Undoubtedly, the Suzhou gardens are a priority for many visitors—two esteemed gardens that you should spend time in are the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Lingering Garden (featured in our article on Suzhou’s famous and hidden gardens).

If you’re travelling to Suzhou in November, visit Tianping Mountain to experience its stunning autumn foliage. It is also during this period that the area springs to life, with performances, craft markets, and food stalls to enjoy.

For a change of scenery and an otherworldly experience, make a day trip to see the Linwu Cave. This breathtaking attraction showcases the remarkable effects that can happen over thousands of years of water eroding limestone rock. More intriguingly, this is also believed to be the spot where ancient Taoist monks honed their martial arts skills, to the point where they could kill with a single flick of the wrist.

Another popular day trip option is the scenic Yangcheng Lake. Surprisingly, the main draw isn't its aesthetic appeal but its renowned 'hairy crabs'. For decades, seafood lovers and top chefs (especially from Shanghai) have coveted these crabs for their superior taste and texture. 

When visiting the area, do also make time for the nearby Suzhou Village, which boasts an array of international brands, Chinese designer labels, and outlet stores.

Within the city centre, walking is the best way to get around. Pingjiang Road is a popular tourist spot and is considered Suzhou’s cultural hub—look for singing storytellers and opera theatres in the area.

Another street to meander along is Shantang Street; if you are acquainted with the Chinese classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber, you may be keen to learn that its author, Cao Xueqin, drew inspiration from the Humble Administrator’s Garden (see above) and Shantang Street for his literary masterstroke.

More culture awaits inside the Suzhou Museum. It was designed by eminent architect I.M. Pei at the age of 85 (in 2004), and features a respectable collection of Ming and Qing artefacts.

Get directions to the TianPing Mountain

Get directions to the Linwu Cave

Get directions to the Yangcheng Lake

Get directions to the Suzhou Village

Get directions to Pinjiang Road

Get directions to Shantang Street

Get directions to the Suzhou Museum

After exploring these Suzhou places of interest, seize the opportunity to taste authentic Chinese cuisine. To savour the best Chinese dumplings in the city, visit the Lonely Planet-approved Yang Yang. And don’t let Suzhou’s languid pace deceive you—where food is concerned, options are available around the clock, and hot pot establishments in particular (such as Lu Ji) can be counted upon to stay open well past midnight.

You can continue to bask in Suzhou’s idyllic charm by making a reservation at Pan Pacific Suzhou’s Garden Brasserie (international buffet) or the Hai Tien Lo Chinese Restaurant—both restaurants feature serene views of the Panmen Scenic Area.

For a post-meal treat, head for popular snack stores such as Huang Tian Yuan (rice cakes and rice balls), Ye Shou He (pastries), Dao Xiang Cun, and Cai Zhi Zhai (souvenir snacks).

Get directions to Yang Yang

Get directions to Huang Tian Yuan

Get directions to Dao Xiang Cun

Get directions to Cai Zhi Zhai

Suzhou’s fame extends beyond its gardens; it is also known as the Silk Capital of the World. Visitors have been captivated by Suzhou’s artisanal silk embroidery (better known as “Su embroidery", which features double-sided embroidered imagery done on silk fabric. To fully appreciate this traditional art form and pick up a souvenir or gift, visit the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute. You can also purchase silk embroidery products at Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street (mentioned above). Should you be tempted to negotiate a better price, rest assured that bargaining is considered socially acceptable here.

To bring home unique Suzhou memorabilia, visit shops that sell Biluochun tea, renowned for its distinctive fruity flavour and sweet aroma. For a more immersive experience, book a full-day tour to one of Suzhou’s tea plantations on Dongshan Island, where much of the city’s Biluochun tea is produced, and gather the tea leaves yourself.

Avid readers with a soft spot for printed books, set aside time for the multi-level Eslite Bookstore, where you can browse a vast book collection while indulging in coffee and gift shopping on the side. “In a world with more and more iPads, laptops, and tablets, it’s wonderful to find a huge space reserved for paper and ink,” reads a recent glowing review.

If retail therapy is what you seek, head to Suzhou Center, the city’s newest and largest mall, which houses over 600 retail brands. For more shopping destinations, refer to City Weekend’s gift guide and its Suzhou markets round-up.

Get directions to the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute

Get directions to the Eslite Bookstore

Get directions to the Suzhou Center

Suzhou’s nascent nightlife scene may not rival the vibrant scene of its neighbouring city, Shanghai, but it still offers a range of night spots to keep visitors entertained.

For craft beers, Birdland has been hailed as “the only real option” for drinking good beer in Suzhou. If you're in the mood for live music, dancing, and socialising, head over to the Feeling Bar.

Non-drinkers can soak in the night view while exploring the Suzhou City Moat area on foot or by boat. Alternatively, take in the sights while wandering around the city streets in search of a hearty supper.

Get directions to Birdland

Get directions to the Feeling Bar

Get directions to the Suzhou City Moat

To get the latest updates about bar and restaurant promotions, entertainment events, art exhibitions, and other things to do in Suzhou at night, visit That’s Suzhou.