Breakfast → Liu Garden → Fengqiao Road → Xiyuan Temple → Lunch → Tiger Hill → Shantang Street → Dinner → Leisure Time
💰Average Cost per Person: 5 RMB 📖English Menu: Not available ⏰Operting Hours: 05:00 - 10:00 Right at the entrance of the Lingering Garden, you'll find a small breakfast eatery run by a friendly Suzhou couple who have been in business for many years. They serve typical Suzhou breakfast items such as egg pancakes cooked on a flat griddle, congee, and savory soy milk. Though the dishes may seem simple, their culinary skills are highly regarded by the locals, which is no small feat. The couple is very polite, and every time a customer pays via QR code, they always say "thank you" in response to the payment notification.
💰Ticket price: Peak Season: 55 RMB；Off-Season: 45 RMB ⏰Opening hours: Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 07:30 - 17:00；Off-Season (November 1 - March 31): 07:30 - 16:30 📷Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours Introduction to the Lingering Garden The Lingering Garden, one of China's Four Great Gardens, covers an area of 23,300 square meters. It stands alongside the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Resort in Chengde, and the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, earning the title of the "pinnacle of spatial aesthetics." It holds a prestigious position in the world of classical Chinese gardens. The garden's halls and pavilions are grand, spacious, and ornate, showcasing the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. The courtyard design is ingenious and varied, with buildings arranged at different heights, offering breathtaking views from any angle. Each scenic spot within the garden is thoughtfully paired with another, creating nearly perfect "paired views" that provide a rich visual experience. One of the garden's highlights is its 700-meter-long winding corridor, which features over 300 calligraphy plaques and 39 stone inscriptions. These include the works of the most representative renowned calligraphers in the history of Chinese calligraphy. For example, there is the father-son duo of Wang Xizhi (Eastern Jin “Sage of Calligraphy”, known for elegant, smooth works) and Wang Xianzhi (Wang Xizhi's son, an outstanding Eastern Jin calligrapher), as well as Su Dongpo (Su Shi, a Northern Song litterateur & calligrapher with a bold style) and Mi Fu (A Northern Song calligrapher famous for dynamic “Mi-style” calligraphy). This corridor infuses the garden with a deep sense of history and cultural heritage. Each window in the Lingering Garden features unique carvings, with intricate patterns that convey auspicious blessings. These beautifully crafted windows are a noteworthy aspect of the garden's design and are well worth admiring. The artistry of the stone-paved pathways in the garden is considered the most exquisite among the Four Great Gardens. Pay close attention to the intricate designs underfoot as you explore. The garden is also famous for its twelve Taihu rocks, known for their impressive size and unusual shapes. These rocks are a highlight of the garden and exemplify the natural beauty that classical Chinese gardens strive to capture. Every scenic spot within the Lingering Garden is imbued with deep cultural significance, reflecting the essence of ancient garden art. The Lingering Garden has had several owners throughout its history, with three particularly influential figures who have left a lasting impact on its development and design. 1. Xu Taishi (The Builder) Xu Taishi, a Ming Dynasty official, served as the Director of Construction in the Ministry of Works, where he was responsible for the construction and maintenance of imperial tombs and palaces. He is regarded as one of the world's top architectural masters. In 1593, Xu Taishi was forced to retire and return to his hometown due to jealousy from his peers. Utilizing his lifetime of expertise, he constructed the eastern part of the Lingering Garden. He also enlisted the help of the renowned painter Zhou Shichen to arrange the garden's rock formations. The design and construction of the Lingering Garden brought together the talents of top-tier artists, which is a key reason for its exceptional aesthetic appeal. 