11+ top Suzhou attractions & best places to visit in Suzhou

Maybe you are tired of the noisy, crowded, hustle and bustle of the city? Then save these beautiful Suzhou attractions below and go “heal” right away! So, where to go in suzhou, where to visit in suzhou? Let’s check out 11+ must-go and best places to visit in Suzhou below!

With a history of nearly 2,500 years, Suzhou is famous as a “paradise on earth” with breathtaking nature. This city is an important national cultural heritage of China and is also the first “World Heritage Model City” in the world.

The city converges the exquisite beauty of the Jiangnan region, bringing many rich experiences to visitors. Strolling through the gardens, exploring museums, or floating on a boat amidst the wonderful scenery are activities not to be missed. Join Klook Vietnam to discover the “must-see” Suzhou tourist places to visit right away!

Shantang Ancient Street in Suzhou – China (#best places to visit in Suzhou)

• Address: Shantang Road, Northwest Gusu District, Suzhou

With its ancient and poetic beauty, Suzhou always fascinates every visitor who sets foot here. One of the famous destinations here is Shantang Ancient Street, also known as “Seven Miles of Shantang”. Not just a street, this place is also a journey back to the past, taking you to discover the beauty of Suzhou from more than 1100 years ago.

Walking along the 360m long street, the old atmosphere appears through every detail, from exquisite embroidery products, soft silk, to traditional teahouses and luxurious restaurants. A boat trip along the canal will bring the typical peaceful feeling of Suzhou, helping you to admire the slow pace of life here.

The crescent-shaped Tonggui Bridge, along with other notable attractions such as the Suzhou Chamber of Commerce, the An Tai Firefighting Association, or the Yuhan Hall, are all ideal places to explore culture and take many memorable photos.

A few small notes for you: bargain when riding a cyclo, take time to enjoy Suzhou specialties, and don’t miss the charming beauty of Shantang at night.

Jinxi Ancient Town In Suzhou – China

• Address: Jinxi Town, Kunshan, Suzhou

Among the commercialized tourist ancient towns, there is a place that still retains a rare tranquility and antiquity – Jinxi Town. Jinxi has a history of more than 2,500 years, with 238 small rivers flowing around houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. This is an ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in traditional cultural space and peace.

The entrance fee is only 65 yuan, you will have a whole day to explore the wonderful highlights, the Mausoleum of Concubine Chen, the Lotus Pond Pagoda, the ancient Puqing Bridge, the unique Ten Eyes Bridge, and finally the Wenchang Pavilion. Jinxi also preserves many folk museums with collections of ceramics, ancient tiles, and exquisite wooden furniture, providing an opportunity to learn more about traditional Chinese art and culture.

The best time to visit Jinxi is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is fresh. What could be more enjoyable than leisurely strolling through the small streets, admiring the peaceful scenery and feeling the gentleness of the people here.

Lingering Garden in Suzhou – China (#top suzhou attractions)

• Address: 338 Liuyuan Rd, Gusu District, Suzhou

Lingering is one of the Four Great Gardens of China, giving visitors the feeling of being lost in a work of art in real life. After more than 400 years of history, this place still retains the classic features of the Qing Dynasty, with majestic architecture, lush greenery, and peaceful natural space.

The eastern area stands out with impressive structures, especially the Hall of Five Peaks Immortals, the largest house in the garden. The center of the garden is a place where beauty converges from the clear lake to the rocks and long corridors imprinted with ancient calligraphy works. When autumn comes, the western landscape is brilliant with the red color of maple leaves, creating a poetic picture of the suburbs of Suzhou. The northern part brings a sense of peace with a bonsai garden and a small lotus pond.

In addition, Lingering also organizes interesting cultural activities such as “Searching for Dreams in Lingering” in the spring, with attractive traditional art performances. The garden is open from 7:30 to 17:30, with admission fees ranging from 45 to 55 yuan. You can get here by subway line 2 or bus.

