Suzhou Old City in Depth and Zhouzhuang Water Town

Take a slow, district-by-district tour of gardens, Kunqu and Pingtan opera, and old streets with morning markets, plus a day in the water towns of Zhouzhuang and Jinxi.

Beyond the must-see sights, this itinerary covers Ou Garden, Yipu Garden, the Kunqu and Pingtan Opera Museum, North Temple Pagoda, Panmen Gate and the morning market on Fengmen Street, giving you a feel for everyday life in the old city. On day three, visit the water towns of Zhouzhuang and Jinxi. Throughout the trip, stay at Shiquan Street and Nanmen, combining walking, metro and taxis. The pace is relaxed, making it ideal for travelers with time to explore Suzhou in depth. The East and West Dongting Mountains and Tongli are not included in this route.

Zhouzhuang is crowded during public holidays, so visiting on a weekday is recommended.

Day by day

Day 1 · Pingjiang Road, Ou Garden and Pingtan & Kunqu Opera

Suzhou（Couple's Retreat Garden、China Kunqu Opera Museum、Suzhou Pingtan Museum、Pingjiang Road）

Take the metro from Suzhou Railway Station to the Shiquan Street area to drop off luggage. Take a taxi to Ou Garden, about 10 minutes, then walk along Pingjiang Road.

The Pingtan Museum often hosts afternoon storytelling performances, so leave time to catch one.

Stay: Shiquan Street · South Gate

Day 2 · Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou Museum and North Temple Pagoda

Suzhou（Humble Administrator's Garden、Suzhou Museum、Lion Grove Garden、North Temple Pagoda (Bao'en Temple)、Suzhou Ancient Canal Night Cruise）

Take Metro Line 4 to North Temple Pagoda Station. The Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou Museum and Lion Grove Garden are within walking distance of each other, and the pagoda is right beside the station. In the evening, return to Nanmen on a night cruise along the Grand Canal.

The Humble Administrator's Garden requires advance booking. It is least crowded right after opening.

Stay: Shiquan Street · South Gate

Day 3 · Zhouzhuang and Jinxi Water Towns

Suzhou（Zhouzhuang Water Town、Jinxi Ancient Town）

Take a tourist shuttle from Suzhou North Railway Station to Zhouzhuang, about 45 minutes. In the afternoon, take a taxi to Jinxi, about 20 minutes. In the evening, hire a car or take a taxi back to the city, about 1 hour.

You can take a sampan ride in Zhouzhuang. Jinxi is quieter and less crowded.

Stay: Shiquan Street · South Gate

Day 4 · Yipu Garden, Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill Shantang Street

Suzhou（Garden of Cultivation (Yipu)、Lingering Garden、Tiger Hill、Shantang Street）

Take a taxi to Yipu Garden, about 15 minutes. Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill are each about 15 minutes away by car. In the evening, walk along Shantang Street and take the metro back to Nanmen.

The tea house at Yipu Garden overlooks the water and is a nice place to rest and have tea.

Stay: Shiquan Street · South Gate

Day 5 · Fengmen Morning Market and the Gardens of Nanmen

Suzhou（Fengmen Hengjie Market Street、Master of the Nets Garden、Canglang Pavilion、Pan Gate）

In the morning, walk to Fengmen Street for breakfast, then visit Master of the Nets Garden and Canglang Pavilion. Take a taxi to Panmen Gate, then take a taxi to Suzhou Railway Station, about 20 minutes, in the afternoon.

Fengmen Street is busiest from 7 to 9 a.m.

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