https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/suzhou/best-things-to-do/100001411843
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Suzhou [2025]
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Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden)
4.6
/5
73708 reviews
8.8
From AU$ 17.12
Based on 2,347 reviews
Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street | 5 km from downtown
Address: 178 Donbei St, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215001
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Enjoy colorful scenery at the year-round flower show
World Heritage Site
Saved by 3670 users48987 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
When traveling to Jiangsu, you must go to the Humble Administrator's Garden. You can't buy a ticket, you have to buy a tour guide to enter. This is a bit of an average experience, and then you don't feel that amazing when you come in. It's just a check-in to prove that you have been there. I also went to Yangzhou's Ge Garden, and the feeling is similar. There are so many people, it's beautiful to take pictures, and every picture you take is beautiful.
The scenery of the Humble Administrator's Garden is very good. You must hire a tour guide, otherwise you will not know what they are talking about and just look at the scenery. It is great to have a tour guide explain the history to you, especially with children.
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Hanshan Temple
4.6
/5
21576 reviews
8.2
From AU$ 4.28
Based on 426 reviews
New Urban District/ Hanshan Temple | 2 km from downtown
Phone +86051267236213
Address: No. 24, Hanshan Temple, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Over 1,400 years history
Experience the poem's serene ambiance
Saved by 1401 users16733 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The navigation took us to the parking lot. We were actually able to navigate right to the entrance. Don't believe the parking lot claims about a long walk or boat ride. We only walked there in a few minutes. There were signposts along the way, and we didn't even need to take the shuttle.
The children like the fish in it very much. They take great photos. The fish are very big and beautiful. There are fewer people in the off-season when we go, so it is a good experience.
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Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden)
4.7
/5
22251 reviews
8.0
From AU$ 8.56
Based on 773 reviews
Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street | 4.8 km from downtown
Phone +860512962015
Address: No. 23, Garden Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.2 of Gardens in Suzhou
Highlights:
Gem of World Cultural Heritage
21 caves & 9 labyrinthine paths
Saved by 1485 users16260 positive reviews
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The scenery of Suzhou Lion Grove is quite beautiful. It is also a maze. It is fun to go back and forth in the rockery. Children like it very much, and adults also enjoy it. If you play hide-and-seek here, you probably won’t be able to find each other for half a day. It is recommended to visit Suzhou Lion Grove.
The Lion Grove in Suzhou is also very beautiful. Not only is it a great place for taking photos, but it is also a maze. It is fun to walk through it. There is a new scene at every step. Children like it very much, and adults also enjoy it. Of course, you will definitely sweat when the weather is hot.
No.
4
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Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area
4.7
/5
28540 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 14.98
Based on 1,039 reviews
Suzhou Railway Station District | 4.1 km from downtown
Phone +860512962015
Address: No. 8 Shanmen, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Suzhou
Highlights:
Tiger Hill Pagoda (World's 2nd leaning tower)
Spring Art Flower Show: Rare Blooms
Saved by 1317 users19355 positive reviews
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I recently visited Suzhou and was deeply impressed by Tiger Hill, so I had to share it with everyone!
Upon arriving at Tiger Hill Scenic Area, I was immediately struck by the majestic aura of "Wuzhong's premier scenic spot." Upon entering the area, the first thing I saw was the Broken Beam Hall, also known as the Second Mountain Gate. Built during the Yuan Dynasty, it has stood the test of time, yet its structure remains remarkably unique. Its exquisite brackets and beam design are truly ingenious. It's said that the main beam even broke, yet through ingenious craftsmanship, it continues to support the entire structure. This truly makes one admire the wisdom of the ancients. The inscriptions within the hall are also of great historical value, offering a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.
Up the stone path, you'll reach Hanhan Spring. The legend surrounding Hanhan Spring is fascinating, lending this clear spring a touch of mystery. The water is crystal clear and flows year-round, surrounded by lush trees and a tranquil and peaceful environment. Standing by the spring, feeling the breeze and listening to the gurgling water, it feels as if time has slowed down.
Going further, you'll see the Sword-Testing Stone. This massive rock has a crack in its center, which is said to have been caused by King Helü of Wu testing his sword. While this is just a legend, it adds a touch of legend to the attraction. Taking photos next to the Sword-Testing Stone is a truly remarkable experience.
