When I’m old, let me retire here
Walking non-stop in Suzhou during the short holiday, a one-day tour of the Jiangnan gardens is just too joyful! Visiting these spots really made me laugh until I got abs, the density of Suzhou’s jokes is off the charts 😆
🚶♂️One-day walking route:
1. Humble Administrator’s Garden (must-visit): The top of the Four Great Gardens of Jiangnan, with staggered rockeries and pavilions by the water. It’s recommended to arrive before 9 AM to avoid peak crowds (tickets 80 RMB in peak season / 70 RMB in off-season).
2. Lion Grove Garden: The maze-like rockeries are super interesting, with countless "little lions" hidden on the stones (tickets 40 RMB, 5 minutes walk from Humble Administrator’s Garden).
3. Pingjiang Road: A typical Jiangnan water alley, with riverside cafes and creative shops that are great to explore. Don’t forget to try the squirrel mandarin fish at the century-old "Deyuelou" restaurant at the corner.
4. Canglang Pavilion: The oldest garden in Suzhou, small but exquisite, featuring a stone boat and Yan Hua windows full of charm (tickets 30 RMB, ticket sales stop at 5 PM).
💡Useful tips:
• Suzhou Museum is right next to Humble Administrator’s Garden, remember to book a week in advance.
• Don’t miss the crispy eel in oil at the time-honored "Songhelou" restaurant.
• Metro Line 4 Beisi Pagoda Station is a 10-minute walk to Humble Administrator’s Garden.
• Mosquitoes are abundant in the gardens during July and August, bring mosquito repellent.
Staying in Gusu District is really convenient, the metro can take you close to any attraction. One and a half hours is enough for each garden, and after visiting Pingjiang Road, you can head to Guanqian Street to buy some local specialties. For the millionth time, I marvel at the design of Suzhou gardens— even a single rockery can entertain you all day. No wonder it’s called a paradise on earth! Suzhou gardens are outstanding representatives of classical Chinese gardens, famous worldwide for their exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and profound cultural heritage. Here is a travel guide for Suzhou gardens:
Recommended Must-Visit Gardens
- Humble Administrator’s Garden: One of China’s Four Great Gardens, located at 178 Northeast Street, Gusu District, Suzhou. The garden is divided into east, central, and west sections, with the central garden being the essence, offering picturesque views at every step, showcasing the delicacy of Jiangnan gardens.
- Lion Grove Garden: Located at 23 Yuanlin Road, Gusu District, famous for its rockeries. It is a rockery maze named by Emperor Qianlong, with jagged stones resembling a labyrinth, full of fun.
- Lingering Garden: One of China’s Four Great Gardens, known for its unique rocks, courtyards, and architecture. Guanyun Peak is one of its highlights, along with the beautiful wisteria corridor. The garden is exquisitely luxurious and highly scenic.
- Canglang Pavilion: Built in the Northern Song Dynasty, it is the oldest garden in Suzhou, located at 3 Canglangting Street, Renmin Road, Gusu District. The garden’s covered corridors bring the scenery of the outer river inside, with a unique design and a strong literati garden atmosphere.
Ticket Information
Humble Administrator’s Garden: 80 RMB/person in peak season, 70 RMB/person in off-season; Lion Grove Garden: 40 RMB/person in peak season, 30 RMB/person in off-season; Lingering Garden: 55 RMB/person in peak season, 45 RMB/person in off-season; Canglang Pavilion: 20 RMB/person in peak season, 15 RMB/person in off-season. You can also purchase a 120 RMB/year garden annual pass, which allows access to Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Lion Grove Garden, and more.
Opening Hours
Generally, gardens open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM in the off-season, and 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in the peak season. Please check official announcements for details. From August 23 to October 8, 2025, gardens including Canglang Pavilion will extend opening hours until 9:00 PM.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: After arriving in Suzhou, head to Humble Administrator’s Garden to stroll among pavilions, terraces, and waterscapes, experiencing the delicacy of Jiangnan gardens.
- Noon: Enjoy Suzhou cuisine such as squirrel mandarin fish at nearby restaurants.
- Afternoon: Visit Lion Grove Garden to enjoy the rockery maze, then explore the historic Pingjiang Road district, browse unique shops, and try snacks like begonia cake.
- Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant on Pingjiang Road and enjoy the ancient street’s night view afterward.
Transportation and Accommodation
- Transportation: Suzhou’s metro network is well-developed, with lines like Metro Line 6 stopping at Humble Administrator’s Garden and Suzhou Museum. Shared bikes or walking are also convenient within the old city for sightseeing.
- Accommodation: It’s recommended to stay in Gusu District for easy travel and to experience the charm of the ancient city, such as at Suzhou Shantang Street Huamao Gusu Li Hotel Apartments.
Tranquil Evelyn~Price584