FAQ's
Suzhou
You have Questions - Here are the Answers!
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Suzhou qualifies for China’s 144-hour visa-free transit program, but you must meet these requirements:
You’re traveling from a third country/region (e.g., Tokyo → Shanghai → Suzhou → Seoul) with a confirmed onward flight/train ticket leaving China within 144 hours (6 days).
You enter China via a qualified port of entry (Shanghai Pudong/SHongqiao Airports, Shanghai Railway Station, or Nanjing Lukou Airport are the closest to Suzhou).
You must show proof of accommodation in Suzhou (e.g., hotel booking confirmation) when going through customs.
Note: The 144-hour period starts from the time you clear customs, not your arrival time in Suzhou.
The fastest and most convenient way is by high-speed train (G-series or D-series):
From Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Suzhou Station: 25–40 minutes, ¥34–¥50 (one-way). Trains run every 10–15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
From Shanghai Station to Suzhou Station: 35–50 minutes, ¥25–¥40.
Buy tickets via the China Railway 12306 app (English version available) or at the station ticket counter (look for “Foreigner Service” windows). You’ll need your passport to book.
Suzhou’s central attractions (gardens, Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street) are best explored by:
Bike-share: Apps like Mobike or Hellobike work in Suzhou. You can unlock bikes with Alipay/WeChat (link a foreign credit card) or buy a 1-day pass (¥10) for unlimited rides.
Taxi: Most taxis have English signage, and drivers accept cash or mobile payments. Use apps like Didi (English version: “Didi Global”) for easier booking—enter your destination in English (e.g., “Humble Administrator’s Garden”).
Subway: Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 cover major spots (e.g., Line 4 stops at “Suzhou Museum” and “Humble Administrator’s Garden”). Tickets cost ¥2–¥8, and machines have English options.
Yes—canal tours are a highlight! We recommend two options:
Pingjiang Road Private Boat: Small wooden boats (2–4 people) that glide through quiet canals. Cost: ¥150–¥200 per boat (30 minutes). Ask your hotel to book in advance—many operators speak basic English.
Shantang Street Night Tour: Larger boats with lanterns, departing from Shantang Street West Section. Cost: ¥80 per person (45 minutes). Avoid the crowded east section—opt for the west for fewer tourists.
Focus on these 2 UNESCO-listed gardens (skip the smaller, overpriced ones):
Humble Administrator’s Garden: The largest and most famous. Visit before 8:30 AM (opens at 7:30 AM) to avoid tour groups.
Lingering Garden: Known for its rock formations. Go after 4:00 PM—crowds thin, and the sunset light on the gardens is beautiful.
Yes, especially during peak seasons (March–May, October–November) and weekends:
Book via the official “Suzhou Gardens” WeChat mini-program (search “Suzhou Classical Gardens” for the English version) or third-party platforms like Trip.com.
For Suzhou Museum (a must-see even if you don’t love museums!), book 1–2 days in advance on its official website. It’s free but has strict capacity limits.
Bring your passport—you’ll need it to pick up tickets or enter attractions.
Spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October) are ideal:
Spring: Cherry blossoms and peonies bloom in gardens; temperatures are 15–25°C (59–77°F).
Autumn: Cool weather (10–22°C/50–72°F) and golden ginkgo trees along Pingjiang Road.
Avoid summer (June–August): Hot (30–35°C/86–95°F) and humid. Winter (December–February) is cold (2–10°C/36–50°F) but less crowded.
Suzhou food is known for being “sweet and fresh”—don’t miss these:
Crispy Eel Noodles: Try Songhelou (Guanqian Street branch)—a 100-year-old restaurant. Ask for “eel noodles with less sugar” if you don’t like sweet flavors.
Steamed “Three Whites”: White shrimp, whitebait, and whitefish. Go to Canal View Restaurant (Pingjiang Road) — locals love their fresh seafood.
Beggar’s Chicken: Wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay. Avoid street stalls—head to Deyue Lou (a historic restaurant near Humble Administrator’s Garden).
Biluochun Tea: A famous green tea. Buy it at Longjing Tea Village (yes, it’s near Hangzhou, but Suzhou has authentic shops—look for “Biluochun” with a government quality seal).
Most tourist-area restaurants (near gardens, Pingjiang Road) have basic English menus. For smaller local spots:
Use translation apps like Google Translate (download the “Chinese (Simplified)” offline pack) or iTranslate.
Our guide includes photos of must-try dishes—show them to waitstaff to avoid confusion!
Tip: Suzhou portions are smaller than in northern China—order 1–2 dishes per person, plus rice.
Mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are the most common, but:
Credit cards: Accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and shopping malls (Visa/Mastercard work best). Small shops and street food stalls rarely take cards.
Cash: Carry some Chinese yuan (CNY) for small purchases. Exchange money at Shanghai/Pingjiang airports or Suzhou’s Bank of China branches (bring your passport).
No—most locals (especially elderly people and street vendors) speak little to no English. But:
Hotel staff, tour guides, and subway attendants at major stations speak basic English.
Our guide includes a “Useful Phrases” section (e.g., “Where is the bathroom?” “How much is this?”) with Pinyin to help you communicate.
Carry a business card from your hotel—show it to taxi drivers to get back easily.
Depends on the season, but essentials include:
Comfortable walking shoes (gardens and canals have stone paths).
A light rain jacket (spring/autumn have frequent light rains).
Sunscreen and a hat (summer is sunny; winter is cold but sunny too).
A portable charger (for using translation apps and navigation).
A reusable water bottle (tap water isn’t safe to drink, but most restaurants offer free hot water).
A few key points:
When visiting gardens or temples, don’t touch ancient artifacts or climb on rock formations.
Remove your shoes if entering a traditional teahouse’s private room (staff will usually provide slippers).
Don’t tip—tipping isn’t customary in China, and it may confuse locals.
When taking photos of locals, ask for permission first (most will say yes!).