2. Liu Shu (The Reconstructor) During the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, the renowned painter, calligrapher, and bibliophile Liu Shu purchased the garden. Over the course of five years, he undertook extensive restoration and expansion efforts, renaming it Hanbi Mountain Villa. Due to his surname, the garden also became known as Liu Garden. Liu Shu had a profound love for calligraphy and unusual rocks. He collected a large number of uniquely shaped and beautiful stones, placing the most exquisite twelve within the garden. These stones, known as the "Twelve Peaks," significantly enriched the cultural atmosphere of the garden. 3. The Sheng Family (The Last Owners) In 1873, Sheng Kang purchased the garden and renamed it the Lingering Garden, symbolizing its enduring presence in the world. His son, Sheng Xuanhuai, managed the garden with great success, becoming the wealthiest man in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. Under his stewardship, the Lingering Garden gained widespread fame. Upon his death, Sheng Xuanhuai left behind an enormous fortune of 12 million taels of silver. However, Sheng Xuanhuai's son, Sheng Enyi, became infamous as the "greatest spendthrift of the Republic of China." He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, indulgence in gambling, and numerous concubines—each of whom he lavished with luxury cars and mansions. His reckless behavior led to financial ruin; he once lost an entire street in Shanghai, Huanghe Road, in a single night of gambling. Ultimately, Sheng Enyi's profligacy left him destitute. In 1958, 42 years after his father's death, he tragically died of starvation in the gatehouse of the Lingering Garden. Notably, the Sheng family's influence extended beyond their own lineage. Their family tutor, Ni Guizhen, later married the businessman Charlie Soong, and they had three sons and three daughters. Their eldest daughter married Kong Xiangxi of the prominent Kong family, one of the Four Big Families of the Republic of China. Their second daughter, Soong Ching-ling, married Sun Yat-sen, the "Father of the Nation" who led the revolution to overthrow the Qing Dynasty, and she was later honored as the "Mother of the Nation." The youngest daughter, Soong Mei-ling, married Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Nationalist Party and another member of the Four Big Families. Additionally, another maid from the Sheng household, Lü Baozhen, married into the wealthy Zhao family. She gave birth to a daughter named Zhao Yidi, who became the lifelong companion of Zhang Xueliang, one of the "Four Handsome Men of the Republic of China." Zhao Yidi stood by Zhang Xueliang through significant historical events, including his inheritance of the three northeastern provinces, the Japanese invasion, the Xi'an Incident where he detained Chiang Kai-shek, and his subsequent years of house arrest. Tour Route: The Lingering Garden is divided into four main areas. We will explore them in the following order to experience the themes of each section: Central Area (Mountains and Water) → Eastern Area (Architecture) → Northern Area (Countryside) → Western Area (Mountain Scenery) Entrance → 1. Lvyinxuan → 2. Mingselou → 3. Hanbi Shanfang → 4. Wenmuxi Xiangxuan → 5. Keting → 6. Qingfeng Pond Pavilion → 7. Quxilou → 8.Wufeng Immortal Hall → 9. Stone Forest Courtyard→ 10. Return to Study Studio → 11. Linquan Qishuo Zhiguan → 12. Guanyun Peak → 13.Guanyun Tower → 14. Jia Qing Kuai Xue Zhiting → 15. Bonsai Garden → 16. Xiaotaowu → 17. Shuxiao Pavilion → 18. Huopopodi → 19. Junzi Suolvting → Exit At the entrance, you will see a panoramic view of the Lingering Garden in the center of the foyer. This artwork, named "Panoramic View of the Lingering Garden," was created in 1986 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the founding of Suzhou. It is made up of 2,500 thin pieces of various types of jade. This masterpiece is considered the first of the three treasures of the Lingering Garden. After exiting the Lingering Garden, head east and walk along Liuyuan Road for about 10 minutes to reach Xiyuan Temple.
💰Ticket price: No reservation is required. Simply scan the QR code at the entrance to purchase your ticket and show it to the staff. The ticket price is 5 RMB per person. Students with a valid student ID can enter for free. If you prefer a paper ticket, you can purchase one at the ticket window. ⏰Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Entrance is free before 8:00 AM, and the last entry is at 4:30 PM). 📷Recommended visit duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
If you didn't dine at Xiyuan Temple or if purely vegetarian food doesn't quite satisfy your appetite, we've got you covered with a few restaurant recommendations nearby:
We Recommend Two Transportation Options.
