If you only have one day in Suzhou, you should take the time to set an itinerary. The sprawling city includes numerous attractions from the ornate viewing pavilions to the towering pagodas.
Known for its bridges, canals, and gardens, Suzhou has earned the title of the “Venice of the East.”
Historically, the city was a place of elegance and high culture. Artists, writers, scholars and members of the Chinese high society all flocked to the city, drawn by the beautiful art and delicate gardens. Like most modern Chinese cities, Suzhou is now seeing large transformations to its infrastructure and architecture.
It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and is quickly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in China. History and modernity blend to create a distinct escape from nearby Shanghai.
Not sure where to begin? Start planning your trip with this complete 1-day Suzhou itinerary…
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other city itineraries and our China Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
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Where to go in Suzhou in one day: A complete 1-day itinerary
As with most of our one-day city itineraries, this Suzhou itinerary includes stops at various historic sites and includes plenty of time for shopping and dining.
You’ll spend most of the day in the central downtown area, home to several of the iconic gardens and canals.
Unfortunately, you’ll miss out on some of the other sites in the city. If you want to extend your stay, you can explore the nearby mountains, lakes, and commercial plazas.
Exploring the central area allows you to reach most of the sites on foot but you may wear out your shoes by the end of the day. To save your soles, consider taking a taxi between a few of the attractions.
Reflect on the beauty of the Humble Administrator Garden
The Humble Administrator Garden is the perfect example of the artistic gardens that helped make Suzhou so famous.
You’ll find this garden at the top of any list of things to do & see in Suzhou. It’s the most popular classic garden in the city and the busiest. Luckily, you’ll beat most of the crowd if you make this your first stop.
The garden covers over 52,000 square metres and includes several distinct areas. As with most of the gardens in Suzhou, it’s a complex containing multiple gardens, each with its own style.
Originally built during the Ming Dynasty in 1509, it features various pavilions, parlours, and halls along with a historic residence and many individual gardens.
As you travel the hills and green grasses of the eastern section, you’ll pass dense pine and bamboo forests. It’s also home to the main building. Make sure that you check out the large panoramic map of the garden on the south wall of the building.
The central section includes elegant courtyards and pavilions clustered around the main building with oversized glass windows. You’ll then cross the Rainbow Bridge to reach the western section of the garden. The final area includes an ornate hall, a large duck pool, and a floating pagoda.
Examine ancient artifacts at Suzhou Museum
After you’re done touring the ponds and features of the Humble Administrator Garden, it’s time for your history lesson at the Suzhou Museum. It’s on the same block as the garden, located across from the canal.
Admission is free and you’ll get to examine a wide variety of Chinese paintings, art, and calligraphy. It was originally opened in 1960 but the city erected a newer building in 2006, featuring a modern design that stands out against the historic backdrop of the city. The interior architecture is almost as impressive as the artifacts that you’ll examine.
The museum includes over 15,000 artifacts and 70,000 documents and books. Most of the items date back to the Song and Ming Dynasties.
As with the garden, the museum becomes more crowded throughout the day. Hopefully, you’ll beat some of the crowds or risk standing in a long queue to enter.
Ride a boat down the canal that borders Pingjiang Road
When you’re done examining priceless artifacts, walk east near the canal until you reach Pingjiang Road.
If you’re trying to experience Suzhou in one day, you’ll need to take at least one boat ride down a canal. Pingjiang Road is a perfect choice as you can start near the museum and work your way south through the downtown area.
As you ride down the canal bordering Pingjiang Road, you’ll pass under a variety of historic stone bridges. Bordering the canal, you’ll see houses and markets that embody the style and charm of old Suzhou.
If you can’t find a boat, you can simply walk south along the road next to the canal. This gives you a chance to explore some of the narrow alleys that intersect the road.
You could likely spend an entire day exploring the historic district surrounding Pingjiang Road. Along with the shops lining the street, the area includes over 50 smaller alleys, some containing small markets, shops, and restaurants.
Shop and eat your way through Guan Qian Shopping Street
After enjoying the views along Pingjiang Road, travel a few blocks north to Guan Qian Street. Your Suzhou itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a crowded shopping street.
You can find almost anything on this street from local food to international clothing brands. Shop for souvenirs, designer clothes, and local handicrafts.
