When is Suzhou Ancient Town most beautiful? What is special about the architecture and cuisine here? Let’s explore the poetic journey in the old town through the ULTIMATE guide to Suzhou Ancient Town: Top attractions, best things to do & MORE in the Heart of the Modern City!
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Suzhou Old Town is a destination not to be missed when visiting Jiangsu, China with small stone-paved alleys, gracefully curved stone bridges and a canal system imbued with Oriental features. This place also preserves hundreds of years of cultural values with ancient houses, pagodas, and beautiful gardens recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
A trip to Suzhou Old Town is also an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the perfect blend of past and present. Join us to find out the secret to exploring this land right in the article below!
Where is Suzhou Old Town?
[Round Trip from Hangzhou/Shanghai] Suzhou Humble Administrator’s Garden/Lion Grove Garden…
Suzhou Old Town is located in the center of Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, known as the “Venice of the East” with its intricate canal system and ancient stone bridges. As one of the oldest cities in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Suzhou possesses an incredible history and culture, fully preserved in every street, roof and ancient garden.
Spanning an area of about 14.2 km², Suzhou Old Town is a cultural treasure with more than 30 ancient streets, 70 stone bridges, 22 ancient wharves and hundreds of ancient wells. This is also the place where a series of world-famous classical gardens such as Liuyuan and Zhuozhengyuan are gathered – recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
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Walking along the stone-paved roads, visitors can feel the peaceful pace of life, explore each white-walled house with gray tiled roof and immerse themselves in the ancient cultural space. With a history of more than 2,500 years, Suzhou Ancient Town is not only a tourist destination but also a vivid symbol of the rich Jiangnan culture.
History of Suzhou Ancient Town
Private Guided Day Tour to Tongli Water Town from Shanghai
Suzhou was founded in 514 BC under King He Lu of the Wu Kingdom. During the Spring and Autumn – Warring States period, it became an important political and military center. During the Qin – Han Dynasty (221 BC – 220), the city expanded, forming many private gardens, laying the foundation for Suzhou’s unique landscape tradition.
The most important event came during the Sui Dynasty (581-618) with the construction of the Grand Canal, turning Suzhou into the most important trading center. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the city developed rapidly, becoming the second largest city in China. The “double chessboard” style architecture – streets parallel to canals – began to take shape.
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In the following dynasties, especially the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou was famous for its “half-city garden” title. By the 19th century, trade with the West brought a blend of Eastern and Western architecture. Today, Suzhou still retains its ancient beauty and is a cultural treasure of China. If Shanghai Bund is famous for its modern beauty mixed with history, then Suzhou is the ancient gem in the heart of China, attracting anyone who loves nostalgia and peace.
How to Get to Suzhou Old Town from Downtown Shanghai
Suzhou is about 86 – 120km from Shanghai, depending on the starting point. Choose the following means of transport to get to Suzhou Old Town:
High-speed train: The fastest and most convenient option! High-speed trains G & D depart from Shanghai Hongqiao Station or Shanghai Railway Station with continuous frequency, taking only 25 – 40 minutes to reach Suzhou Railway Station. Ticket prices range from 40 to 90 yuan (140,000 to 320,000 VND), depending on the seat type. Conveniently buy high-speed train tickets at Klook.
Intercity buses: Suitable if you want to save money. Buses run from Pudong Airport (82 yuan, 40 minutes) and Hongqiao Airport (50 yuan, 1 hour). If you are coming from downtown Shanghai, take a bus at Shanghai General Long-distance Bus Station for 30 to 60 yuan. We recommend using a convenient bus card in more than 300 cities in China.
Taxi: If you are traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage, a taxi is the best choice. The fare ranges from 300 to 500 yuan (1,050,000 to 1,750,000 VND), travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.
Rent a car: For more flexible exploration, many people choose to rent a car for 300 – 700 yuan/day (1,050,000 – 2,450,000 VND). If you do not have an international driving license recognized by China, consider renting a shuttle car with a private driver.
In Suzhou, visitors often take the subway, bus, taxi or boat to explore the peaceful beauty of the ancient town. Some notable attractions:
- Xiangmen City Gate: Take metro Line 1 or bus 32, 112, 178.