Let's take a taxi to the North Gate of Tiger Hill. Remember, it's the North Gate, not the South Gate, as you wouldn't want to backtrack, right? 💰Ticket prices: Off-Season (January, February, March, June, November, December): 60 RMB per person. Peak Season (April, May, July, August, September, October): 70 RMB per person ⏰Opening hours: November 1 to April 30: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM, last entry at 5:00 PM); May 1 to October 31: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Ticket sales stop at 5:00 PM, last entry at 5:30 PM); July 13 to August 31: Extended summer hours until 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM) 📷Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours Introduction about Tiger Hill Tiger Hill, acclaimed as the foremost scenic spot in the Wuzhong region, is a must-visit destination in Suzhou. Unlike many other places where temples are nestled within mountains, Tiger Hill stands out due to its modest size, with an elevation of only 34 meters. Originally named Haiyong Mountain, Tiger Hill was once a small island in a bay during ancient times. It later became an isolated hill due to volcanic eruptions. In the Spring and Autumn period, King Helü of Wu (also named Ji Guang, son of King Zhufan, 24th ruler of Wu, reigned 514 - 496 BC), built his city and capital here. After his death, he was buried on this hill. Legend has it that three days after his burial, a white tiger was seen crouching on the hill, as if guarding King Helü's tomb. This event led to the hill being named Tiger Hill. The site boasts a rich history spanning over 2,500 years. The Fascinating Life of King Helü of Wu Before becoming King Helü of Wu, he was known as Prince Guang. At that time, the ruler of the Wu Kingdom was his cousin. Prince Guang believed that he was the rightful heir to the throne, so he plotted to kill the king and seize power. Prince Guang had a friend named Zhuan Zhu, who was a renowned assassin. Prince Guang confided in Zhuan Zhu about his intentions and requested his help in assassinating King Liao of Wu. Zhuan Zhu agreed and began planning the assassination. Assassinating King Liao was no easy task, as he was extremely cautious and always surrounded by numerous guards. Anyone who approached him was thoroughly searched, and he wore double-layered armor for protection. However, King Liao had a great love for fish. Seizing this opportunity, Prince Guang acquired a very sharp short sword called "Fish Intestine" that could be concealed inside a large fish. He then arranged a banquet under the pretext of serving fish. During the banquet, Prince Guang excused himself, claiming he had a foot ailment, and retreated to an inner room. Zhuan Zhu, disguised as a chef, entered the banquet hall carrying a plate of grilled fish. As he presented the fish to King Liao, Zhuan Zhu drew the "Fish Intestine" sword from the fish's belly and, with a single thrust, pierced through the double-layered armor, killing King Liao on the spot. After the successful assassination, Zhuan Zhu was immediately killed by King Liao's guards. Seizing the moment, Prince Guang declared that King Liao was dead and proclaimed himself the new King of Wu, taking the name King Helü. He swiftly quelled any domestic opposition and consolidated his rule. This dramatic event was chronicled by the great Chinese historian Sima Qian in his work "Records of the Grand Historian," specifically in the section known as "Biographies of Assassins." Zhuan Zhu became one of the most famous assassins in Chinese history. Before Helü's reign, the Wu Kingdom was a backward and underdeveloped state, lagging in economic, cultural, and military aspects. It still retained many primitive tribal customs and was looked down upon by the powerful states of the Central Plains. Upon becoming King, Helü sought out and employed talented individuals, including the former Chu minister Wu Zixu and the military strategist Sun Wu (also known as Sun Tzu). Wu Zixu and Sun Tzu provided King Helü with numerous strategies for governance and military affairs, which helped the Wu Kingdom rise rapidly in power and influence. Wu Zixu was a noble general from the Chu Kingdom whose father and brother were killed by King Ping of Chu. He played a crucial role in helping King Helü plan the assassination of King Liao and later