# Suzhou

Suzhou, in Jiangsu province, is a city of classical gardens and canal streets, about 1.5 hours from Shanghai by car. Its classical gardens are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the canal lanes of Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street are at their best in the evening.

## At a glance

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Province | Jiangsu |
| Altitude | 5 m |
| Best time | Mar–May, Oct–Nov |
| Suggested stay | 1 day |
| From Shanghai | about 1.5 hours by car |

## Best way to see Suzhou

- **Morning:** Humble Administrator's Garden
- **Afternoon:** Tiger Hill, home of the leaning pagoda
- **Evening:** Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street, with an optional boat ride

Garden tickets are sold by passport name and sell out on holidays, so book ahead.

## Sights

### Humble Administrator's Garden

The largest and best-known Suzhou garden, built around water.

- Tickets: ¥80 in peak season / ¥70 in the off-season
- Flat paths throughout
- Allow around 2 hours

## Good to know

- Many Suzhou dishes are slightly sweet; ask if you prefer savoury.

## Our trips that visit Suzhou

- [Classic Jiangnan: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Wuzhen](https://unclepandatravel.com/tours/jiangnan-7d) — from ¥5,400 per person, based on 6 guests in twin share; maximum sleep altitude 10 m, gentle days of ≤6k steps, longest drive about 4 hours.

## Related travel tips

- [Do I need a visa for China? (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia)](https://unclepandatravel.com/travel-tips/visa-entry)
- [How to pay in China: Alipay & WeChat Pay for visitors](https://unclepandatravel.com/travel-tips/pay-in-china)
- [Eating in China: ordering, spice levels and dietary needs](https://unclepandatravel.com/travel-tips/food-etiquette)

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- Source page: https://unclepandatravel.com/destinations/suzhou
- Language: English · Updated: 2026-10-22
- Operator: Hunan Panda International Travel Service Co., Ltd. (Uncle Panda Travel), licensed China travel agency, licence L-HUN-304745
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