Hanshan Temple in Suzhou – China

• Address: No. 24 Hanshansi Nong, Gusu District, Suzhou

Built during the Southern Dynasties, the ancient Hanshan Temple, over 1,300 years old, is an attractive spiritual destination for visitors from near and far. Through many ups and downs, Hanshan Temple still retains its ancient, quiet features, with rows of ancient houses and majestic Buddha statues.

From the city center, you can take a bus or taxi to the temple. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni and 18 gilded Arhat statues in the Great Hero Hall. Moreover, the carvings of the two founding monks, Hanshan and Shidi, are also worth admiring.

If you love culture, don’t forget to visit the Buddhist library with the “Heart Sutra” written by Emperor Qianlong and the corridor of stele engraved with poems of historical figures. In particular, the sound from the giant bell will echo in the space, dispelling 108 human sufferings. If you visit during the Lunar New Year, participating in the bell-ringing ceremony will be an unforgettable experience for you.

Zhouzhuang Water Town – Suzhou

• Address: Southwest of Kunshan City, Suzhou

Located about 30km from Suzhou, China’s first water town – Zhouzhuang – is a prominent destination for its architecture and history, with its beauty almost intact over the centuries. The image of houses along the canal, winding stone bridges, and small boats drifting on the clear blue water create a picturesque scene.

The Double Bridge, the symbol of Zhouzhuang, is an impressive highlight with its design bearing the mark of time. The Shen Family House and Zhang Family House, representative structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, are an opportunity to explore the life of the ancient upper class. Chengxu Temple, an ancient Taoist structure, carries the unique spiritual culture of the locality.

In addition to sightseeing, you can also experience interesting activities such as boating, enjoying the smooth melodies of Kunqu opera, or admiring the sparkling beauty of Zhouzhuang at night with lights reflecting on the water. The entrance fee to the town is about 100 CNY, including 15 attractions. The town is open from 7:30 to 21:00, but the attractions inside usually close at 16:30.

Tongli Ancient Town – Suzhou

• Address: Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou

The ancient and poetic beauty of Tongli always captivates visitors. This over 1,000-year-old ancient town is known as the “Venice of the East”, with a system of canals winding through ancient stone bridges, and quiet tiled roofs, creating a vivid ink painting.

One of the highlights of Tongli is the Tuisi Yuan Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jingle Pavilion with its exquisite carvings and the Jade Tower associated with a romantic love story are also places not to be missed. Taiping, Jili and Changqing Bridges contribute to highlighting the image of the ancient town. Sitting on a spoked boat, drifting on the peaceful canal, you will fully feel the charm of this place.

When you come here, try taking a pedicab to explore the old town and watch Tongli shimmering in the magical night. Local cuisine, especially the delicious Zhuangyuan pig’s feet, is also an unforgettable highlight.

The entrance fee to the town is about 100 yuan, allowing you to visit for 2 days. The ideal time to explore is 1 to 2 days, and from Suzhou, you can travel here by metro or bus.

Xitang Old Street – Suzhou

• Address: Xitang Town, Jiashan District

The image of bamboo boats drifting slowly on the water, the sound of folk songs echoing throughout the space at Xitang will bring you to a peaceful space that is hard to find anywhere else. Not noisy and bustling, this place is attractive with stone-paved roads, ancient houses, and arched bridges across the canal.

When walking around Xitang, you will be delighted by the 104 bridges with architecture spanning from the Ming to Qing dynasties, the winding alleys, and the covered corridors along the canal. Take the time to explore the craft shops, enjoy afternoon tea by the water, or relax on a bamboo boat to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Xiyuan (Western) Garden is also an ideal stop, with its delicate architecture blending rocks, green trees, and fish ponds. Remember to prepare a pair of comfortable shoes to explore all the beauty of Xitang!

Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou – China

• Address: No. 8 Tiger Hill, Qilichu, northwest of Suzhou City

One of the famous architectural symbols in Suzhou is Tiger Hill, which has a history of more than 2,500 years. With its natural beauty and many cultural relics, Tiger Hill is considered the top scenic spot in Suzhou, and has been recognized as a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The ideal time to explore here is from 2 to 3 hours. There are also boats, horse-drawn carriages and sightseeing buses in the area for you to choose from.