assisted him in strengthening the state of Wu. Under Wu Zixu's strategic guidance, the Wu Kingdom eventually captured the Chu capital, Ying. In a dramatic act of vengeance, Wu Zixu exhumed King Ping's tomb and flogged his corpse 300 times to avenge the deaths of his father and brother. However, Wu Zixu's fate took a tragic turn. He strongly advised Helü's successor, King Fuchai, to destroy the neighboring state of Yue. Fuchai, unwilling to heed his advice, eventually ordered Wu Zixu's execution. Before his death, Wu Zixu predicted the downfall of the Wu Kingdom and requested that his eyes be hung on the eastern gate of Wu so he could witness Yue's conquest of Wu. True to his prophecy, the state of Yue eventually defeated and annexed the Wu Kingdom. Wu Zixu is revered as a paragon of loyalty and filial piety, as well as a brilliant and courageous strategist. Sun Wu, known as Sun Tzu, was a great military strategist hailed as the "Saint of War." He never lost a battle throughout his life. His seminal work, "The Art of War," remains a mandatory text in military academies around the world to this day. After consolidating power, King Helü prioritized agricultural development and implemented water conservancy projects to boost productivity among the populace. He also focused on strengthening military training and enhancing combat effectiveness. By adopting advanced weaponry and tactics from the Central Plains, he transformed the Wu army into an elite force.In 506 BC, during the Battle of Boju, King Helü's forces, under the strategic guidance of Sun Tzu, decisively defeated the Chu army and captured the Chu capital. This victory shocked the states of the Central Plains and marked Wu as one of the most powerful states during the Spring and Autumn period. King Helü met his end during a conflict with the neighboring state of Yue. He was ambushed and injured by King Goujian of Yue. Upon returning to Wu, he succumbed to an infection from his wounds. King Helü had a lifelong passion for swords, and legend has it that he was buried with 3,000 swords, including famous ones like Bianzhu and Yuchang. Fast forward 900 years to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, where in 327 AD, Minister Wang Xun and his brother, Minister Wang Min, each built villas on the mountain. These villas later became the Tiger Hill Temple, divided into the East and West Temples. In 428 AD, the eminent monk Zhudao Sheng from the Liu Song Dynasty preached and spread Buddhist teachings here. Over the centuries, Tiger Hill became a significant center for Buddhist activities, experiencing periods of prosperity and decline through various dynasties. It reached its zenith during the Qing Dynasty, particularly from the reigns of Kangxi to Qianlong, when numerous structures were erected, including the Wansui Pavilion (1688), the Imperial Stele Pavilion (1706), the Wenchang Pavilion (1706), and the Han Hui Mountain House (1706). Tiger Hill is also the ancestral home of the Chan (Zen) Buddhism Tiger Hill Sect, founded by the eminent Song Dynasty monk Shaolong in 1130. This sect had a profound influence on Zen Buddhism in Southeast China and Japan. Remarkably, out of the 46 branches of Japanese Zen Buddhism, 36 belong to the Tiger Hill Sect. Tiger Hill is often described with the saying, "The front of the hill is beautiful, the back of the hill is serene." At the foot of the back hill, clear river waters flow, surrounded by ancient towering trees. The river is dotted with floating water chestnuts, and the banks are lined with lush, ancient trees, including camphor, cedar, cypress, pine, ginkgo, and magnolia. Nestled within this verdant forest are charming spots such as the Fen Cui Pavilion, the Magnolia Villa, and the Moon Viewing Terrace. The saying "Sitting peacefully, one can travel the world; of all places, Tiger Hill is the most enchanting" captures the essence of the admiration people have for Tiger Hill. Tips： 1. Food prices within the scenic area can be quite high, so it's advisable to bring some snacks and water with you. 2. Refrain from purchasing fruits from street vendors who claim to sell "black plums" or other purple and yellow fruits. 3. Walking is recommended as it allows you to see more of the scenery and take better photos, but be prepared for the physical effort. 