredible buildings is revealed. The current price is RMB$70 in the off-peak season and RMB$80 in the peak season.
It is recommended to join a tour guide service to further understand the background history and trivia behind this garden and the story of the founder. The complimentary tour guide service lasts for half an hour, guiding you through some of the most crucial buildings in the garden. You can understand more by requesting for a paid tour guide service.
There are lots of photo opportunities in the garden, and you get to experience more when the history of these incredible buildings is revealed. The current price is RMB$70 in the off-peak season and RMB$80 in the peak season.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JS&BS
Manchester, UK80 contributions
We had some issues finding this garden - if you turn on the pedestrian street signposted for the suzhou museum & continue walking past the museum then you will reach the garden ticket booth and entrance.
We visited on a Sunday which was very busy, probably a less crowded experience if you can visit on a weekday. Despite the crowds a very enjoyable half day was spent looking round the garden.
We visited on a Sunday which was very busy, probably a less crowded experience if you can visit on a weekday. Despite the crowds a very enjoyable half day was spent looking round the garden.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lillia
United States6 contributions
The Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest and most famous classic garden in Suzhou. Its exquisite beauty, artistic value, and historic significance established the garden, as one of China’s four most famous gardens. It was also listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational，Scientific，and Cultural Organization in 1997. Covering an area of 52,000 square meters, the Humble Administrator’s Garden began to built in 1509 AD during the Ming Dynasty and was finished after 16 years of elaborate work.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MattwalesNorthWales
Chengdu, China2,052 contributions
Couples
This is one of the four most important gardens in China. Perfectly preserved and well
maintained. Shows off the ancient Chinese fixation with stone formations and meaning. Great use of water with crisscrossing pathways shaded vantage points and focus on colour. Lovely collection of mature bonsais and plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in a tranquil space despite the number of people. A highly recommended way to spend a couple of hours.
maintained. Shows off the ancient Chinese fixation with stone formations and meaning. Great use of water with crisscrossing pathways shaded vantage points and focus on colour. Lovely collection of mature bonsais and plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in a tranquil space despite the number of people. A highly recommended way to spend a couple of hours.
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
King L
Nottingham, UK317 contributions
Solo
Not sure how this is ranked only a mere #11, when almost all locals will tell you that it is the first park you ought to visit in Suzhou, along with the Tiger Hill (which is relatively outskirts from the main tourism area).
There is English audio guide available to rent from, but I kind of have to ask a few times before they bring me there (I can speak a bit of Chinese). The area is picturesque with traditional garden, pagoda, and ancient architectural designs. If you aren’t a fan of these, then perhaps it isn’t for you.
There is English audio guide available to rent from, but I kind of have to ask a few times before they bring me there (I can speak a bit of Chinese). The area is picturesque with traditional garden, pagoda, and ancient architectural designs. If you aren’t a fan of these, then perhaps it isn’t for you.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travelling321
Ningbo, Zhejiang25 contributions
Family
This was by far my favourite garden in Suzhou. We went in the morning (9am) before the garden began to fill up. I loved how it was divided into "sections" we could explore. It's near other places we visited such as the Suzhou Museum and Museum of Folk Customs, so it's a great area to spend the day. Highly recommended.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PBlyth
Tampa, FL234 contributions
One of the larger gardens available to visit. This is an elaborately laid out garden with meandering water ways threading themselves amongst fruit trees and planted flowering areas surrounding beautiful buildings designed for meditation and relaxation. The land itself is contoured to represent both low and high ground regions. There is an extensive bonzai collection comprising many different tree types with complex shapes designed into them. Definitely a picture worthy place.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jo-Ann
Washington15,584 contributions
Couples
Too many people. Difficult to enjoy the garden. Not easy to take photographs too. Did not really enjoy the garden although it is beautiful.
Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter S
Budapest, Hungary36 contributions
The Humble Administrator's Garden lives up to the hype around it. It is definitely a "must see" attraction if you visit Suzhou. One os the biggest Traditional Gardens in this "city of water and gardens"
If it is your first time here I strongly advise to employ a guide, as without the stories and history of the place it would just be a beautiful garden. I think a good tip is to try to avoid weekend or public holiday dates, because it can get very crowded, and tours and groups can be annoying at times. On other days it is OK, but as one of the most famous gardens to visit in town it will always be more crowded than others, however the territory is huge, so crowd can dissolve.
There are lots of nice souvenir shops on the streets around the entrance, however bargaining is a must, otherwise you can get ripped off easily. The Lion's Garden, another must see attraction is just 5-10 minutes walk away from the gates, so I recommend paying a visit there too, as the 2 gardens are totally different in style.
If it is your first time here I strongly advise to employ a guide, as without the stories and history of the place it would just be a beautiful garden. I think a good tip is to try to avoid weekend or public holiday dates, because it can get very crowded, and tours and groups can be annoying at times. On other days it is OK, but as one of the most famous gardens to visit in town it will always be more crowded than others, however the territory is huge, so crowd can dissolve.
There are lots of nice souvenir shops on the streets around the entrance, however bargaining is a must, otherwise you can get ripped off easily. The Lion's Garden, another must see attraction is just 5-10 minutes walk away from the gates, so I recommend paying a visit there too, as the 2 gardens are totally different in style.
Written August 27, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thefriendlywolf
Ipswich, UK8 contributions
How do we book tickets online? What is the website?
Sim N
Melbourne, Australia78 contributions
I did not buy entrance ticket from website, it is not crowded , you can always get it from their entrance, depending on which way you come from because there are 2 entrances.