The most prominent here is Tiger Hill Tower, known as the “Leaning Tower of Pisa of China”, with a double-layer brick tower architecture of 7 floors and 8 sides. Here, you will learn about interesting legends such as “Sword Testing Stone” and “Sword Pond” as well as famous calligraphy works. Besides, you also have the opportunity to visit Dien Doan Lieu, Thousand People Mountain, and Van Canh Villa with a beautiful bonsai garden.

In addition to sightseeing, take time to participate in exciting activities such as watching the Flower Art Exhibition from March to May, or the Autumn Temple Fair in September and October with many traditional cultural performances and unique local cuisine.

Master of the Nets Garden – China

• Address: No. 11, Kuo Jiatou Lane, Suzhou

A great destination in the heart of the ancient city is the Master of the Nets Garden. With a compact area, only 1/6 of the Qinshui Garden, this place still attracts visitors thanks to its delicate and harmonious beauty. The architecture is cleverly designed, recreating the vivid “mountains, rivers and water” scene.

When you come here, don’t miss the three main areas: the residential area, the main garden and the inner garden. The elaborately carved brick gate, the ancient beauty of Jingchun Tang, the Yuedao Fenglai Pavilion, and the Yinding Bridge are great attractions.

In the evening from May to November, the Master of the Nets Garden becomes magical with traditional art shows. Music, dance and storytelling will take you back to the glorious period of culture here. In addition, you should also visit nearby attractions such as Canglang Pavilion or Pingjiang Road to make your trip more complete!

Humble Administrator’s Garden

• Address: No. 178, Northeast Road, Suzhou

A visit to Suzhou would be incomplete without visiting Humble Administrator’s Garden, which recreates the ancient beauty of Jiangnan in every corner of the garden. This is a living work of art, divided into three separate areas. The eastern area is imbued with natural, wild features, while the western area shows sophistication through every architectural line. Clear blue lakes, winding bridges blend with ancient structures to create a peaceful, poetic space.

The period from March to November is ideal to visit, when wisteria and lotus flowers bloom, spreading their colors throughout the garden. A walk around here lasts from 2 to 3 hours, enough to enjoy the beautiful scenery, experience Suzhou embroidery art, or relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Another plus point is the convenience in moving around. The park is located in the center of Suzhou city, easily accessible by bus or taxi. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the wonderful moments amidst the poetic scenery here!

Taicang Alps Snow World – Suzhou

• Address: Taicang City, Suzhou

Have you enjoyed taking photos in the ancient towns but still want to experience other interesting activities? Then don’t hesitate to come to Taicang Alps Snow World, a large-scale indoor resort in Suzhou.

With a huge area of ​​up to 90,000 square meters, Alps Snow World is divided into two areas: “Ski Resort” and “Ice and Snow Paradise”. 5 slides with different slopes, up to 280m long, and 7 magical slides operating at the same time will help you and your family have a fun trip “hitting the roof”. Don’t worry if you are a beginner, the resort has full classes and professional instructors.

But Alps Snow World is not just about skiing. There are also nearly 20 interesting interactive games for both adults and children waiting for you to explore. This is an ideal destination for the whole family, where you can create unforgettable memories together.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, the tranquility of Suzhou will be a spiritual medicine, helping you escape from all daily worries. The peaceful space in the ancient towns, picturesque gardens and many folk activities will help you regenerate your energy to continue conquering new challenges.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated, more compiled and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Suzhou you can refer to

• Humble Administrator’s Garden Ticket in Suzhou
• Lion Forest Garden Admission Ticket in Suzhou
• Lingering Garden Ticket in Suzhou
• Tongli Ancient Town Ticket in Suzhou (For Mainland China ID Holders)
• Tongli Water Town Admission Ticket in Suzhou
• Tianping Mountain Ticket in Suzhou
• Master of Nets Garden Admission Ticket in Suzhou
• Suzhou & Zhouzhuang Water Village
• Suzhou Highlights Half Day Biking Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Suzhou: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And China here.