4. The street food at the entrance of the scenic area is generally mediocre in taste. 5. During the summer, it can get quite sunny during the day, so it's a good idea to bring an umbrella for shade. 6. Most items sold within the scenic area are souvenirs like sachets, gourds, paper cuttings, ornaments, and seals, and they tend to be a bit pricey. 7. The Tiger Hill Art Flower Festival from March to May and the Golden Autumn Tiger Hill Temple Fair from September to October are grand events worth experiencing. 8. Don’t forget to take your passport. Tour Route： North Gate Entrance → 1. Xiao Wudang → 2. Shutai Songying → 3. Tongyouxuan → 4. Tiger Hill Pagoda → 5. Zhishuangge → 6. Sword Pool → 7. Erxian Pavilion → 8. Thousand People Stone → 9. Disanquan → 10. Gushi Avalokitesvara Temple → 11. Lengxiang Pavilion → 12. Yongcui Villa → 13. Duanliang Palace → 14. Hanhanquan → 15. Sword Testing Stone → 16. Zhenniang’s Tomb → 17. Sun Wu's Troop Training Ground → 18. Wanjing Villa → 19. Haiyong Bridge → South Gate 1 Exit
Let's start our journey from the South Gate of Tiger Hill. From there, take a leisurely 200-meter walk to the Li Hongzhang Pier. 📷Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours The boat service operates from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with tickets priced at 50 RMB per person. Boats depart approximately every half hour, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. During the spring, autumn, and winter seasons, it is recommended to take the boat ride before sunset. This timing allows you to experience the gentle beauty of the scenery at dusk and the enchanting ambiance of the water town as the lanterns begin to light up. For specific sunset times, please refer to the Suzhou sunset schedule. During the summer, if you wish to experience the night scenery of Shantang Street, you can also purchase boat tickets after dinner, with the last boat operating until 8:30 PM. However, please note that some attractions and snack vendors on Shantang Street close at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Therefore, if you prefer to explore earlier, you are welcome to visit Shantang Street earlier in the day. Introduction to Qili Shantang Qili Shantang is a National 4A Level Tourist Attraction and one of China's Historic and Cultural Streets. It is celebrated as "Suzhou's No. 1 Ancient Street" and "China's No. 1 Ancient Street." The street stretches for 3,600 meters. To this day, it retains its traditional layout where the river runs parallel to the street, and both water and land routes coexist. The residential houses are built right along the water, showcasing the unique characteristics of the Jiangnan water town. Although Shantang Street is quite long, the most essential part is only about 500 meters, so don't worry about not being able to explore it all. In the first year of the Tang Dynasty's Baoli era (825 AD), Bai Juyi, who was then the governor of Suzhou, oversaw the construction of Shantang Street. He dredged the northwest river outside Suzhou city to form the Shantang River and built an embankment along the river, which became Shantang Street. Since the river is approximately seven li long, it was named Qili Shantang (Seven-Li Shantang). The excavation of the Shantang River and the construction of Shantang Street greatly facilitated irrigation and transportation, turning the area into a bustling and prosperous market town. The people of Suzhou were very grateful to Bai Juyi, and after he left office, they named the street Baigong Dike in his honor and built the Baigong Temple to commemorate him. There is also a Baigong Dike in Hangzhou, which is another of Bai Juyi's achievements. Bai Juyi (772-846 AD) was a great realist poet of the Tang Dynasty, known as the "Demon of Poetry" and the "King of Poetry." He is considered one of the three great poets of the Tang Dynasty, alongside Li Bai (the "Immortal Poet") and Du Fu (the "Sage of Poetry"). Bai Juyi's poetry covers a wide range of topics, is written in simple and accessible language, and is rich in sentiment. There are about 3,000 of his poems still in existence today. If you plan to visit Xi'an between April and November, you can watch the grand performance "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow," which is based on Bai Juyi's long poem of the same name. Shantang River is geographically advantageous, with five waterways converging here. To the west, it connects to the Grand Canal; to the north, it leads to the Yangtze River; to the east, it reaches Suzhou city and further east to the sea; and to the south, it connects to Hangzhou. This strategic location made it a thriving hub for commerce and travel. