Perfect 3-Day Suzhou Itinerary

Suzhou 3-Day 2-Night Travel Guide Day 1: Classical Gardens & Water Town Charm • Morning: Arrive in Suzhou and check into a hotel near Pingjiang Road or Guanqian Street. After settling in, visit the Humble Administrator's Garden - one of China's Four Great Gardens, featuring exquisite pavilions, bridges, and waterways that epitomize Jiangnan elegance. • Lunch: Enjoy authentic Suzhou cuisine at Songhelou or Deyuelou near the garden. Must-try dishes include squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and stir-fried river shrimp. • Afternoon: Visit Suzhou Museum adjacent to the garden - I.M. Pei's architectural masterpiece with unique design and rich collections. Remember to book tickets 7 days in advance at 8am. • Evening: Stroll along Pingjiang Road to experience "Half of Old Suzhou" through its white-walled, black-tiled Jiangnan architecture. • Night: Sample local snacks like pan-fried buns and crab roe dumplings on Pingjiang Road, or visit Shantang Street for a night cruise amid dazzling lights. Day 2: Temple Blessings & Historical Sites • Morning: Visit Xiyuan Temple where you can pet cats and try delicious Guanyin noodles. Then explore Lingering Garden famous for its rockeries - perfect for hanfu photo shoots. • Lunch: Try Suzhou-style noodles like Aozao noodles near Lingering Garden. • Afternoon: Visit Tiger Hill, hailed by Su Dongpo as "unmissable in Suzhou", featuring the iconic leaning Yunyan Pagoda. • Night: Return to Shantang Street for riverside dining with shrimp dumplings and crab roe soup buns, accompanied by pingtan performances. Day 3: Modern Suzhou & Shopping • Morning: Visit Jinji Lake for scenic views. Catch the 7:30pm musical fountain show if visiting Friday/Saturday. Snap photos at the Gate to the East skyscraper. • Lunch: Dine at nearby shopping malls with diverse options. • Afternoon: Browse Eslite Bookstore for cultural souvenirs, then visit Fengmen Hengjie for local snacks like fried meatballs and mung bean soup before departure. Stay recommendation: Choose hotels near Guanqian Street or Pingjiang Road for convenient access to attractions and food. Remember sun protection during summer trips and book tickets/hotels in advance. Enjoy your journey!