Alice153
Barcelona, Spain19 contributions
Hi, what would you like to know about this attraction?
Hello, could we buy the tickets as foreign tourists at the parkentrance the same day as well? As I read in the Internet that for foreign Visitors advanced online booking is necessary but can't find an oficial Website in English
timothylk2017
Suzhou, China21 contributions
** I bought my ticket last minute.** I did not know I was going there until I saw the place and said Why Not. Tickets are easy to purchase next to the garden.
Jonathan Toby
Jakarta, Indonesia14 contributions
Hi, how to reserve in advance for foreign tourist?
KevinSChina
China400 contributions
Dear Sir, you don't have to request a reservation. They have general garden hours to serve you usually most days of the week. Hope this helps!
Thanks again for your question,
Sincerely,
Kevin Schooling
How to pre-book tickets for the garden?
Cyrille67
72 contributions
Hi, it is not necessary to pre- booked tickets. Queuing 20 minutes is just required to get them.
Maybe for large number of visitors pre booking is required see web site.
Cyrille
Are the gardens good to visit in late March?
Kenneth L
Sydney, Australia345 contributions
Absolutely
This is spring!
lighthouseUS
Singapore, Singapore326 contributions
Hi, I will like to know how much time is needed to visit this garden in early Dec?
Lyu G
11 contributions
2 hours approximately
Laura H
New Jersey328 contributions
I have essentially two days in Suzhou. I am planning to go to Tongli first thing in the morning on day one. After we get back to Suzhou around 1pm, what are the MUST SEE gardens? We have already seen Summer Place and empress's garden in FC and will visit Yu Gardens in Shanghai next week. Which one, two or even three gardens should I visit (note - I will be dragging my husband who hates gardens!). Is Humble the one garden to visit in Suzhou?
Having traveled all over the world and climbed all the sacred mountains in China, is it worthwhile to go to Tiger Hill? After Tongli, should we still walk along the canal on Pingjiang Street? Finally, how impressive is the PANMEN Gate and scenic area?
Thanks for all and any help!
Achuth
Shanghai, China67 contributions
If your husband doesnt like the gardens much, and if you must visit one garden, I would definitely recommend the Couple's retreat garden. Basically we stumbled upon this "gem" when we went on hunt for a zoo for my kid. Once you enter the couple's retreat garden complex, dont take right, this is where the normal tour bus takes. You can take left and you will see beautiful lake. Walk further and you will see some fishing area, boating area, the entire area seems so beautiful and Europeanish, reminded of one the lakes I visited in Germany. With almost nobody around, we had the garden to ourselves, pretty much. We just loved this place, luckily this hasn't been so touristy or might be we were lucky that day. If you walk on the other side you will reach the Ou Yuan garden, along a beautiful lake and then it goes to the touristic Couples retreat garden. And hey, this was FREE. I highly recommend this if you want to avoid too much people.
However, if you are ok having lots of people around you, you can visit the humble administrator garden, its quite beautiful, but too expensive and crowded.
Have a good trip to Suzhou!
Laura H
New Jersey328 contributions
I have essentially two days in Suzhou. I am planning to go to Tongli first thing in the morning on day one. After we get back to Suzhou around 1pm, what are the MUST SEE gardens? We have already seen Summer Place and empress's garden in FC and will visit Yu Gardens in Shanghai next week. Which one, two or even three gardens should I visit (note - I will be dragging my husband who hates gardens!). Is Humble the one garden to visit in Suzhou?
Having traveled all over the world and climbed all the sacred mountains in China, is it worthwhile to go to Tiger Hill? After Tongli, should we still walk along the canal on Pingjiang Street? Finally, how impressive is the PANMEN Gate and scenic area?
Thanks for all and any help!
Bowyergirl52
Sydney, Australia99 contributions
Hi Laura, there are many gardens to see, i liked this garden because you could also see the hose & how they lived & there wer lovely bonsaii's but even the public gardens were beautiful
77sharifah
Johor Bahru, Malaysia177 contributions
Hi, does the unit has washing machine? Also, any free shuttle to popular places?
Holly K
Alexandria, VA11 contributions
This question is posted in the wrong place. This is a traditional Chinese garden and a UNESCO site. There is no "unit" and certainly no washing machine. :-)
Frequently Asked Questions about Humble Administrator's Garden
- Humble Administrator's Garden is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking Humble Administrator's Garden tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 92 Humble Administrator's Garden tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Humble Administrator's Garden:
- Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train with All Inclusive Option (From $198.00)
- Private Suzhou and Zhouzhuang or Tongli Tour from Shanghai (From $280.00)
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour (From $114.29)
- Private Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai (From $235.00)
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer (From $170.67)
- Hotels near Humble Administrator's Garden:
- (0.16 mi) Zhuozheng Bieyuan Hotel
- (0.21 mi) Wuhao Wenyi Hotel Suzhou Zhuozheng Garden
- (0.21 mi) Yuecheng Boutique Hotel
- (0.25 mi) Xiaorizi Guest House
- (0.34 mi) Home Inn Suzhou Zhuozhengyuan
- Restaurants near Humble Administrator's Garden:
- (0.31 mi) Finland Home Cafe
- (0.18 mi) Wu MenRen Jia (Pan Ru Xiang)
- (0.21 mi) Bianyifang Roast Duck
- (0.30 mi) Danish Baking Shifu
- (0.28 mi) SuZhou XiaoChi