7 Days 6 Nights In-Depth Suzhou Travel Guide (Budget 8000 RMB)

Suzhou, known as the "Paradise on Earth," boasts both the elegance of classical gardens and the gentle charm of Jiangnan water towns. Seven days allow for an immersive experience of Suzhou’s gardens, ancient towns, cuisine, and culture. The budget is controlled within 8000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, meals, tickets, etc.). 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Suzhou → Pingjiang Road → Guanqian Street Day 2: Humble Administrator’s Garden → Suzhou Museum → Lion Grove Garden Day 3: Tiger Hill → Hanshan Temple → Shantang Street Night View Day 4: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Day Tour Day 5: Tongli Ancient Town Day Tour Day 6: Jinji Lake → Eslite Bookstore → Suzhou Center Day 7: Lingering Garden → Return trip 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Near Pingjiang Road/Guanqian Street (3 nights): Boutique guesthouses or comfortable hotels, about 400-600 RMB/night Zhouzhuang/Tongli Ancient Town (1 night): Boutique guesthouses inside the ancient towns, about 500-700 RMB/night Near Jinji Lake (2 nights): High-end hotels or lake-view apartments, about 600-800 RMB/night Total accommodation budget: about 3500 RMB 🚗 Transportation Long-distance travel (round trip): High-speed train/bullet train (e.g., from Shanghai or Hangzhou, round trip about 500-800 RMB) City transportation: Metro + taxi (metro about 10 RMB/day, taxi about 50 RMB/day) Ancient town transportation: Recommended charter or tourist shuttle (about 200-300 RMB/day) Total transportation budget: about 1500 RMB 📍 Daily Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Suzhou + Pingjiang Road + Guanqian Street Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Suzhou, check into the hotel, then stroll along Pingjiang Road to enjoy the Jiangnan scenery of small bridges and flowing water. Dinner at Guanqian Street to taste Suzhou snacks (Yaba Shengjian, Su-style noodle soup). Day 2: Humble Administrator’s Garden + Suzhou Museum + Lion Grove Garden Morning: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden (ticket 80 RMB), one of China’s four famous gardens. Noon: Have lunch near Suzhou Museum (free admission, reservation required), designed by I.M. Pei, full of artistic atmosphere. Afternoon: Explore Lion Grove Garden (ticket 40 RMB), famous for its rockeries, great for photos. Day 3: Tiger Hill + Hanshan Temple + Shantang Street Night View Morning: Climb Tiger Hill (ticket 70 RMB), visit Yunyan Pagoda, known as the "Leaning Tower of the East." Noon: Taste Su cuisine near Tiger Hill (recommended "Deyuelou"). Afternoon: Visit Hanshan Temple (ticket 20 RMB), feel the poetic charm of "Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City." Evening: Night tour of Shantang Street, enjoy the night view by boat (boat ticket about 50 RMB). Day 4: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Day Tour All day: Head to Zhouzhuang (ticket 100 RMB), experience "China’s No.1 Water Town," take a sampan ride, visit Shen Hall and Zhang Hall. Overnight: Stay in a guesthouse inside Zhouzhuang Ancient Town to enjoy the tranquil Jiangnan night. Day 5: Tongli Ancient Town Day Tour All day: Visit Tongli (ticket 100 RMB), more original and natural than Zhouzhuang, recommended spots include Retreat & Reflection Garden and Pearl Pagoda. Evening: Return to Suzhou city, check into a hotel near Jinji Lake. Day 6: Jinji Lake + Eslite Bookstore + Suzhou Center Morning: Walk around Jinji Lake, check in at the "Gate to the East." Noon: Have lunch at Eslite Bookstore (the first Eslite in mainland China, with a strong literary atmosphere). Afternoon: Visit Suzhou Center mall for shopping or afternoon tea. Day 7: Lingering Garden + Return Trip Morning: Tour Lingering Garden (ticket 55 RMB), famous for its exquisite architectural layout. Noon: Depending on your departure time, you can have a meal in the city before leaving. 💰 Budget Overview Item Budget (RMB) Transportation 1500 Accommodation (6 nights) 3500 Meals 1500 Tickets 500 Others (shopping, etc.) 1000 Total 8000 📌 Travel Tips Garden Reservations: Suzhou Museum requires booking 3-7 days in advance; it’s recommended to arrive early at the Humble Administrator’s Garden during peak season. Ancient Town Transportation: Zhouzhuang and Tongli are about 1 hour from the city; charter or tourist shuttle is recommended. Must-Try Foods: Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, Eel in Hot Oil, Su-style Noodle Soup, Crab Roe Soup Dumplings. Money-Saving Tips: Some attractions offer combo tickets; local snacks are budget-friendly dining options. This guide balances classical gardens, water towns, and modern city life, perfect for travelers who love culture, history, and cuisine! Feel free to reach out if you want to adjust the itinerary~ 🌿🏮Suzhou Gardens