{"id":161987,"date":"2019-07-13T20:21:22","date_gmt":"2019-07-13T18:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/suzhou-china\/"},"modified":"2025-10-27T13:37:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:37:10","slug":"things-to-do-in-suzhou","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-suzhou\/","title":{"rendered":"Suzhou: The Most Beautiful Gardens & What to Do in Town"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Suzhou<\/strong> in eastern China, very close to Shanghai<\/a>, is known for its picturesque gardens<\/strong> and picturesque old town<\/strong> with its many waterways<\/strong>. Suzhou is over 2500 years<\/strong> old and is known throughout the country as a place of poets and thinkers. But above all, Suzhou is one thing for me on this China trip<\/strong>: quite a surprise. I’ll tell you here which great sights in Suzhou are waiting for you!<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou
Many houses along the canals in Suzhou are decorated with red lanterns: pure China.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

The most beautiful sights in Suzhou<\/h2>\n\n

Because of its many small canals<\/strong> that run through the rather large old town center, Suzhou is also often and gladly referred to as the Venice of the East<\/strong>. And I shudder at this expression at the latest.<\/p>\n\n

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Suzhou: A boat trip through the romantic canals is a must.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> In Suzhou you will find numerous large hotels of western chains with corresponding comfort. Unfortunately, these are often housed in uninspired high-rises or large complexes. For an authentic atmosphere, it’s best to look for accommodation near the old town, such as the Garden Hotel<\/a>*.Book Garden Hotel in Suzhou*<\/a><\/p>\n\n

“Venice of…” (as well as “Mecca of…” and “Paris of…”) – as an author or copywriter, you only ever write this when you really can’t think of any better comparisons. The main thing is a few boats, a few canals, and the analogy with Venice can be formed. As with the waterways in Suzhou in the Yangtze River Delta <\/strong>in eastern China near Shanghai.<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou<\/figure>\n\n

All Venice, although nothing really compares to Venice, not even Suzhou. But anyone who has been there will wonder why Suzhou needs any comparison at all – because Suzhou is a true gold treasure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

By the way, Suzhou is easy to reach from Shanghai. And you don’t even need a visa for China. The trick: German citizens can enter China without a visa for stays of less than 72 hours in Shanghai and the surrounding area. And from Shanghai, you can reach Suzhou and the surrounding water towns worth seeing, such as Zhouzhuang<\/a> and Tongli, in no time at all. <\/p>\n\n

The nearby water town of Zhouzhuang is also well worth seeing. Read more in this article:<\/p>\n\n

Zhouzhuang Water Town<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Suzhou and its gardens: The garden of the humble official<\/h2>\n\n

The garden of the humble official has a rather misleading name. Modesty is the last thing that comes to mind when you see what is probably the most famous garden in Suzhou. The garden is actually a huge park with secluded pavilions and thoughtfully landscaped lakes and trees.<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou
One of the most popular gardens in Suzhou: the garden of the humble official.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

According to Chinese horticulture, the main focus is not so much on flowers and colors, but on the harmonious interaction of the so-called “seven elements”: earth, sky, water, stones, buildings, living creatures and plants, although here rather trees and green plants are meant.<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou
Otherwise, just a lot of green: lotus blossoms are among the few splashes of color in the garden of this modest official in Suzhou.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

And it soon becomes clear how harmonious the garden of the modest civil servant is: although hopelessly overrun by tourists, an aura of peace and relaxation<\/strong> nevertheless shines over the garden. Very impressive. In many corners you can meet painters and draftsmen<\/strong> who give free rein to their creativity and are inspired by the atmosphere of the garden. I was briefly annoyed that I didn’t have my watercolor stuff with me – I would have loved to just sit next to it and paint along. But there was much more to see in Suzhou anyway, that time was short anyway.<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou
Painters and draftsmen like to be inspired in the garden of the modest official.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Planning a trip? Get more inspiration for a trip to China here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou<\/figure>\n\n

How much history there is in Suzhou can also be seen here: For almost 900 years, a garden has existed on this site, which passed through many hands until a high-ranking official chose it as his retirement home in the 16th century and gave the garden its name. Today, the garden of the humble official is state-owned, a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> and one of the most beautiful gardens in China.<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou
The garden of the humble official in Suzhou is also a real Instagram hotspot: Very instagrammable!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Shantang Street: Immersion in Ancient China<\/h2>\n\n

With temperatures around 35 degrees (yes, it can get very, very hot!) and what feels like 100 percent humidity, a boat trip is always a welcome change, especially in Suzhou with its picturesque canals<\/strong>. Clotheslines fluttering in the wind, children waving enthusiastically at the foreign tourists (as a Western visitor in Suzhou you are still something special) or sneak peeks into foreign kitchens: My eyes did not even know where to look first.<\/p>\n\n

\"Shantang<\/figure>\n\n
\"Bridge
Suzhou’s canals can also be explored by boat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Suzhou<\/figure>\n\n
\"Suzhou
Some bridges are particularly ornate in the old city of Suzhou.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Suzhou
Concentrated, our captain steers the boat through the canals of Suzhou.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Even on foot, Shantang Street (Sh\u0101nt\u00e1ng Ji\u0113)<\/strong> was the China I was looking for: red lanterns, small houses with old wooden beams – and relaxed, friendly faces everywhere. On 7 miles<\/strong> you can find everything at once: tourist stuff, culture, history, snack bars and cafes with all kinds of exotic delicacies and actually real street life. If you turn into the more deserted alleys, you will quickly find yourself in local hustle and bustle, without any touristy stuff. A real experience.<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou
Shopping mile: Shantang Street in Suzhou.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Buy
Colorful souvenirs in the tourist part of Shantang Street.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Suzhou
In the middle of the street: Concentrated card game.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Shantang<\/figure>\n\n

<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"Shantang
Street Food in Suzhou: No inhibitions, it’s worth trying!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Shantang
Fruit and vegetable vendors can also be found on Shantang Street.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Shantang<\/figure>\n\n
\"Suzhou
In the side streets of Shantang Street you can find authentic everyday life: a small cookshop is cooking breadcrumbs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Pingjiang Road: tea houses, canal boats and nightlife<\/h2>\n\n

Even more authentic Chinese flair can be found on Pingjiang Road (P\u00edngji\u0101ng L\u00f9)<\/strong>, similar to Shantang Street a street with many stores and restaurants. Here it is even a little bit more cozy than on Shantang Street. The boats are smaller, the bridges even a little prettier.<\/p>\n\n

\"Suzhou
Happy tourists on Pingjiang Road: a boat trip here is even more idyllic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

My highlight was the tea house,<\/strong> a small caf\u00e9 by the canal, more wooden shack than house, where we listened to 80 year old(!) Mr. Wang playing original Pingtan<\/strong> music to us over a cup of tea. It could hardly get more Chinese! By the way, Pingjiang Road is also very busy in the evening and a nice nightlife spot in Suzhou.<\/p>\n\n