Spread the love

Boasting more than 2,500 years of history, the oldest city in the Yangtze River region offers travellers a harmonious blend of evocative gardens, charming water towns, and enrapturing natural beauty. Named by Marco Polo himself as the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is also famed for its enchanting stone bridges, immaculate silk embroidery and delicious Jiangsu-styled food.

But what should you do if you only have three days to visit this city where nine of its classical gardens are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

In this article, the Pan Pacific Suzhou team proposes a 3-Day Suzhou itinerary that is perfect for first-time visitors. Pack your walking shoes, get ready your camera and join us on a tranquil trip through this ancient haven for the soul.

  1. Begin with a Morning Walk at Xitang Water Town

Address: Jiashan, Jiaxingi, Zhejiang, 215211 China

Step into the picturesque past with cobbled streets, ancient buildings and rustic stone bridges at the Xitang (西塘) Water Town. A morning walk here gives you a glimpse of the quietly quaint small town life of local Suzhou residents.

Get directions to Xitang Water Town

  1. Enjoy a Tranquil Evening at the Ancient Tongli Town

Address: Wujiang, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215217 China

Earning the title of “The Oriental Venice,” Tongli (同里) is one of China’s best-preserved water towns with over 1,000 years of history.

Stroll in the soothing surrounds of Tuisi Garden—declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2001. The garden boasts a collection of pavilions, bridges and terraces, built in a classic architectural style that is simple, elegant, clean and calming.

Get directions to Tongli Town from ZhouZhuang Water Town

3: Luxuriate in the World Famous Humble Administrator’s Garden

Address: 178 DongbeiGusu Qu, Suzhou Shi, 215002, China

By now, you are probably aware that picturesque Suzhou is filled with luscious gardens. If you only have time to visit one, however, make it the Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园).

First, feast your eyes on dense bamboo and pine forests, winding streams and verdant splashes of nature. Then explore the garden’s quaint pavilions, elegant parlours and decorated courtyards.

Get directions to Humble Administrator’s Garden from Tiger Hill

4: Witness the Art and Science of Suzhou Silk Production

Suzhou Silk Museum (丝绸博物)
Address: 
2001 Renmin Rd, Ping Jiang Qu, Suzhou Shi, Jiangsu Sheng, 215001, China
Telephone: +86 0512 6753 5943
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm (Tuesday to Sunday) Closed on Monday (except for national holidays)

Ready for an eye-opening educational experience? Suzhou is famous for its silk production, and you can see first-hand how it is made at the Suzhou Silk Museum. Here, you will experience the whole process—from silkworms munching on mulberry leaves, spinning their cocoons, to the processing of fine silk from the cocoons.

Get directions to Suzhou Silk Museum from Canglong Pavilion

5: Close Your Trip With a Sacred Mountain View

Address: Ma Shan Tai Hu National Park | Lingshan Road, Binhu District, Wuxi, 214091, China

If you have just about enough time to squeeze in one more place of interest, head to the Lingshan Buddhist (灵山大佛) Scenic Spot.

Here, you will be greeted by the world’s largest bronze Buddha structure—one that soars to a towering 88 metres in height. Surrounded by lush greenery, the popular destination features a majestic Brahma palace and Buddhist related sites. While you are here, do stop to admire the view of the vast expanse of mountains that envelop this scenic spot.