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Shantang Street reached its peak in commercial development, becoming one of the most prosperous and affluent areas. It was described as "one of the most flourishing and luxurious places in the world." The "Prosperous Suzhou" painting, which is as famous as the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" painting, depicts a village, a town, a city, and a street. Emperor Qianlong kept it by his side for 50 years as a representation of his ideal prosperous era. This "one street" is none other than Qili Shantang. For his mother's 70th birthday, Emperor Qianlong specially constructed a "Suzhou Street" in the Summer Palace in Beijing, modeled after Shantang Street. He even hired a group of people from Suzhou to work as shopkeepers, delighting his mother with their soft Suzhou dialect. This "Suzhou Street" still exists in the Summer Palace today. If you have time, you can visit it in Beijing and compare the unique charms of each location. A popular folk song also sings: "In heaven there is paradise, on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou. Hangzhou has West Lake, Suzhou has Shantang.” Today, Shantang Street is still lined with numerous shops, including various cultural relics, traditional Suzhou handicraft stores, snack shops, and teahouses. You can find exquisite handicrafts such as Suzhou embroidery, silk, and folding fans, as well as specialty snacks like crabapple cakes, plum blossom cakes, and sweet porridge, making it a place that visitors find hard to leave. Shantang Street is also known as the "Town of Bridges" due to its many bridges. There are eighteen bridges in total, including Tonggui Bridge, Xing Bridge, Caiyun Bridge, Puji Bridge, Wangshan Bridge, and Xishan Temple Bridge. Each bridge has its own unique history and cultural significance. There is also a legend about stone raccoons here. In the second year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1369), the then Prime Minister Liu Bowen placed seven stone raccoons at the heads of seven bridges along the river. They are as follows: The Meiren Raccoon at Shantang Bridge symbolizes elegance. It is said that touching its head can make one more beautiful. The Tonggui Raccoon at Tonggui Bridge symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Its head has become smooth and dark from being touched frequently. The Wenxing Raccoon at Xing Bridge symbolizes knowledge and wisdom, embodying the aspirations of students. The Caiyun Raccoon at Caiyun Bridge symbolizes happiness, guiding people towards a bright future. The Baigong Raccoon at Puji Bridge symbolizes health. Its color is whiter than the other raccoons, representing health and vitality. The Haiyong Raccoon at Wangshan Bridge symbolizes fate. Many visitors come here hoping to find their destined relationship. The Fenshui Raccoon at Xishan Temple Bridge symbolizes opportunity. It stands alone, symbolizing the rarity of opportunities. These seven stone raccoons are evenly distributed along the 3.6-kilometer stretch of Shantang Street. If you have the time and energy, it takes about an hour to walk and find all seven raccoons. Tour Route: 1. Bai Juyi Wharf → 2. National Folk Street → 3. Chaozong Pavilion → 4. Shantang Mirage → 5. Tonggui Bridge → 6. Yuhan Hall → 7. Raccoon-Themed Post Office → 8. Shantang Street Ancient Opera Stage → 9. Suzhou Chamber of Commerce Museum The following attractions are arranged in spatial order. If you are short on time, you can visit the Shantang Street Ancient Opera Stage first, followed by the Suzhou Chamber of Commerce Museum, and then explore the rest at your leisure.
In Suzhou, most restaurants close early for dinner, typically stopping service around 8:30-9:00 PM. Please manage your time accordingly.
When you visit Suzhou, we recommend you try the Pingtan and Kunqu Opera House for an authentic cultural experience. Of course, if you prefer to sit down and enjoy a drink in a more relaxed setting, we also have some great bar recommendations for you.
