Suzhou
苏州VERIFIED 2026.09.29
Gardens, canals, silk — Venice by way of the Ming dynasty.
25 minutes from Shanghai, four hundred years of classical gardens designed like scroll paintings, canal lanes with laundry overhead, and a silk industry. Small, flat, perfect for two unhurried days.
Arriving
No major airport — come by bullet train from Shanghai Hongqiao (25 min, every 10 minutes).
Getting around
Sufficient; the old town is walkable.
Sleep here
Inside the old town moat, near Pingjiang Road.
The five that matter
- 01Humble Administrator's Garden (go at opening)
- 02Pingjiang Road canals at dusk
- 03Tiger Hill pagoda
- 04Suzhou Museum (free, Pei-designed)
- 05Evening canal cruise
Day trips
Tongli water town (30 min); Shanghai (obviously).
Skip it
All four famous gardens in one day — pick two, savor them.