Suzhou is back, and it is truly a paradise on earth.

Who can resist a trip to Jiangnan in winter? In the cold wind, Suzhou sheds its colorful autumn coat and takes on a poetic charm. Here is a complete guide to Suzhou in winter, so you can immerse yourself in the unique charm of the water town in winter. Itinerary Day 1: Explore the Ancient City 🌅 Morning: Arrive in Suzhou, check in to your hotel, and take a short break before heading to the Humble Administrator's Garden to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the classical garden in winter. 🍜 Noon: Enjoy authentic Suzhou-style soup noodles at a noodle shop near the Humble Administrator's Garden. 🌆 Afternoon: Stroll along the historic Pingjiang Road, admire the bridges and flowing water, and visit the quaint shops. 🥘 Evening: Find a riverside restaurant on Pingjiang Road and enjoy Suzhou cuisine such as squirrel fish. Day 2: Cultural and Artistic Experience 🌅 Morning: Visit the Suzhou Museum and admire the perfect blend of architecture and art. 🍔 Noon: Have a light lunch at a restaurant near the museum. 🕙 Afternoon: Visit the Lion Grove Garden and wander through the amazing rockeries. 🎇 Evening: Go to Shantang Street, take a boat ride at night, and enjoy the bright lights on both sides of the river. Day 3: Zen and Nature Tour 🌅 Morning: Go to Hanshan Temple, listen to the bells of the ancient temple, and pray for the New Year. 🥟 Noon: Have a bowl of vegetarian noodles near Hanshan Temple. 🚗 Afternoon: Head to the Tiger Hill Scenic Area and enjoy the unique scenery of the "No. 1 Scenic Spot in Wuzhong". 🍲 Evening: Enjoy a bowl of Cangshu mutton soup in the city center, which is both warming and delicious. Day 4: Leisure Time in the Ancient Town 🌅 Morning: Go to Tongli Ancient Town, stroll around the ancient town, and experience the life of the water town. 🍜 Noon: Try the ancient town's specialties, such as Zhuangyuan pig's trotters and gorgon cake. 🌆 Afternoon: Continue to stroll around the ancient town or find a teahouse to relax. 🍛 Evening: Have dinner in the ancient town and return to the city center. 8 Must-Visit Attractions Humble Administrator's Garden 🎫 Ticket: CNY 70/person in low season (January to March) 🕙 Opening hours: 7:30–17:00 🚇 Transportation: Beisita Station on Metro Line 4, about a 15-minute walk. In winter, the Humble Administrator's Garden is a natural ink painting with withered lotus, bare branches, and white walls with black tiles. Pingjiang Road Historic District 🎫 Ticket: Free 🕙 Open all day 🚇 Transportation: Xiangmen Station on Metro Line 1, within walking distance. Pingjiang Road is a great place to listen to Suzhou Pingtan and experience the Jiangnan lifestyle in winter. Suzhou Museum 🎫 Ticket: Free (reservation required in advance via the official WeChat account) 🕙 Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30) 🚇 Transportation: Xiangmen Station on Metro Line 1, about a 15-minute walk. A masterpiece by I. M. Pei, the museum is a perfect example of architectural aesthetics in the winter sun. Lion Grove Garden 🎫 Ticket: CNY 30/person in low season (January to March) 🕙 Opening hours: 7:30–17:30 🚇 Transportation: Beisita Station on Metro Line 4, within walking distance. The bizarre rockeries are like a mysterious maze in winter. Hanshan Temple 🎫 Ticket: CNY 20/person 🕙 Opening hours: 7:30–17:00 🚇 Transportation: Hanshan Temple Station on Metro Line 3. "Outside the Gusu City, Hanshan Temple, the midnight bell rings to the guest boat." The bell in winter is peaceful and serene. Tiger Hill Scenic Area 🎫 Ticket: CNY 60/person in low season (January to March) 🕙 Opening hours: 7:30–17:30 🚇 Transportation: Tiger Hill Station on Metro Line 2, about a 10-minute walk. The Tiger Hill Pagoda in the winter forest is a testament to history. Tongli Ancient Town 🎫 Ticket: CNY 100/person (includes multiple attractions) 🕙 Opening hours: Ancient town open all day, attractions open 8:00–17:00 🚌 Transportation: Buses are available from Suzhou South Bus Station and Suzhou Railway Station. Tongli Ancient Town is quiet and quaint, with small boats gliding slowly across the water. Shantang Street 🎫 Ticket: Free, boat rides and other activities are charged separately 🕙 Open all day 🚇 Transportation: Shantang Street Station on Metro Line 2. At night, Shantang Street is brightly lit, like a bustling street in ancient times. Accommodation Guide 🏨 Near Guanqian Street: Located in the city center, with convenient transportation, a variety of food, and close to major attractions. 🏨 Near Pingjiang Road: Many unique homestays where you can experience the Jiangnan lifestyle and enjoy the great atmosphere at night. 🏨 Near Jinji Lake in the Industrial Park: Many modern hotels, suitable for visitors who like modern urban style and want to enjoy the city night view. Must-Do Experiences in Suzhou 🎶 Listen to Suzhou Pingtan: In a quaint teahouse, order a cup of tea and listen to the soft Wu dialect telling stories of a thousand years. 🥘 Enjoy authentic Suzhou cuisine: Squirrel fish, eel paste, and Biluochun shrimp, to name a few, to experience the delicacy and freshness of Suzhou cuisine. 🍵 Make tea around the stove in winter: In the courtyard or homestay, make tea with friends around the stove, chat, and enjoy a leisurely time. 💕 Suzhou in winter is not covered in snow, but it has a unique gentleness and tranquility, waiting for you to explore every beautiful corner of the city.