This concludes your day in Suzhou. Although you may not have traveled through the river of time, we believe you have experienced the sharp sword aura of Tiger Hill and Sword Pond, and the infinite gentleness of Shantang Street, feeling the subtle contradiction between them. This is the wonder of history. With the development of economy, culture, and art, a nation once known for its fierce battles has transformed over three thousand years into a land of gentle dialects and graceful dancers. Can you imagine a day when Native Americans or Inuit people might become like the people of Suzhou? The world is truly fascinating, isn't it? We hope our journey has kept your curiosity about the world alive. If you enjoyed today's itinerary, please don't hesitate to give us a good review (link). If you encounter any issues while using our self-guided tour, please feel free to contact us via email. We also welcome any valuable feedback or suggestions you may have after using our service. We believe that our positive interaction can help us provide you with increasingly better services.
1. “Yuhantang” is closed on Mondays. If you want to visit this the largest and best-preserved Ming Dynasty residential building outside Suzhou, please avoid Mondays.
2. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes; the total distance to walk today may exceed 10 kilometers.
3. At least carry a bottle of water, as drinking water inside the scenic area is a bit expensive.
4. Carry some coins in case you want to make a wish at Xiyuan Temple.
5. Carry your passport with you.
6. It is recommended to bring a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.
Sign in to the EasyGo China app with the email you used at checkout. Your purchase appears in My Trips.
Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.
Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.
★ 4.8 / 5 · 11 reviews from app travelers
El jardín del Retiro es una pequeña obra maestra — cada ventana un cuadro, cada roca una escultura. El templo Xiyuan, cerca, es precioso, y la pagoda inclinada de la Colina del Tigre es imprescindible. Cuatro estrellas porque el día se sintió un poco apretado (queríamos más tiempo en el jardín) y Qili Shantang estaba lleno a reventar. El desayuno de tortitas de huevo y cebollino con leche de soja salada, eso sí, fue perfecto.
La folla della settimana d'oro era arrivata fino a Suzhou — Qili Shantang era stretta contro stretta — ma il Giardino del Ritiro l'ha assorbita. La colazione di pancake all'uovo con scalogno e latte di soia salato è stata una rivelazione. I cortili silenziosi del Tempio Xiyuan, la torre pendente della Collina della Tigre, i vicoli sul canale… i tremila anni di gusto di Suzhou sono reali. Venite presto e lasciate che il giardino vi trattenga.
留園と西園寺は寺と庭が隣り合わせ、虎丘の剣池と斜塔は呉文化の源流。七里山塘の老街と夕食で、蘇州の「三つの時代」を一日に収めた。バスの乗り継ぎもすべて調べてあり、時間を無駄にしなかった。
Suzhou suited my temperament perfectly: elegant heritage, calm pacing, and a sense of continuity between garden culture and daily life. The combination of Lingering Garden, Xiyuan Temple, and Tiger Hill gives you three distinct “faces” of Suzhou—scholarly refinement, religious atmosphere (including the famous soft-shelled turtle), and iconic historic scenery with the Tiger Hill Pagoda. Seven-Li Shantang in the evening was a gentle highlight; the boat ride there feels like stepping into an old scroll painting, and hearing a pingtan performance added a layer of intangible artistry. I also appreciated the market element at Xinmin Bridge—useful for understanding local tastes without being forced into rushed shopping. The food plan was excellent and very Suzhou: crab-shell pastries, sweet rice wine drinks, osmanthus sweets, and proper dishes like squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and “aozao” noodles. Quietly memorable, and very well balanced.
The lattice windows of the Lingering Garden, the leaning Tiger Hill pagoda, the red lanterns along Shantang Street — Suzhou has composition baked into its bones. The cats at Xiyuan Temple are extremely photogenic. Excellent cat photos collected.
As someone who loves quiet spaces, Suzhou was a dream. This app guided me to Xiyuan Temple, a place of incredible serenity. I was fascinated by the story of the ancient soft-shelled turtles living there; it felt like a true sanctuary. Later, I visited the Lingering Garden, and it was like walking through a perfectly composed painting. The app's suggested route helped me find all the hidden corners without feeling lost. It was the perfect tool for finding moments of peace and history away from the usual tourist buzz.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour