Things to Do in Suzhou
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Tongli Town, Humble Administrator's Garden, City Tours, Flea & Street Markets. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Tongli Town, Humble Administrator's Garden, City Tours, Flea & Street Markets. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Suzhou.
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$118
- fromper adult$135
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$245
Dining Experiencesfromper adult$55- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$127
Private and Luxuryfromper adult (price varies by group size)$709- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$91
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$246
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$224
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$210
Parks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Speciality Museums
Bodies of Water
Gardens
Other Top Attractions around Suzhou
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Jane J32 contributionsThis was stunning. We arrived early morning with a private guide and visited the gardens, a museum and the canals. The boats were great fun and lasted approximately 30 minutes but took you all around the canals of Tongli.
Very busy with school students when we visited but that just added to the pleasure of the day as they wanted to speak to us. We managed to talk to each other and loved the experience.Written November 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - fire-tower3,474 contributionsWe visited the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou on a Tuesday morning in December. This is a traditional Chinese garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most famous of the gardens of Suzhou. This garden covering about 12.85 acres (52,000 square meters) is the largest and most renowned. Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has garnered many special honors. Along with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Resort of Chengde in Hebei Province and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou, it is considered as one of China's four most famous gardens. No other classic garden in the country has been honored more than this one.
The Humble Administrator's Garden was originally built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and was initially a private garden of a former government servant named Wang Xianchen. It was said that Wang was frustrated in his official career, so he intended to build a garden after retire and just do some gardening work like planting trees and cultivating vegetables there. He thought that was a simple life led by a humble man like him, hence the name of the garden.
Given the land size, do factor time when visiting. Even though we had visited on a weekday during the off-peak season, there was a noticeable crowd, mostly locals. The ponds and building structures were beautifully created, and well maintained. Taking a good photograph however, can be challenging as there were many professional photographers engaged by ladies wearing traditional costumes hogging the prime spots for long period of time. Nonetheless, we had a very pleasant time walking around the gardens. Do visit the garden if you are in Suzhou.Written December 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ClementineBoston, MA182 contributionsTiger Hill is a major landmark of Suzhou. We took our time to stroll around and take photos, spending about 2.5-3 hours visiting.
Tickets: RMB60
Opening hours: 7:30-17:30
Metro: Line 6Written December 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - thetankengineChristchurch, New Zealand201 contributionsThis 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 July 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - fire-tower3,474 contributionsWe visited the Lingering Garden on a Tuesday afternoon in December. Lingering Garden is a renowned traditional Chinese garden, dating back to 1593 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with seven other Classical Gardens of Suzhou. Occupying an area of 5.8 acres (about 23,300 square meters), the garden is located outside Changmen Gate in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Originally a classical private garden, it is one of the four most famous gardens in China, along with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Resort of Chengde in Hebei Province and the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou. Possessing typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colours of the buildings. As we had visited in the later part of the afternoon during the off-peak season, the crowd was thinner. However, part of the garden was under restoration with some buildings cordoned off. Nonetheless, we are awed by the beautifully landscape the garden truly is.Written December 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Barbs25Staffordshire, UK3,948 contributionsReally liked this old part of the city, lots of old buildings and narrow streets to explore. So much character in the buildings and paths, some of which run along the canals.
Shops selling all kinds of food, drinks, gifts and unique items.
Great place to spend a few hours.Written September 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Barbs25Staffordshire, UK3,948 contributionsEnjoyed wandering through the old narrow streets. A lot of character in the buildings. Busy but adds to the atmosphere. Lots of shops selling all sorts of foods and giftsWritten September 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kevin LeeShanghai, China42 contributionsI definitely recommend this place, good place to visit with friends, children. I love the bamboo trees, the vibe. Well equipped facilities,Written December 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- iamwenzongSingapore, Singapore546 contributionsBeautiful canal to visit in the evening as the lights line up the sides of the canal. There is a lot of shops to visit and great street food as well. We walked down the canal slowly at night and chomped down on a wide variety of foodWritten December 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jim1,514 contributionsAmong the Suzhou Garden, the Lion Forest Garden is relatively small but is quite interesting. It boosts an elegant stone collection, and a lovely pond with surrounding fake mountains. The cost of entrance is RMB 30 per person.Written January 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TOMOSUMICTrogir, Croatia817 contributionsIn 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 May 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ian AndersonShanghai, China158 contributionsJinji (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 monthsWritten June 14, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