- Pingjiang Road: Take metro Line 1 to Lindun or Xiangmen station, then walk 300 meters.
- Shantang Street: Take metro Line 2 or bus 7, 34, 44.
What are the notable attractions in Suzhou Ancient Town?
Suzhou Old Town is a place that preserves the cultural and historical essence of thousands of years, with landmarks such as the poetic Shantang Street, the artistic Humble Administrator’s Garden, the ancient Hanshan Temple, the lyrical Zhouzhuang Ancient Town and the romantic Suzhou River Canal. Each of these landmarks not only attracts visitors by its pristine beauty but also offers a unique cultural experience. Let’s find out now!
Stroll on Shantang Street
- Address: Shantang Street, Gucheng District, Suzhou, China
- Entrance fee: Free, some locations in the area may charge a fee
Shantang Street, about 3.6 km long, was built in 825 under the Tang Dynasty. This was once a bustling commercial street, connecting the Suzhou ancient city area with Hanshan Temple. Today, this place still retains its nostalgic beauty with curved-roof wooden houses reflecting on the canal, and a stone bridge across, creating a poetic ink painting.
Visitors can leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit old teahouses or experience a colorful evening when the city lights up. Don’t forget to enjoy local specialties such as sticky rice cakes, stinky tofu or try a boat trip along the canal to see the old town from a different perspective.
Suzhou & Xitang Ancient Town Night View 1-Day Tour
An ideal way to fully explore the beauty of Shantang is to join the Suzhou & Xitang Ancient Town Day Tour on Klook, giving you a complete experience with a knowledgeable local guide!
Enjoying Humble Administrator’s Garden
- Address: 178 Northeast Road, Gucheng District, Suzhou, China
- Ticket price: 70 yuan (~250,000 VND).
Humble Administrator’s Garden was built during the Ming Dynasty (16th century) and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This is Suzhou’s largest garden, with a clear lake, graceful stone bridges, ancient pavilions and rich vegetation. The space here not only has elegant beauty but also shows the philosophy of harmony between nature and people in the style of Chinese landscape gardens.
Humble Administrator’s Garden & Hanshan Temple One-day Tour
An experience not to be missed at Humble Administrator’s Garden is to walk on the winding stone-paved path, exploring every small corner that is delicately designed. Some prominent check-in spots include the Oriental Garden, Lan Tuyen Pavilion, and Lotus Lake – where lotus ponds bloom in the summer.
Visit Hanshan Temple
- Address: West of Fengqiao, Suzhou, China
- Ticket price: About 20-30 yuan/person (~70,000 – 100,000 VND)
Hanshan Temple, located on the Suzhou canal, is the oldest pagoda in China, famous through the poem “Night Aboard Moored Boat in Fengqiao” by Zhang Ji. Built during the Southern Dynasty (502-557), this pagoda has undergone many renovations but still retains its majestic and quiet beauty.
Private Half-Day Tour of Lion Grove Garden and Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou
Passing through the three-door gate, visitors will be overwhelmed by the curved tiled roof, solemn Buddha statues and countless elaborately carved horizontal lacquered boards. The special highlight is the great bell – a bronze bell weighing more than 1000kg, echoing in the late night, creating a mysterious and sacred space. Not only a place to pray and find peace, the temple is also an impressive check-in spot with a cool green garden and an ancient stone bridge reflecting on the canal.
Explore Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
- Address: Zhouzhuang, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, China
- Ticket price: About 100-150 CNY (depending on the season and accompanying attractions)
Zhouzhuang is one of the oldest and most beautiful ancient towns in China, with a dense system of canals, graceful stone bridges and ancient houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Coming here, you will feel the peaceful beauty when walking on each small street, watching the wooden roofs reflecting on the blue water.
China’s No.1 Water Town – Zhouzhuang One Day Tour
You cannot miss the prominent places such as the Shuangqiao Bridge – the symbol of Zhouzhuang, or visit the Shen Wansan Ancient House – the residence of the richest merchant of the Ming Dynasty. In addition, the experience of sitting on a wooden boat on the canal is a favorite activity of tourists, helping you fully enjoy the peaceful beauty of the ancient town.
