Suzhou: My 4-Day Trip—Budget-Friendly Guide & Tips

🟠🟠8 Recommended Attractions in Suzhou ✅Humble Administrator's Garden 💷Tickets: Peak season: CNY 80/person; Off-season: CNY 70/person 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: The Humble Administrator's Garden is one of the largest classical gardens in Suzhou, famous for its exquisite layout and rich cultural heritage. It is recommended to book tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the tranquility and elegance of the garden. ✅Suzhou Museum 💷Tickets: Free (reservations required) 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: The Suzhou Museum is a building that integrates modern design and traditional culture, with a rich collection and an elegant environment. It is recommended to book tickets in advance and allow enough time to visit each exhibition hall. ✅Lion Grove Garden 💷Tickets: Peak season: CNY 40/person; Off-season: CNY 30/person 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: Famous for its rock formations, the Lion Grove Garden is a typical Jiangnan garden. It is suitable for family visits, where children can explore the rockery and experience the fun and charm of the garden. ✅Pingjiang Road 💷Tickets: Free 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: Pingjiang Road is a historic district full of ancient charm, with many unique shops and Suzhou snacks on both sides of the street. It is recommended to stroll here in the afternoon to experience the tranquility and simplicity of a Jiangnan water town. ✅Shantang Street 💷Tickets: Free 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: Shantang Street has charming night views, with lanterns hanging on both sides, small bridges, flowing water, and houses, making it a great place to take photos. It is recommended to visit in the evening to enjoy the night view while tasting local snacks. ✅Tiger Hill 💷Tickets: Peak season: CNY 70/person; Off-season: CNY 60/person 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: Known as the "First Scenic Spot in Wu County," Tiger Hill is one of Suzhou's landmarks. It is recommended to visit the Tiger Hill Pagoda and Sword Pond to experience Suzhou's profound historical and cultural heritage. ✅Jinji Lake 💷Tickets: Free 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: Jinji Lake is one of the symbols of modern Suzhou, with beautiful walkways and musical fountains along the lake. It is recommended to visit in the evening or at night for cycling or walking to enjoy the lake view where modern and natural scenery complement each other. ✅Zhouzhuang Ancient Town 💷Tickets: CNY 100/person 🔥Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suggested itinerary: Zhouzhuang is one of the famous ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, with many ancient houses and stone bridges. It is recommended to spend a full day exploring and experiencing the tranquility and simplicity of water town life. 🟠🟠5 Travel Tips 🌈Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid queuing on site. 🌈Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for long walks and sightseeing. 🌈Taste Suzhou's specialties, such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and eel with garlic sauce, and don't miss the local cuisine. 🌈Pay attention to safety, keep your belongings safe, and avoid going to remote places. 🌈Consider finding a local tour group to save time and effort, and enjoy professional tour guide services. 🟠🟠4-Day Itinerary Day 1: Morning: Humble Administrator's Garden (opens at 7:30am) Noon: Lunch, then visit Suzhou Museum (opens at 9:00am) Afternoon: Stroll along Pingjiang Road Evening: Enjoy the night view of Shantang Street Day 2: Morning: Lingering Garden (opens at 7:30am) Noon: Lunch, then visit Tiger Hill (open all day) Afternoon: Cycling or walking at Jinji Lake Evening: Dinner at Ligongdi Food Street Day 3: Full day: Day trip to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (recommended to book a day trip on Trip.com with pick-up and drop-off service) Day 4: Morning: Lion Grove Garden (opens at 7:30am) Noon: Lunch, then visit Hanshan Temple (open all day) Afternoon: Reading or shopping at Eslite Bookstore Evening: Return to the hotel in the city center and end your pleasant Suzhou trip