Suzhou shopping guide — Top 15+ souvenirs & what to buy in Suzhou

The city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province, China is famous for the name “Oriental Venice” or “China’s Venice” thanks to the wonderful remaining beauty of the canals weaving throughout the city, stone bridges, ancient temples and exquisitely designed gardens help make this city one of China’s most popular tourist attractions. Besides the beautiful scenery, the city still preserves traditional crafts from the past such as silk weaving, embroidery… which will be part of visitors’ discovery tour and a great souvenir to bring home to give to family and friends.

So, what to buy in Suzhou and where to buy in Suzhou? Let’s check out our guide to Suzhou shopping with the suggested of 15+ top Suzhou souvenirs, best things to buy in Suzhou as well as best places to shop in Suzhou as follows!

Let’s explore with us the impressive and meaningful gifts, specialties and interesting shopping places in Suzhou to experience the feeling of discovering an interesting part of Chinese historical culture!

What to buy in Suzhou?

With more than 2,500 years of existence and development, Suzhou city has become one of China’s important commercial centers. Therefore, along with the development of tourism, it can be said that Suzhou city is now like a shopping paradise with about 2,000 local specialty items such as embroidery, coats, silk clothes, sculptures, engravings, carpets… you can take a look at some of the following outstanding items.

Biluochun Tea

Biluochun is one of the top ten famous Chinese teas, characterized by its distinctive silvery jade appearance covered with a layer of fluff and an impressive fruity aroma and sweet aftertaste. This type of tea originates from Dongting peninsula on Taihu Lake in Suzhou, boasting a history of more than 1000 years of tea growing.

Biluochun tea is a famous Chinese green tea, grown in the Dongting mountain area of Suzhou city, Zhejiang province. This is one of China’s top ten green teas, loved by Emperor Kangxi and included in the tribute list. Biluochun tea has a characteristic aroma, sweet taste, clear blue water color and gentle floral scent. This is considered one of the most quintessential Chinese green teas, has high nutritional value and has the effect of clearing heat, detoxifying, beautifying the skin and enhancing health. Biluochun tea is harvested in the spring, taking only the youngest tea buds and carefully processed by hand. This is considered a rare type of tea and is loved by many people, very suitable to bring as gifts to relatives and friends on special occasions.

This type of tea first appeared in history during the early Qing Dynasty from a famous local tea called Xia Sha Ren Xiang (meaning “scary fragrance”). When Emperor Kangxi visited Dongting Island in 1699, people here offered him this tea to enjoy. The emperor found the old name of tea too trivial so he changed the name to Biluochun and it is famous to this day.

Regarding the origin of the unique aroma of Biluochun tea, it is believed that it may be due to the fact that it is grown intercropped with many other fruit trees such as oranges, peaches, chestnuts, jujubes… on nutrient-rich island soil. The harvesting and processing of Biluochun tea is also very strict, most steps are done by hand within a prescribed period of time to produce the most delicious batches of tea.

Taihu Lake White Fish and whitebait (# what to buy in suzhou)

These are the two specialties of Taihu lake. Taihu Lake whitebait is a type of freshwater fish about 7-10cm long. It has a round, slim and crystal-clear body. This type of fish has a very long history. As early as about 1000 years ago, Lake Taihu had many of these fish and it was chosen as a tribute to the emperor for more than 300 years. Along with Baixia (a type of white-legged shrimp) and Meiji (a type of long-tailed anchovy) are considered three treasures of Lake Taihu. This can confirm the quality and value of this fish to this day.

Taihu Lake Fish is very nutritious, white meat, fresh and soft, no bones, intestines or fishy smell, used to prepare many different dishes such as soup, wontons, deep fried… For preservation and easy transport, people have processed this silver fish by drying, packaging and keeping it for a long time.

Su Xiu (Su Embroidery) (# suzhou souvenirs)

Suzhou embroidery, also known as Su Xiu, is one of the oldest embroidery techniques in China. With 2000 years of history, Su Xiu is a type of handicraft that plays an important role in the history of Chinese folk arts and customs, famous for its diversity of embroidery stitches, beautiful patterns, elegant and sophisticated colors.

Suzhou embroidery is one of China’s traditional arts, originating from the Tang Dynasty. Suzhou embroidery products are unique and delicate works of art, hand-made by skilled artisans. Suzhou embroidery products have many types such as picture embroidery, pillow embroidery, towel embroidery, handbag embroidery, clothing embroidery, etc. These embroidery products all reflect a long history, carrying many unique cultural features.

Thanks to the government’s attention, Su Xiu’s embroidery technique has now developed from 18 basic patterns in the past to 40 patterns. The traditional themes of Su Xiu embroidery reflect natural characters and scenes including mountains, rivers, flowers, animals, etc. Products from Su Xiu embroidery are mainly used in clothing and interior decoration. like wall paintings, screens, or pillows, shoes…

One of the most famous Suzhou embroidery products is the Suzhou embroidery. Embroidery is made by using silk or cotton thread to embroider on silk or cotton fabric, creating beautiful and vivid patterns. Each product created has many different styles and themes, but mainly shows the harmony between people and nature, between culture and history. Suzhou embroidery is considered a symbol of Chinese culture, and is a national intangible cultural heritage.

