Suzhou
The classical gardens of scholars and officials, laced with canals.
Highlights of Suzhou
Suzhou's walled gardens are UNESCO-listed masterpieces of rock, water and pavilion. It's just 30 minutes from Shanghai by bullet train.
Humble Administrator's Garden
The largest classical garden in Suzhou, built in the early 1500s.
Pingjiang Road
A canal-side lane of teahouses and old homes, lovely at dusk.
Suzhou Museum
Designed by I. M. Pei, a modern take on the city's garden style.
Connections
| To / from | By | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | High-speed train | about 30 minutes |
| Hangzhou | High-speed train | about 1½ hours |
Times are typical and vary by service.
Tips from our guides
- Visit the big gardens at opening time to avoid tour groups.
- The Lingering Garden and Master of the Nets Garden are smaller and quieter.
Nearby and nicely paired
2–3 daysShanghai
1930s jazz-age streets, a futuristic skyline and some of the best food in China.
1–2 daysHangzhou
West Lake's willows and causeways, and the tea villages in the hills above.
1 dayWuzhen
A canal town of stone bridges and wooden houses, magical after dark.
Add Suzhou to your China trip
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