Continuing the climb, you'll reach the Thousand-Man Stone. This expansive natural stone platform can accommodate thousands of people, offering a breathtaking view of the entire scenic area. Surrounding attractions include the Sword Pond, the Third Spring, and the White Lotus Pond, each step offers a breathtaking spectacle. The Sword Pond boasts steep walls and deep waters. Legend has it that King Helü of Wu was buried here, and that three thousand swords are hidden within, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
The iconic Tiger Hill structure, the Tiger Hill Pagoda (also known as the Yunyan Temple Pagoda), is a must-see. Built between the Five Dynasties and the second year of Jianlong in the Northern Song Dynasty, this seven-story, eight-sided brick pagoda with a timber-like structure, though slightly tilted, still stands firmly on the mountaintop. Having weathered the ravages of time, it still exudes a unique charm, truly worthy of being called the "Leaning Tower of Pisa of the East." Photographing Tiger Hill Pagoda from various angles creates stunning photographs.
Throughout my visit, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the scenic area has distinct landscapes in each season. Spring sees a vibrant display of flowers; summer offers shaded foliage, a perfect escape from the heat; autumn brings fiery maple leaves, a vibrant hue; and winter, blanketed in snow, offers a unique charm.
However, Tiger Hill is often crowded during holidays, so if you want to avoid the crowds by taking photos, it's recommended to arrive early. The scenic area also boasts some unique cultural and creative products, making them worth taking home as souvenirs. In short, Tiger Hill is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural history, a highly recommended stop!
We arrived at Tiger Hill under the scorching sun at 38 degrees Celsius. We thought it would be crowded because of the hot weather, but it was still packed. We visited almost all the attractions, and the one that impressed us the most was the Sword Pond. We were amazed at the profound cultural heritage of Tiger Hill. It is worth visiting many times.
No.
5
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Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
4.7
/5
14490 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 11.77
Based on 851 reviews
Shi Road/Shantang business district | 2 km from downtown
Phone +860512962015
Address: 338 Liuyuan Rd, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215008
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.4 of Gardens in Suzhou
Highlights:
World Heritage Site
Crown Cloud Peak: five unique features
Saved by 1204 users10725 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Maybe it's because I grew up in the beautiful scenery of Anhui. I didn't see anything particularly amazing in the Lingering Garden. I just looked around and saw many young ladies in beautiful cheongsams taking photos. This is also a special scenery of Suzhou. The temperature is still very high in early September. It's too hot outside, which will also affect the viewing experience.
I recently visited Suzhou and visited the Lingering Garden. It was truly breathtaking! Entering the garden felt like stepping into a slowly unfolding Jiangnan ink painting.
The layout of the garden is incredibly well thought out, with cleverly divided areas. Every step offers a new scene, ensuring you never tire of the view. The central waterscape is truly breathtaking. The lake is crystal clear, shimmering, and surrounded by lush greenery. Intricate pavilions and towers nestle along the water, creating stunning photographs. Standing by the lake, feeling the gentle breeze, is incredibly relaxing.
The architecture within the garden is also incredibly refined and elegant, brimming with charm. The Wufeng Xian Pavilion, also known as the Nanmu Hall, boasts magnificent golden nanmu columns. The marble landscape painting on the wall, with its naturally formed landscape patterns, is so lifelike that you can almost feel the painting's majestic grandeur. There is also Guanyun Peak, the "star" landscape of Liuyuan Garden. It is more than 6 meters high and combines the characteristics of Taihu stone "thin, wrinkled, porous and transparent". It is worthy of being a relic of the Northern Song Dynasty Flower and Stone Gang. The Ruiyun and Xiuyun peaks on both sides are like loyal guards, making Guanyun Peak even more extraordinary.
No.
6
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Zhouzhuang
4.5
/5
19709 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 10.70
Based on 1,054 reviews
Outside Zhouzhuang Ancient Town | 32.7 km from downtown
Phone +864008282900
Address: No.43, Quanfu Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Night Attractions in Suzhou
Highlights:
Ming & Qing architectural complexes views
Photographers' paradise & must-visit
Saved by 2439 users10493 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Although known as the "First Garden of Jinling," Zhou Garden is a newly constructed private collection, not a traditional garden. The densely packed exhibits and somewhat cluttered layout lack the artistic conception and structure of a classical garden. If you're expecting the exquisite elegance of Suzhou gardens, this place might disappoint, and the admission fee is quite high.