Boating on the Suzhou River Canal
- Address: Suzhou Ancient Canal, Gusu District, Suzhou, China
Ticket price: Varies from 30 – 120 CNY depending on the type of boat and visit time
There is nothing more wonderful than drifting on a wooden boat, gliding gently through the ancient canal of Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East”. As the boat glides across the deep blue water, visitors will admire the black tiled roofs looming behind the willow trees, the ancient stone bridge across the canal and the peaceful life of the local people.
Suzhou Fengqiao, Hanshan Temple, Gusu Water Tour…
In the morning, the Suzhou River is covered in a layer of magical mist, creating a picturesque scene. When the sun sets, the lanterns reflect on the canal, turning this place into a shimmering, poetic painting. The experience will be more complete when combined with a stroll around the old town, exploring ancient gardens and enjoying local specialties.
The Best Time to Visit Suzhou Old Town
Suzhou has four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty, but not always suitable for exploring the old town. The ideal time to visit is spring (March – May) and autumn (September – October), when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its best!
Spring (March – May): The weather is cool (18 – 24°C), trees are budding, peach blossoms and magnolias are blooming, creating a poetic scene. This is the best season to see Suzhou in its brilliant spring colors.
Summer (June – August): High temperatures (30 – 35°C), hot weather, possibly accompanied by rain. If you go in this season, visit the ancient gardens or take a boat ride on the canal to enjoy the cooler air.
Autumn (September – November): Mild climate, red maple leaves on both sides of the canal, creating a beautiful autumn picture. This is also the peak tourist season in Suzhou.
Winter (December – February): Cold and possibly snowy, romantic scenery, not suitable for tourists who like warm weather.
Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Suzhou Old Town
Suzhou is especially attractive to tourists because of its rich and unique street food. Among them, the famous specialty that you cannot miss is Yangcheng hairy crab. This crab is only found in Yangcheng Lake, with sweet, fatty, and rich meat, often prepared simply by steaming or boiling to preserve its natural flavor.
If you come to Suzhou in autumn or winter of the lunar calendar, do not forget to enjoy this dish with traditional rice wine to increase the appeal. Besides, pan-fried dumplings are also a popular dish in Suzhou markets. With a crispy crust and filling of meat, mushrooms, and green onions, this dumpling is an ideal breakfast for locals and tourists.
In addition to enjoying traditional local dishes, visitors often spend time exploring Longjing tea culture in Hangzhou tea villages, where you will participate in the process of picking and processing the signature green tea. Combined with visiting Suzhou night markets, which are filled with snacks and handicrafts, your trip will be full of interesting and unforgettable experiences.
FAQ About Suzhou Old Town – China
Is there an entrance fee to Suzhou Old Town?
No, you are allowed to visit Suzhou Old Town for free. However, some famous historical sites inside such as ancient gardens and temples may require tickets.
How to rent a boat to tour the canals in Suzhou Old Town?
Visitors can rent boats at the docks along the canals, most commonly in the Pingjiang Road area. Ticket prices range from 150-300 CNY/boat, suitable for groups of 4-6 people.
What traditional festivals take place in Suzhou Old Town?
Some notable festivals include Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival (May lunar calendar), Mid-Autumn Festival, and Cherry Blossom Festival in ancient gardens.
Should you travel to Suzhou Old Town on your own or with a tour?
Both have their own advantages. For freedom of exploration, tourists usually choose to travel on their own. If you want to save time and understand more about history, a tour with a tour guide is a good choice.
What are the tourist attractions near Suzhou Old Town?
Some popular tourist attractions include: Chuyet Chinh Garden, Hanshan Temple, Suzhou Museum, Jinji Lake and Tongli Old Town.
Suzhou Old Town has an ancient beauty, blending tradition and modernity. With its ancient streets, tiled-roof wooden houses, and small canals running around the city, this place not only attracts tourists by its romance but also preserves the unique culture of China. Suzhou is the ideal destination for those who love to explore China’s historical heritage.
Are you ready for a trip to explore Suzhou Old Town?
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.
