Just Back from Suzhou: Honest Travel Guide with All Details!

Recommended Attractions in Suzhou for May Day Holiday (Including Tickets and Highlights) ✅ Humble Administrator's Garden 💸 Ticket: CNY 70 (Free for children under 140, half-price for seniors over 60) 🍎 Highlights: One of China's four famous gardens, known for water features and rockeries. Exquisite layout. Best for photos in early morning when less crowded. ✅ Suzhou Museum 💸 Ticket: Free (Reservation required 7 days in advance) 🍎 Highlights: Designed by I.M. Pei, architecture blends classical and modern aesthetics. Rich collection. Beautiful night lighting. ✅ Hanshan Temple 💸 Ticket: CNY 18 (Free for seniors over 60) 🍎 Highlights: Famous for the poem "Night Mooring at Maple Bridge". Melodious bell sounds. Boat tours available in Maple Bridge scenic area. ✅ Tiger Hill 💸 Ticket: CNY 60 (Free for seniors over 60) 🍎 Highlights: Top attraction in Wu region. Cloud Rock Temple Pagoda (China's Leaning Tower) is a landmark. Panoramic view of Suzhou from the top. ✅ Lion Grove Garden 💸 Ticket: CNY 30 (CNY 15 for children over 6, half-price for seniors over 60) 🍎 Highlights: Rock formations resembling lions. Maze-like layout perfect for hide-and-seek. ✅ Lingering Garden 💸 Ticket: Included in ancient town ticket (or approximately CNY 55 separately, subject to actual price) 🍎 Highlights: Classic example of Qing Dynasty private gardens. Ingenious layout with elegant architectural style. ✅ Pingjiang Road Historic District 💸 Ticket: Free 🍎 Highlights: Parallel waterways and streets, stone pavements interweaving with ancient bridges. Perfect for experiencing old Suzhou life. ✅ Shantang Street 💸 Ticket: Free (Boat rides extra) 🍎 Highlights: Ten-li Shantang Street showcases Jiangnan water town charm. Beautiful night lighting, stone arch bridges complement waterways. ✅ Jinji Lake Scenic Area 💸 Ticket: Free 🍎 Highlights: Modern landmark of Suzhou. Don't miss night musical fountain and Gate of the Orient light show. Accommodation Guide Recommended Areas: Near Guanqian Street: Convenient transportation, metro and bus access to Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, walking distance to Pingjiang Road. Pingjiang Road Guesthouses: Characteristic accommodations on ancient street, elegant environment, moderate prices, perfect for experiencing Jiangnan culture. Jinji Lake Area: High-end hotels, suitable for quality-seeking tourists, beautiful night views. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: Book in advance for holidays, especially in Pingjiang Road and Guanqian Street areas. Avoid driving in old town, difficult parking and traffic restrictions. 4-Day May Holiday Itinerary Day 1: Gardens and Museum Cultural Tour Morning: Humble Administrator's Garden (7:30-10:30) Noon: Lunch at Pingjiang Road (Recommended: "Taohuayuan Ji" for Suzhou-style dim sum) Afternoon: Suzhou Museum (13:30-15:30) → Lion Grove Garden (16:00-17:30) Evening: Pingjiang Road night walk Day 2: Ancient Temples and Water Town Charm Morning: Hanshan Temple (8:00-10:00) → Maple Bridge Scenic Area (Free) Noon: Vegetarian meal at Hanshan Temple Afternoon: Tiger Hill (13:00-16:00) Evening: Shantang Street boat tour (18:30-20:00) Day 3: Blend of Classical and Modern Morning: Lingering Garden (8:30-11:00) Noon: Xiyuan Temple noodles (11:30-12:30) Afternoon: Jinji Lake Area (14:00-17:00, optional Gate of the Orient visit) Evening: Eslite Bookstore night view (18:00-20:00) Day 4: In-depth Ancient Town Tour Full day: Luzhi Ancient Town (8:00-17:00) or Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (CNY 100 ticket, advance reservation required) Before departure: Visit Outlets for Suzhou specialties (like Su embroidery, silk) Important Notes Reservations and Tickets: Suzhou Museum requires 7-day advance booking, popular gardens recommend advance tickets. Transportation: Mainly metro and bus, most attractions within initial taxi fare range. Food Recommendations: Suzhou-style soup noodles, pan-fried buns, osmanthus sugar taro. Weather: May temperature 20-28℃, bring sunscreen and rain gear. This route combines classic and lesser-known attractions, flexible accommodation options, suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.