Although Zhouzhuang is famous for its "China's first water town", it is over-commercialized, and there are many shops along the street. The original water town life is slightly inferior. The flow of people is more crowded when weaving. If you pursue a quiet ancient town experience, it is recommended to avoid holidays.
No.
7
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Suzhou Museum
4.7
/5
4742 reviews
7.5
Based on 843 reviews
Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street | 4.8 km from downtown
Phone +86051267575666
Address: 204 Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Designed by architect I.M. Pei
White walls & bamboo courtyard
Saved by 1465 users3151 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Suzhou Museum boasts a strikingly modern architecture, with I.M. Pei's design ingeniously blending traditional elements. However, the exhibits are limited, the content is somewhat limited, and long lines are often required for entry. If you're expecting a rich collection of cultural relics, you might find the architecture more appealing than the collection, leaving you with a somewhat unbalanced experience.
Suzhou Museum architecture is very design characteristics of Bei Xuming, white walls and ash and garden elements are cleverly integrated. However, the internal exhibition space is limited, and the number of precious cultural relics is not as expected, and often needs to be queued to enter the venue. If it is for architectural aesthetics, it is worth seeing; if you focus on cultural relics to view, or you need to adjust your expectations.
No.
8
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Tongli Ancient Town
4.5
/5
14468 reviews
7.4
From AU$ 17.12
Based on 935 reviews
Outside Tongli Ancient Town | 20.5 km from downtown
Phone +8605124006982990
Address: Tongli Ancient Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.3 of Night Attractions in Suzhou
Highlights:
Ancient architectural complexes (Ming & Qing)
Experience centuries-old street life
Saved by 1881 users7283 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
One of the representatives of the water town, in addition to the small bridges and canal houses, there are also attractions such as Tuisi Garden and Ertang Sanqiao. You can have a more comprehensive understanding of the different styles of the ancient town's mansions and gardens. There are relatively fewer people, and the number of guests is more substantial than Zhouzhuang.
Tongli Water Town still retains its original character, but it's become heavily commercialized, with shops on the main street becoming increasingly homogeneous and somewhat noisy. The small attractions included in the ticket price are of limited value, and the tranquility of the ancient town can be difficult to appreciate during busy times. Those hoping for an authentic water town experience might find the area overdeveloped, lacking in its quaint charm.
No.
9
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Shantang Street
4.4
/5
4720 reviews
7.1
Based on 822 reviews
Shi Road/Shantang business district | 2.9 km from downtown
Phone +86051265314467
Address: No. 218 Guangji Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.2 of Night Attractions in Suzhou
Highlights:
Cruise with Jiangnan views
Birthplace of Kunqu Opera & Chinese folk songs
Saved by 1891 users1654 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The night view lighting of Shantang Street is indeed beautiful, but the degree of commercialization is too high, the store is homogeneous, and the authentic snacks are gradually less. The experience is greatly reduced when the crowd is crowded. If you want to feel the charm of old Suzhou, it is recommended to avoid the weekend evening.
⸻
The night cruise on Shantang Street is truly atmospheric. The lights on both sides of the river reflect on the water, creating a beautiful, antique atmosphere. Sit back and admire the old houses, small bridges, and streetscapes along the way, giving you a unique sense of the Jiangnan region. The ride isn't long, but it's very pleasant, perfect for relaxing and immersing yourself in Suzhou's waterside charm. Worth a try! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No.
10
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Master-of-Nets Garden(Wangshi Garden)
4.7
/5
4554 reviews
6.7
From AU$ 8.56
Based on 580 reviews
Shiquan Street/Pan Gate Scenic Area | 4.6 km from downtown
Phone +860512962015
Address: No. 11 Kuojiatou Lane, Daichengqiao Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.5 of Gardens in Suzhou
Highlights:
Enjoy folk art performances (Nightly)
Delicately arranged pavilions and towers
Saved by 435 users2868 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This is a very unique Jiangnan garden, small but exquisite, with pavilions, towers, flowers and birds, and waterside pavilions. Many people come to visit, including many foreigners. Parking is also good and quite convenient.
No need to queue for hours on Sunday for the other gardens. Just come here and enjoy it with very few people. Same vibes, just smaller.
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