Top 50 Best Things to Do in Suzhou
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Suzhou

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  • Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden)top_1
    󰺂8.8
    12.84
    Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYi Liang Pavilion in Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden) is open for a limited time
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Enjoy colorful scenery at the year-round flower show
    󱨜World Heritage Site
    󱨠Saved by 4621 users󱨠51006 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M27***06M27***06

    The Humble Administrator's Garden, one of China's four most famous gardens, blends the spirit of nature with the charm of culture. Its pavilions, terraces, and corridors are built into the landscape, and when the maple leaves turn red and the ginkgo leaves turn yellow, the scenery is exceptionally beautiful. It exudes an ancient charm yet remains vibrant, making it a pinnacle of classical garden design. It's a wonderful place for us to relax.

  • Hanshan Templetop_2
    󰺂8.2
    3.3
    Suzhou.New Urban District/ Hanshan Temple2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFall scenery at Hanshan Temple: A quiet and profound search for the long-lost autumn | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    Highlights:
    󱓊Over 1,400 years history
    Experience the poem's serene ambiance
    󱨠Saved by 1743 users󱨠17828 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    _We***19_We***19

    I think charging an entrance fee to visit a temple is a bit of a rip-off, but there's no other way when traveling. It's not close to the city center, and Suzhou's traffic is constantly restricted, making taxis inconvenient. Hanshan Temple is heavily commercialized. You don't need to take the shuttle bus to the entrance; it's only a few minutes' walk. They even charge you to ring the bell inside. It's really frustrating; temples these days have all changed.

  • Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden)top_3
    󰺂8.0
    5.5
    Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street4.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜Gem of World Cultural Heritage
    21 caves & 9 labyrinthine paths
    󱨠Saved by 1834 users󱨠17051 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M30***11M30***11

    • Cultural Value: The Lion Grove Garden is a temple garden that integrates the principles of Zen Buddhism and the pleasures of gardens, embodying the fusion of traditional garden design techniques and Buddhist thought. It was included in the supplementary list of nominees for World Heritage status in 1997 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

  • Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area
    4
    󰺂7.9
    11
    Suzhou.Suzhou Railway Station District4.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA poetic encounter between the thousand-year-old Tiger Hill Pagoda and red maple trees | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Gardens in Suzhou
    Highlights:
    󱨜Tiger Hill Pagoda (World's 2nd leaning tower)
    󱓊Spring Art Flower Show: Rare Blooms
    󱨠Saved by 1669 users󱨠19785 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    138***16138***16

    I took my parents on a winter trip to Tiger Hill. This season is like a palette of colors—yellow, red, and green—it's absolutely beautiful, dazzling under the sunlight. Tiger Hill seems to have been expanded a lot; a complete walk around takes at least half a day, but it was a wonderful experience. After that, we walked to Shantang Street. The Seven-Mile Shantang Street still looks just like it did when I was a child.

  • Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
    5
    󰺂7.8
    8.25
    Suzhou.Shi Road/Shantang business district2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Stunning Jelly-Like Pond at Suzhou's Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Gardens in Suzhou
    Highlights:
    󱨜World Heritage Site
    󰀆Crown Cloud Peak: five unique features
    󱨠Saved by 1495 users󱨠11334 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M27***06M27***06

    Lingering Garden is known for its "small but beautiful landscapes, with many scenic spots within a small space." Pavilions and terraces are reflected in the clear water, strange peaks and rocks hide tranquility, and plaques and couplets contain profound meaning. Strolling through it, one can fully appreciate the elegance and charm of Jiangnan gardens.

  • Zhouzhuang
    6
    󰺂7.7
    9.17
    Kunshan.Outside Zhouzhuang Ancient Town32.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoZhouzhuang's mid-winter ginkgo season: A 400-year-old tree welcomes visitors to admire its golden leaves | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    Ming & Qing architectural complexes views
    󰋄Photographers' paradise & must-visit
    󱨠Saved by 2767 users󱨠10610 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    E35***28E35***28

    Hiring a guide this time was definitely the right decision. It was the first time our family cousins ​​had organized a trip together. I've been to Zhouzhuang Water Town many times, and I think if I just wandered around aimlessly, rushing through the sights, even the best scenery and cultural heritage would be wasted. By watching and listening, the beautiful scenery, cultural heritage, and historical stories came to life. The key was that the guide was excellent—attentive, warm-hearted, highly professional, and very knowledgeable. It was a very enjoyable experience, and everyone praised him!

