Ask a QuestionAs a garden-like city in China, Suzhou is rich in historical and natural resources. Best Places to visit in Suzhou would like to introduce some of the most famous places to visit in Suzhou for you, aiming to help you find your way to explore more about this city. Then, where to visit in Suzhou 2024? Come with us, you will have chance to appreciate the elegant private gardens, visit the so well-known water towns, you will also be impressed by the time-honored architectures that built decades ago, etc.
Located in downtown Suzhou, Humble Administrator Garden is the largest classic private garden in this city, and also the best representation of Chinese classical gardens of the Ming Dynasty. Covers an area of 52,000 square meters, it was first built in the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Zhengde of Ming Dynasty in 1509. Its design is duplicated in many gardens throughout China, and there is even a replica in the New York Metropolitan Museum.
The main scenic spots in Humble Administrator Garden include Distance Fragrance Hall, Fragrance Islet, Lotus-viewing Pavilion, See-the-hill Building and Pipa Garden. In this well-preserved private garden, one will enjoy the original and ingenious design as well as the calm mind which deeply hidden in your mind.
It also is a great fun to have a study about the basic factors of Chinese traditional garden including the lakeside rocks, the tower and mansions, winding path and the corridors, etc. Humble Administrator Garden is absolutely one of the best places to visit in Suzhou.
Address: No. 178 Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou 215001
Lingering Garden is one of the great four gardens in China. It was first built in Wanli reign of Ming Dynasty in 1593 as Xu Taishi private garden. Lingering Garden is also one of best places to visit in Suzhou.
5 Days Shanghai and Suzhou Tour
Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, Humble Administrator Garden, Silk Factory, Tongli water town
Covering 23,330 square meters, the Lingering is a typical one of gardens in Qing Dynasty. It boasts its fine gardening, luxurious and spacious hall, and collection of stones from Taihu Lake by which people can be freshened up without going out the city.
In 1997, Lingering Garden was inscribed into UNESCO World Heritage List. The garden also stores two UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Arts; Pingtan and Guqin music.
Address: No. 338 Liuyuan Road, Jinchang District, Suzhou
Founded in 1960 and originally located in the national historic landmark, Zhong Wang Fu palace complex, the old Suzhou Museum has been a highly-regarded regional museum with a number of significant Chinese cultural relics. In 2006, a new museum, which is the masterpiece that designed by world famous architect I.M.Pei was completed and located at the cross of Dongbei Street and Qimen Road.
Under the design concept of "Chinese style with innovation, Suzhou style with creativity" and the idea of "not too high, not too large and not too abrupt", the museum was built to be a modern, artistic and comprehensive museum in terms of its selected site, and quality construction. Not only does it have the characteristics of a garden of Suzhou style, but also contains the simple geometric balance of the modern art as well as the exquisite structural layout in full function.
The new Suzhou Museum exhibits four permanent collections related to this artistically flourishing era: Wu Treasures, Wu Pagoda Relics, Wu Arts and Crafts, and Wu Paintings and Calligraphy.
Address: No. 204 Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou
With a history of over 1,000 years, Tongli is a typical water town in Jiangsu Province, about 27 km away from Suzhou. This town is separated by 15 rivers into seven islets, which are connected through 49 ancient bridges. Tongli, established in the Song Dynasty, has a history of over 1,000 years. Like other water towns, Tongli is built along the water and been separated by river courses into seven islets.
Tongli is reputed for its well-preserved Ming and Qing style architectures, varied shaped old stone bridges and bountiful rivers, while all of which, made it a decent, quiet and picturesque watery town. In 2004, it was listed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As one of best places to visit in Suzhou, Tongli Water Town is a town with a profound cultural background and achievement.
Famous attractions: Tuisi Garden, Huancui Resort, Gengletang Garden, Woyun Temple
Address: Tongli Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou
45km to the southeast of Suzhou, Zhouzhuang is considered to be the “No.1 Water Town” in China. As a typical watery town, it has a history of over 900-year and renowned for its profound Wu Culture, unique architectural tradition and unspoiled folk custom, etc. With lakes on four sides, the beauty of Zhouzhuang is specially to be found along the waterside lanes and around a number of the stone bridges.
It was entitled one of the Famous Historical and Cultural Town of China in 2003. In 2004, it was listed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous attractions: Former Residence of Wansan Shen, Fuan Bridge, Shen’s Mansion, Hounded House.
Address: Southwest of Kunshan City, Suzhou
Hanshan Temple, located in the Gusu District of Suzhou, is a historic Buddhist temple that dates back to the Liang Dynasty (502-519 AD). The temple gained fame from the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji's poem "Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night," which immortalized the temple's serene ambiance. The architectural style of Hanshan Temple is unique, featuring the Grand Hall, Sutra Library, Bell Tower, and Stele Corridor.
If you travel to Hanshan Temple, you can listen to the melodious bell chimes, especially during the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day ceremonies, which attract many visitors seeking blessings. You can also enjoy authentic vegetarian cuisine at the temple's vegetarian restaurant, experiencing the tranquility and harmony of Buddhist culture.
Address: No. 24 Hanshansi Lane, Fengqiao Town, Suzhou
Shantang Street, located in the northwest of Suzhou's ancient city, stretches from Changmen in the east to Tiger Hill in the west, covering a length of about 3,600 meters. Known as the "First Ancient Street in China," Shantang Street was established during the Tang Dynasty by the poet Bai Juyi, who dredged the Shantang River and built a long embankment. This area has been a commercial hub and a cultural and historical center of Suzhou. The street is lined with well-preserved ancient buildings, traditional Suzhou-style residences, and shops, showcasing the typical charm of Jiangnan water towns.
The night view of Shantang Street is particularly enchanting. You can take a boat ride along the Shantang River at night, enjoying the illuminated ancient buildings and scenic beauty on both sides, which offers a unique experience. The street also boasts numerous traditional snack shops, offering delicacies such as Suzhou noodles, pan-fried buns, and sweet porridge, allowing visitors to savor the local flavors. Hand-painted bookmarks and creative stamp shops are scattered along the street, providing unique souvenirs for visitors to take home as cherished memories of their trip.
Address: Shantang Street, Northwestern Gusu District, Suzhou
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