Miscellaneous Special Forces Tour of Suzhou | 2-day, 1-night itinerary connecting 16 attractions, organized by locals, no time wasted ~ If you don’t want to be too tired but wish to visit all of Suzhou, follow this route for a stroll!
Accommodation Recommendation: It is recommended to stay near the Leqiao Station on the subway, Guanqian Street, Shantang Street, or Jinji Lake, where hotel prices are still quite reasonable.
DAY 1: Suzhou Museum → Suzhou Garden Museum → Humble Administrator’s Garden → Lion Grove Garden → Couple’s Retreat Garden → Pingjiang Road → Guanqian Street → Twin Pagodas Market → Jinji Lake Scenic Area → Suzhou Center (Gate of the Orient)
Suzhou Museum: Unique architectural design and rich collections; book in advance 5-7 days on the “Suzhou Museum” mini-program.
Suzhou Garden Museum: Located near the Suzhou Museum, experience the art and culture of gardens.
Humble Administrator’s Garden: One of China’s four famous gardens, with a history of over five hundred years, each season brings a different charm, a must-visit landmark of Suzhou.
Lion Grove Garden: Named for its rock formations that resemble lions, the maze-like cluster of假山is very photogenic.
Couple’s Retreat Garden: Adjacent to the bustling Pingjiang Road, a classical garden that offers tranquility amidst noise, a heartbreak for singles amidst couples.
Pingjiang Road Historical District: Ancient bridges over waterways, white-walled and black-tiled paths, and listening to a tune of Suzhou Pingtan, feel the poetic and picturesque Jiangnan of Suzhou.
Guanqian Street – Twin Pagodas Market: Full of time-honored brands, it is a traditional commercial street in the hearts of locals. A dazzling array of Suzhou-style restaurants and pastries, as a foodie, I’m drooling😭I can’t finish eating, simply can’t!
Jinji Lake – Gate of the Orient: Suzhou’s internet-famous “big underpants,” a landmark building. The modern colorful gate complements the simplicity of Suzhou’s classical gardens in terms of temperament.
DAY 2: Art Garden → Lingering Garden → Xiyuan Temple → Hanshan Temple → Tiger Hill → Seven-mile Long Shantang
Art Garden: A very down-to-earth garden in Suzhou, filled with herbs, not crowded, offering a tranquil atmosphere not found in other gardens.
Lingering Garden: A new scene at every turn, a whole new world with every glance, that’s the Lingering Garden. Strolling through the garden, any casual snapshot will have the gentle filter of a Jiangnan lady.
Xiyuan Temple: Incense praying for blessings, vegetarian dining experience, counting Arhat statues, and free sutra copying, feeling the peacefulness of the years.
Hanshan Temple: In addition to the basic setup of Xiyuan Temple, there’s also bell ringing for blessings, feeding koi fish, and requesting eighteen seeds, a temple visiting experience with strong interactive appeal.
Tiger Hill: To truly enjoy Tiger Hill, one must follow history; the fragrance of tea fills the air, experiencing the beauty and cultural heritage of Tiger Hill beloved by Su Dongpo.
Seven-mile Long Shantang: Recommended to visit at night, take a boat ride on the Jiangnan waterways, feel the dim lights, and experience the stunning night view of being in a painting, with lights out around 10:30 PM.