20 years ago, I took advantage of a business trip to visit Suzhou. Although I stayed for less than 24 hours, I had an extremely good impression of the city.
At that time, I told myself that I must revisit Suzhou if I ever had the chance.
Unexpectedly, time flew by so quickly—20 years passed in the blink of an eye.
If I don’t go soon, I might really get too old!
So I put together this travel guide, packed my bags, and prepared to revisit Suzhou with my mother.
This city, rated by National Geographic as “a must-visit in a lifetime,” weaves a real-life ink painting with its small bridges, flowing canals, white walls, and black tiles.
What impressed me most about Suzhou back then was the locals’ attention to the quality of life.
During a night visit to Master of the Nets Garden, I once heard a storyteller say something unforgettable: “Suzhou people live their lives by creating grand meaning within small spaces.”
I didn’t quite understand it at the time. But recently, while planning this trip, I recalled those words and finally grasped their meaning—refinement and composure have long been embedded in the city’s DNA.
Suzhou Transportation Guide
How to get to this Jiangnan ancient city?
Transportation from Hong Kong & Taiwan to Suzhou
From Hong Kong to Suzhou
1. High-Speed Rail
Route: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station → Suzhou South Station.
Train: G100, departing daily at 11:37 from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and arriving at Suzhou South Station at 19:14, taking about 7 hours and 37 minutes.
Fare: Second class ~910 RMB, first class ~1453 RMB, business class ~2995 RMB (discounted prices).
Customs: West Kowloon Station adopts a “co-location” clearance system, where passengers complete both Hong Kong exit and Mainland entry procedures before boarding.
✅️High-speed rail booking: Trip
2. Flight
Route: Hong Kong International Airport → Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport.
Flights: Multiple daily direct or connecting flights, about 2 hours travel time.
Fare: Economy class usually ranges from 800–1500 RMB depending on season and booking time.
Transfer: Metro, buses, and taxis are available from the airport to Suzhou city.
✅️Flight booking: Trip
From Taiwan to Suzhou
1. Flight
Route: Taipei Taoyuan International Airport / Kaohsiung International Airport → Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport.
Flights: Multiple daily direct or connecting flights, about 2–3 hours.
Fare: Economy class usually ranges from 1000–2000 RMB depending on route and booking time.
Customs: Requires a valid Taiwan Compatriot Permit and endorsement for entry.
✅️Flight booking: Trip
Traveling to Suzhou from Mainland China
By Air: Recommended to fly to Shanghai Hongqiao or Wuxi airport, then transfer by high-speed rail (Shanghai → Suzhou ~30 min, Wuxi → Suzhou ~20 min).
By High-Speed Rail: Suzhou Station and Suzhou North Station are major hubs, easily accessible from nearby cities like Nanjing and Hangzhou.
✅️Book tickets in advance via Klook: China Railway Tickets
Local Transportation
Metro: Download the “Su e Xing” app for QR code rides; it covers most attractions.
Bus/Taxi: Bus fare is 2 RMB, taxi starting fare is 13 RMB; most attractions are close to each other.
Accommodation Tips in Suzhou
A Jiangnan dream by the water
It is recommended to stay near Pingjiang Road, where you can see canals right outside your window and walk 5 minutes to the Humble Administrator’s Garden.
Some homestays even offer free Hanfu experiences, letting you travel back in time instantly.
Accommodation Tips:
Traditional Suzhou-style homestays are charming but less comfortable than hotels. Wooden structures often have poor sound insulation and temperature control.
It is recommended to book in advance, especially near scenic areas.
Must-Visit Attractions in Suzhou
Avoid crowds and discover the real Jiangnan
The Humble Administrator’s Garden
The Humble Administrator’s Garden: One of China’s four most famous gardens. Visit early to avoid crowds.
Suzhou Itinerary
4 Days 3 Nights In-Depth Tour
🔹 Day 1: First Encounter
Arrive in Suzhou → Hotel check-in → Suzhou Museum → Humble Administrator’s Garden → Pingjiang Road → Night canal cruise
🔹 Day 2: Gardens & Local Life
Lion Grove Garden → Folk Museum → Couple’s Garden → Embroidery experience → Shantang Street night view
🔹 Day 3: City Exploration
City wall cycling → Panmen Gate → Yipu Garden → Jinji Lake fountain show
🔹 Day 4: Nearby Water Town
Visit Zhouzhuang → Return to Suzhou
Best Time to Visit
March–May: Flower season, mild weather.
September–November: Cool weather, fewer crowds.
December–January: Quiet season, possible snow scenery.
⚠️ Avoid rainy June–July and hot August.
In Suzhou, you will learn the wisdom of slowing down.
If you want to escape reality for a while, come stay in Suzhou for a few days.
Remember to plan ahead and avoid crowds to truly enjoy its poetic charm.