Suzhou Song Brocade (# suzhou shopping guide)

Song brocade produced in Suzhou has a very unique sophistication and elegance, different from the bright yellow brocade and shiny satin often seen in the Yuan and Ming dynasties.

Suzhou brocade was developed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) based on the famous silk production industry here. Therefore, Suzhou brocade is characterized by bright colors, delicate patterns, solid yet soft texture and is one of the three most famous brocades in China today, along with Yun brocade of Nanjing and Shu brocade of Sichuan.

The production of traditional Song brocade requires many steps to produce a finished product. Usually there are about 20 stages, from dyeing the fabric to weaving it into panels. Even the shuttles are created separately for each pattern to create different patterns on each fabric. Normally, Suzhou brocade favors simple motifs such as clouds, flowers, ornamental plants… and is often used to make clothes, decorations or calligraphy.

Song brocade is a famous Chinese silk fabric, originating from the Song Dynasty (920 – 1279). Song brocade is produced mainly in Suzhou, an ancient city located downstream of the Yangtze River and on the east bank of Lake Tai in Zhejiang province. Suzhou is considered one of the important centers of China’s silk production industry, with a history of more than 2,500 years. Song brocade in Suzhou has bright colors, rich patterns, soft and durable materials. This type of brocade is used to make robes, clothes, scarves, curtains, interior decoration and other products. Song brocade is a symbol of Chinese culture and art, considered one of the precious heritages of mankind.

Suzhou silk

Suzhou was first known as the illustrious center of China’s silk trade over the centuries. Silk production in China dates back more than 5,000 years, and Suzhou plays an important part in developing this industry even today. Previously, silk was considered a luxury garment, only used by royalty. With the use of high-grade materials to produce silk, Suzhou was a silk center throughout the Tang and Song dynasties and continuing into the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Suzhou has invested in a silk factory since 1926 with a combination of machine and manual production to produce products that ensure the same quality as over 1,000 years ago. Colorful silk products with vivid patterns are very popular with tourists. You can find garments made from Suzhou silk such as casual clothes to traditional wedding dresses with full accessories.

Traditional woodblock prints

Woodblock printing is a technique of mass printing text, patterns, or images widely used throughout East Asia that originated in ancient China, especially in Suzhou. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou’s woodblock printing technique has been highly appreciated. It later greatly influenced Japanese engravings and was called the suzhou woodblock prints by artisans here.

There are many ancient prints with high complexity and artistic value. However, the most characteristic and most attractive to tourists are the decorative color prints for Tet holidays that express wishes for the new year as well as local cultural customs with vivid colors and images.

Suzhou is an ancient city with thousands of years of culture and history. Specialties in Suzhou all reflect the unique culture and historical value of this city. The most unique souvenirs are not only meaningful gifts for friends and relatives, but also items that mark a perfect trip.

Huang Tianyuan Pastry

Huang Tianyuan is a long-standing pastry brand in Suzhou, with a history of more than 200 years, from the first year of Taoguang (1821). This shop is loved by both locals and tourists for the quality and taste of its pastry. Pastries at Huang Tianyuan store are very diverse and guaranteed to bring customer satisfaction.

Suzhou water chestnuts

Suzhou is a city in Zhejiang province, China, famous for its water chestnut farming and processing. This place is considered the leading producer of high-quality chestnuts in the world, with a history of more than 2000 years. This type of seed has many nutritional values and health benefits, and is widely used in cuisine and traditional medicine. Suzhou chestnuts are light yellow in color, have thin skin, and have fatty and fragrant seeds. Chestnuts can be processed in many different ways such as roasting, boiling, cooking porridge, making cakes, making candy, making oil, making medicine… Suzhou chestnuts are also a specialty gift of locals and tourists.

Suzhou Taohuawu New Year Painting

A unique form of Chinese folk art is Taohuawu New Year painting, which has a long history since the Song Dynasty and developed strongly in the Ming Dynasty. Tet paintings are printed and colored using traditional methods, imbuing the cultural and spiritual beauty of the people of Suzhou. Tet paintings use many bright colors and humorous styles, expressing the optimistic spirit and wishes of people during the Lunar New Year.

Taohuawu New Year paintings are hung in many places in the house, such as doors, walls, windows or altars, to pray for a peaceful, prosperous and happy new year. When traveling to Suzhou, you can also buy these paintings as gifts for relatives and friends!

Sandalwood fans

One of the typical traditional Chinese folding fans is the sandalwood fan, made from rare and precious sandalwood, with a gentle fragrance and high value. Sandalwood fans not only show the elegance and nobility of the user, but also reflect the history and art of Suzhou, Zhejiang province, where the tradition of fan production dates back to the Tang Dynasty.