  • Suzhou Museum
    7
    󰺂7.4
    Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street4.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Designed by architect I.M. Pei
    󱓊White walls & bamboo courtyard
    󱨠Saved by 1760 users󱨠3198 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    暴宝妮暴宝妮

    The Suzhou Museum's opening day was met with widespread media coverage of the overwhelming demand and difficulty in securing tickets, a phenomenon still fresh in many people's minds. Although admission was free, advance reservations were required to reserve a specific date. Many popular tourist attractions experience similar initial surges in visitors, only to quickly become deserted once the initial novelty wears off. However, the Suzhou Museum continues to attract global visitors even on weekdays. Not during summer vacation or holidays, it's still packed with people on a random weekday. This is likely due to its sheer beauty; it's not just a museum, but a successful fusion of world-class architecture, precious artifacts, innovative exhibitions, and the aesthetics of Jiangnan lifestyle. If you have ample time, I recommend observing the changing light and shadow effects throughout the museum, especially in the central hall and corridors, to appreciate how natural light breathes life into the space through the glass ceiling.

  • Tongli Ancient Town
    8
    󰺂7.3
    14.67
    Suzhou.Outside Tongli Ancient Town20.5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    Ancient architectural complexes (Ming & Qing)
    󰀆Experience centuries-old street life
    󱨠Saved by 2072 users󱨠7280 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I visited Tuisi Garden and the Three Bridges in Tongli Ancient Town 20 years ago. This time, it seemed there were fewer tourists, but the scenic area was more spacious and orderly. This was my first time visiting Pearl Tower Scenic Area. It has a story behind it, and the sound of Suzhou storytelling performances could be heard from time to time. It was a good experience, and there were also quite a few newlyweds dressed up for photos.

  • Shantang Street
    9
    󰺂7.0
    Suzhou.Shi Road/Shantang business district2.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cruise with Jiangnan views
    󱨜Birthplace of Kunqu Opera & Chinese folk songs
    󱨠Saved by 2199 users󱨠1692 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    In the Zhenqu Garden at night, the melodious sound of flutes and the gentle singing fill the air. Leaning on the railing, one can savor the elegant tunes and let one's thoughts wander freely. To complete this, enjoy a soft and chewy Suzhou pastry and a cup of fragrant jasmine tea—how wonderful! Turning around suddenly, the sound of a piano, like a spring or a mountain path, rises softly in the garden. A girl, as melancholy as a lilac, holds an oil-paper umbrella and drifts past us like a dream. Let us follow the river of time and savor these cultural products that carry the deep warmth of Suzhou's nostalgia!

  • Master-of-Nets Garden(Wangshi Garden)
    10
    󰺂6.7
    5.5
    Suzhou.Shiquan Street/Pan Gate Scenic Area4.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 5 of Gardens in Suzhou
    Highlights:
    󰀆Enjoy folk art performances (Nightly)
    󰋄Delicately arranged pavilions and towers
    󱨠Saved by 523 users󱨠2953 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M53***63M53***63

    The scenery at the Master of the Nets Garden is exceptionally beautiful, with stunning views at every turn. The reflections in the water are a distinctive feature of the garden, making it a perfect spot for taking photos in a traditional Chinese style. A highly recommended garden to visit when in Suzhou. A very satisfying trip indeed! Highly recommend everyone to check it out.

Best things to do in Suzhou (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Suzhou? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Suzhou offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Suzhou

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Suzhou experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden)

• Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street | 5 km from downtown

• : Enjoy colorful scenery at the year-round flower show,World Heritage Site

Hanshan Temple

• Suzhou.New Urban District/ Hanshan Temple | 2 km from downtown

• : Over 1,400 years history,Experience the poem's serene ambiance

Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden)

• Suzhou.Guanqian Street/Pingjiang Street | 4.8 km from downtown

• : Gem of World Cultural Heritage,21 caves & 9 labyrinthine paths

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Suzhou

If you want to explore attractions just outside Suzhou, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Suzhou, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Suzhou special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Suzhou

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Suzhou

Ready to explore the best of Suzhou? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Suzhou?
These are all Best Things to Do in Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden), Hanshan Temple, Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden), Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area, Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Suzhou?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Suzhou include:Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden):4.6, Hanshan Temple:4.6, Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden):4.7, Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area:4.7, Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden):4.7
At what locations in Suzhou can Best Things to Do in Suzhou be found?
The Best Things to Do in Suzhou are mainly located in:Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden):Suzhou, Hanshan Temple:Suzhou, Lion Grove Garden(Shizilin Garden):Suzhou, Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area:Suzhou, Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden):Suzhou
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