You’ll also pass department stores and more jewelry stores than you can count. It’s also a great spot to sit and watch people go by. The pedestrian street includes numerous benches where you can take a break and simply enjoy your surroundings.
As one of the major tourist areas of the city, you’ll also have no shortage of food stalls to choose from for your midday meal. Try some of the local delicacies such as rice noodles, deep-fried crab, or sticky rice and pork wrapped in banana leaves.
Take in the outdoors at The Master of the Nets Garden
When you finish shopping and eating street food on Guan Qian Shopping Street, it’s time to visit another garden. Walk a few blocks south and cross Ganjiang East Road. You’ll just need to travel a few more blocks south to reach the garden.
You can’t see everything in Suzhou in 24 hours but you can see a couple of the most famous gardens, including The Master of the Nets Garden.
It’s not as large compared to the Humble Administrator Garden but it stands out for carefully constructed features. The ponds, foliage, and pavilions remain perfectly balanced.
The garden includes two main areas — east and west. As you travel the walking paths in the eastern section, you’ll pass a few courtyards, a tower, and several halls.
The western section includes a large pool surrounded by various plants and rocks. Most of the buildings are small but built right against the water, a common feature for these types of gardens. When reflected in the ponds, they appear much larger.
Explore the 108 windows at Canglang Pavilion
If you’re not tired of looking at ponds and water features, you’ll love the next destination. Canglang Pavilion includes 108 unique outdoor designs. To reach the pavilion, you’ll need to work your way around the nearby canal.
It’s a 15- to 20-minute walk, during which you’ll pass a few Chinese restaurants and cafes. If you’re feeling peckish, stop for a quick meal.
When you reach the pavilion, you’ll find a quaint garden divided into two main sections. It’s the oldest garden in the city, but many tourists overlook it, giving you a chance to break away from the throngs of travellers.
Canglang Pavilion isn’t just one pavilion. It’s a complex with dozens of pavilions, small garden areas, and walking paths. It even has a modern building in the centre that houses several pieces of art.
Escape the crowd as you walk the park around Ruiguang Tower
A few blocks west of the pavilion, you’ll reach the end of the downtown area and another historic site. The Ruiguang Tower stands just outside the Panmen Scenic area.
As with Canglang Pavilion, Ruiguang Tower isn’t one of the most visited spots in the city. This gives you the chance to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a park as you work your way to the pagoda.
Originally built in 247 CE, the multi-storied pagoda sits right next to the canal and stands over 60 metres tall. There isn’t really anything to do at the pagoda but you can stop at the nearby pond and feed the fish.
Wander down Shangtang Street
To finish off your 24 hours in Suzhou, travel from the scenic views of the tower to the bustling Shangtang Street.
It’s a long walk and you may be tired by this point of your trip. Instead of walking to Shangtang Street, save time and your feet by riding a rickshaw. You’ll get to relax and enjoy the views as you take a classic mode of transportation to your last destination.
Shangtang Street is just west of the Waicheng River that borders the downtown area. It shares many features with Pingjiang Road. Both locations include cobbled streets lined with shops bordering a narrow canal.
It’s busier compared to Pingjiang and home to many shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also the best spot for local nightlife. As the sun starts to set, the area comes alive with locals and tourists seeking good times.
Where to stay with 24 hours in Suzhou
Considering it’s lesser-known compared to cities like Shanghai, Beijing or Xian, choosing where to stay in Suzhou can be surprisingly challenging. Home to over 4 million people, the city sprawls over a large area. For most travellers, the area around Suzhou’s Old Town (Gu Su District) and Wu Zhong District offer the best selection of places to stay for a quick layover in Suzhou.
- Hotel Soul Suzhou: A value-laden boutique hotel located just a short walk from many of Suzhou’s top attractions. Besides the comfortable & colourful rooms, the hotel offers a splendid rooftop garden in true Suzhou style.
- Novotel Suzhou SIP: Perched upon the eastern shores of Jinji Lake, this stylish hotel offers a relaxing urban retreat that doesn’t break the bank. Amenities like an on-site spa, sauna, and bar add to the value.
- Ascott Midtown Suzhou: A luxurious property offering modern self-catering units complete with kitchenettes. The sleek rooftop bar with fantastic views over Suzhou is a brilliant surprise.