The process of making sandalwood fans is a sophisticated handicraft art, requiring dexterity, meticulousness and inheritance of ancient techniques. Each sandalwood fan is a unique masterpiece, bearing a distinct mark of this land. Sandalwood fans are not only a useful item, but also a precious gift to give to relatives and friends when traveling to Suzhou.

Suzhou miniature sculpture handicraft products

Miniature sculpture crafts in Suzhou are a unique and exquisite art, made by hand from materials such as wood, stone, ivory, pearls and metals. Artisans skillfully use tiny tools to create images, patterns and writing on tiny objects, even a grain of rice. Miniature engraving products in Suzhou have a long history and are considered a symbol of Chinese culture and art. This is a product that not only has high aesthetic value, but also contains profound meaning about philosophy, spirituality and human destiny. Miniature engraved handmade products in Suzhou are a meaningful and unique gift, suitable for many different occasions to give to friends, relatives or partners.

Shazhou Youhuang rice wine

Shazhou premium rice wine is a traditional wine from Suzhou. This is a unique product, with a light yellow color, a passionate aroma and a sweet taste. Shazhou rice wine is made from high quality glutinous rice and natural wine yeast, according to an ancient recipe. After fermentation, the wine is distilled in wooden barrels to create a special flavor. Premium rice wine has an alcohol content of 15 – 18%, has nutritious, detoxifying, and blood circulation effects. This is a precious wine, only available in limited quantities each year. Shazhou rice wine is a part of Suzhou’s culture and history, and is a luxurious and meaningful gift for relatives and friends.

Caizhizhai Candy

One of the most famous place in Suzhou for candy is Caizhizhai, a store with a long and prestigious history. This store specializes in producing and trading delicious, diverse, unique candies, made from natural ingredients such as sugar, honey, sesame seeds, almonds and many other nuts. Caizhizhai candy has a round or retangle shape, yellow-brown color, shiny surface and a sweet, nutty taste. This is a traditional candy of Suzhou, originating from the Ming Dynasty, created by a talented merchant named Caizhizhai. Caizhizhai’s candy is not only a delicious snack, but also a meaningful gift to give to friends and relatives during the holidays. This candy is also a symbol of Suzhou culture and history, a childhood memory of many generations of Suzhou people.

Other Suzhou souvenirs, gifts

There are many delectable local dishes in Suzhou that visitors can enjoy. However, to buy as gifts, Suzhou candies and dried fruits are always preferred.

Suzhou candy has been famous since 1954, when former Prime Minister Zhou Enlai used this candy to treat international guests when they visiting China. Suzhou cakes and dried fruits also play a very important role in the country’s cuisine and are suitable as gifts for relatives.

In addition Suzhou souvenirs above, you can buy other gifts such as folding fans, Chinese calligraphy, scroll paintings, refrigerator magnets…

Where to buy in Suzhou?

There are many places to visit and shop in Suzhou combined with traveling to explore this charming city. You can refer to a few places to shop below.

Shantang Street

This is an old town along the Shan Tang Canal in Suzhou Old Town. It has a row of shops selling embroidery, furniture, paintings and sculptures. This old town is divided into two parts, one part is reserved for tourists and the other part is a long-standing residence of local residents. Therefore, you can shop while admiring the scenery and observing the lives of the residents here.

Location: Shantang Road, northwest Gusu District, Suzhou

Guan Qian Street

This is the main shopping street located in the center of Suzhou city. Most tourists coming to Suzhou are advised to visit Guan Qian Street. In this famous walking street, visitors can find shops that have existed for more than a hundred years. Here, visitors can learn about teas and many types of arts and crafts in Suzhou.

Location: opposite Xuanmiao Temple, Gusu District, Suzhou

Shi Lu Walking Street

Shi Lu Pedestrian Street is a newly reconstructed shopping street by the Suzhou city government. This is also the common name of the nearby commercial areas of Jinchang district. This famous shopping street contrasts with Guan Qian Street with its typical modern layout. Modern shops, restaurants and bars are clustered around a large square with Suzhou’s largest dry fountain.

Location: Jinchangshi Road, Jinchang District, Suzhou

Fengqiao Da Street

This is a special tourist and shopping street located in Fengqiao scenic area. The buildings along this shopping area still retain the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Most of the shops here sell southern Chinese arts and crafts such as embroidery, paintings, calligraphy, brushes, inkstones, pearl products, jewelry and even antiques…

Location: Fengqiao Da Jie, Huqiu District, Suzhou

Above is some information about specialty items as well as famous shopping places in Suzhou to help visitors more conveniently arrange their itinerary before traveling to this beautiful city. We hope that the information we provide will help you quickly find unique souvenirs for your relatives and family when traveling to Suzhou.

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.