Suzhou

FROM SHANGHAI TO SUZHOU

My journey from Shanghai to Suzhou took just about 20 minutes. Traveling in China is remarkably easy, fast and comfortable. In recent years, the country has built an extensive high-speed rail network, making air travel between most cities largely unnecessary. The trains, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, connect major cities efficiently. Before I knew it, I had arrived in Suzhou.

In fact, many travellers choose to visit Suzhou as a day trip from Shanghai. However, since I was heading in that direction anyway, I decided to stay for several days to explore the city at a more relaxed pace.

I boarded my train at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. Fortunately, a friend of mine in China had purchased my ticket in advance. While it’s also possible to simply show up at the station and buy a ticket on the spot, there’s always a chance that the train you want might be fully booked, meaning you could end up waiting for the next available departure.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is a relatively new station located in the western part of the city. To reach it, simply take Metro Line 2. However, the journey to the station can feel a bit long, as the scale of the metro map doesn’t always reflect the true distance. I wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi, as traffic in Shanghai can be notoriously heavy, while the metro is both safe and reliable.

Chinese trains are modern, comfortable and fast. Traveling in second class is more than sufficient, especially for shorter journeys. While the tickets aren’t exactly cheap, they are still more affordable than in Europe. For example, the second-class ticket from Shanghai to Suzhou cost just 39.5 yuan.

ARRIVAL TO SUZHOU

I arrived at Suzhou Railway Station. Suzhou actually has two railway stations. The other one is Suzhou North Railway Station. I recommend avoiding Suzhou North, as it’s quite far from the city centre, even though it’s connected by the metro system.

I stayed at the four-star apart-hotel Fraser Suites, located near Xinghai Square metro station. The hotel itself was excellent, but the location wasn’t ideal. I had to take the metro every time I wanted to visit the city center. In hindsight, I would have preferred staying somewhere within walking distance of the main attractions.

SUZHOU – VENICE OF THE EAST

Thanks to its canals, stone bridges, pagodas and beautifully designed classical gardens, Suzhou is one of the top tourist destinations in China. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and 2000. Suzhou is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.”

If you look at a map of Suzhou, you’ll notice that the main historical area forms a rectangular shape, encircled by the city’s main canal. To locate it easily, look for Lindun Road metro station. It sits roughly in the centre of this area. You will find almost all major attractions within this historic zone.

GUANQIAN STREET – THE CITY CENTRE

Before visiting Suzhou, I consulted various guides to find the location of the city centre, but none offered a clear answer. If you’re looking for the heart of Suzhou, head to Xuanmiao Temple on Guanqian Street, a well-known pedestrian area.

Xuanmiao Temple is a significant Taoist temple with a rich history. Located in the centre of old Suzhou, it’s well worth a visit. I highly recommend that every visitor explore this vibrant part of the city.

Guanqian Street and its surrounding area are filled with shops, restaurants and markets. The atmosphere is especially lively in the evenings, as people shop or search for a place to eat. Many shops stay open late into the night.

PINGJIANG ROAD

Suzhou offers many beautiful sights. One of the highlights is Pingjiang Road, an 800-year-old street in the historic district, just a short walk from Xuanmiao Temple. Stretching about 1600 meters, I recommend starting your visit from Ganjiang Road on the south side. From there, you can walk northward toward Dongbei Street, near the famous Humble Administrator’s Garden.

In 2009, the Chinese government designated Pingjiang Road as a “Famous Historical and Cultural Street of China.” Running alongside a canal, the street is lined with stone bridges, ancient buildings and a maze of narrow alleys. Here, you can truly experience the charm of old China, a spirit that has largely faded elsewhere due to rapid economic development and urbanisation.

You’ll also find plenty of shops and open-air eateries along the way. A leisurely stroll is the best way to soak in the street’s timeless magic.

HUMBLE ADMINISTRATOR’S GARDEN

The Humble Administrator’s Garden is the most famous, largest and finest of all the gardens in Suzhou. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The garden is composed of three main sections arranged around a large lake, featuring numerous pavilions and bridges woven through a maze of interconnected pools and islands.

It feels like stepping into a dream. When I arrived around 11 am, it was already quite crowded. To avoid the busiest times, it’s best to visit as soon as the garden opens. Given its size, allow two to three hours to explore it at a relaxed, unhurried pace. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Suzhou. If you can only visit one place, make it this one.

PAN GATE SCENIC AREA & PAN GATE

The Pan Gate Scenic Area, including the historic Pan Gate itself, is a notable landmark located in the southwest corner of Suzhou’s main canal.

The Pan Gate, which is around 2,500 years old, is now part of the Pan Gate Scenic Area.

Within the scenic area, two other main attractions stand out. The Ruiguang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Suzhou built in 247, and the Wu Gate Bridge. The Ruiguang Pagoda is constructed from bricks and features wooden platforms, with simple Buddhist carvings at its base.

I spent about two hours exploring this remarkable park. I walked there, but took a taxi back to the city centre. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 4 to Nanmen Station and then walk approximately 15 minutes to reach the park.

When I visited Suzhou, the metro line was still under construction, so it wasn’t an option for me at the time.

MODERN SUZHOU

I spent two days in Suzhou, but that was far from enough time to see everything the city has to offer. I missed some of the other famous Chinese gardens, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Also, I didn’t have time to visit Shantang Street, which is similar to Pingjiang Road. With such a short stay, it’s impossible to see everything. But I would gladly return to this uniquely charming city.

Beyond the historic area, Suzhou is a vibrant, modern metropolis.

If you’re visiting China and happen to be in Shanghai, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Suzhou. Make sure to visit at least one or two of its major historic sites.

You won’t regret it, especially since traveling between Shanghai and Suzhou is so convenient.