Heaven is above, Suzhou and Hangzhou are below; Suzhou gardens are a must-visit, a gentle Jiangnan dream in your heart

Explore Suzhou in two days with a budget of 1000 RMB per person! I listened to Pingtan on Pingjiang Road, admired lotus flowers in the Humble Administrator’s Garden, and watched the thousand-year-old lights from a boat on Shantang River at night. When the first ray of morning light falls on the bluestone slabs of Pingjiang Road, I carry a pot of freshly bought Biluochun tea, walk past white walls and black tiles by the river, and hear the soft Wu dialect of Pingtan singing in the distance. A small boat slowly rows under the stone bridge, the boatwoman gently sings: “Heaven is above, Suzhou and Hangzhou are below...” At this moment, I finally understand what “Jiangnan is beautiful, the scenery once familiar” means. This time, as a travel blogger, with a budget of less than 1000 RMB per person for two days and one night, I deeply explored the “Venice of the East” — Suzhou, embarking on a poetic and lively dual journey: wandering classical gardens by day, burning incense and praying in ancient temples; strolling water alleys by night, taking a painted boat to see lights reflecting on the waves, carefully collecting the city’s gentleness and elegance deep into my memory. 🌸 Day 1: Deep in the gardens, encounter the millennium spirit of Gusu Set off early morning from Shanghai by high-speed train (G-series takes about 25 minutes direct to Suzhou Station, second-class ticket 39.5 RMB), then a 10-minute walk to the ancient city core. The first stop is the World Cultural Heritage site — the Humble Administrator’s Garden (ticket 80 RMB, buy online in advance for discounts). As the top of China’s four famous gardens, this private garden built in the Ming Dynasty is truly “a scene at every step.” I slowly walk along the winding paths: Lotus flowers bloom in front of Yuanxiang Hall, their fragrance filling the air, perfectly embodying the “fragrance spreading far and wide” mood; The Xiaofeihong corridor bridge reflects in the water like a rainbow lying on the waves; From Jian Shan Lou, you can overlook the entire garden, with pavilions and towers arranged harmoniously, the landscape design embodying the philosophy of “though man-made, it seems naturally created.” In the afternoon, stroll through the Pingjiang Road historic district (free entry), the best-preserved thousand-year-old water alley in Suzhou. The old houses on both sides are mostly Qing Dynasty residences, now transformed into artistic shops, teahouses, and intangible cultural heritage workshops. I bought a box of osmanthus sugar lotus root (15 RMB/box) at the century-old shop “Xinfengrui Ji,” sweet and fragrant, eating as I walked, feeling pure happiness. Next, visit the Suzhou Museum (free, reservation required), designed by architect I.M. Pei, where geometric lines perfectly blend with white walls and black tiles. The collection is rich, especially the Five Dynasties secret color porcelain lotus bowl and Ming Dynasty Wen Zhengming’s calligraphy are most precious. I recommend spending 1.5 hours quietly appreciating the profound Wu culture. In the evening, check into a boutique guesthouse near Guanqian Street (recommended “Pingjiangfu·Yinshe” or “Huajiantang·Lize,” standard double room with breakfast about 320 RMB/night), conveniently located with views of small bridges and flowing water from the window. At night, all is silent except the gentle chime of wind bells on the eaves. For dinner, choose the time-honored “Songhelou” (about 80 RMB per person): a bowl of authentic braised meat noodles, with fine and chewy noodles and rich broth, plus a dish of spicy eel in oil and stir-fried shrimp, perfectly showcasing the “balanced salty and sweet, rich but not greasy” flavor of Suzhou cuisine. 🏮 Day 2: Boating in water alleys × Climbing ancient towers, touching the soul pulse of Gusu Get up at 6:00 AM to avoid crowds and head to Tiger Hill Scenic Area (ticket 70 RMB). This ancient site, known as “the top scenic spot in Wuzhong,” is famous for the legend that King Helü of Wu is buried here. The most stunning sight is the leaning Yunyan Pagoda (also called Tiger Hill Pagoda), which leans 2.34 meters but has stood for over a thousand years, predating the Leaning Tower of Pisa by more than 200 years — a true miracle. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Suzhou city, where gardens, waterways, and modern skyscrapers blend beautifully, a moving fusion of ancient and modern. Return to the city center for lunch on Guanqian Street (about 50 RMB per person): “Huang Tianyuan” serves hot and crispy pig fat rice cakes with a sticky inside; “Caizhizhai” offers sweet and sour Su-style preserved fruits, perfect as souvenirs. In the afternoon, choose to: Visit Ou Garden (ticket 40 RMB) to experience the romantic “Couple’s Garden” atmosphere, and join a silk tapestry or Su embroidery workshop (starting at 60 RMB per person); Or explore Yipu Garden (ticket 5 RMB! A hidden gem), small and exquisite with few tourists, a secret garden for photography lovers. The highlight is the night — a painted boat tour on Shantang Street (ticket 60 RMB per person). When the lanterns light up, I board a traditional-style painted boat at Xinmin Bridge Pier, slowly cruising along the seven-li Shantang River. Red lanterns hang high on both banks, with Pingtan singing, street vendors calling, and flowing water sounds blending into a thousand-year-old night melody. Passing Tonggui Bridge, the boatwoman softly sings “Beautiful Scenery of Suzhou,” her voice melodious, as if time flows back to the prosperous Tang and Song dynasties. Arrive at the terminal at 8:30 PM, and stop by the night market snacks: Exploding fish noodles, chicken feet, fermented rice balls, pan-fried buns... eating while walking, full of lively local atmosphere. ✅ Expense details (about 970 RMB per person) Round-trip high-speed train tickets: about 80 RMB Attraction tickets + boat ticket: about 250 RMB One night accommodation (shared by two): 320 RMB Meals + transportation + snacks + souvenirs: about 320 RMB 📌 Travel Tips: ✔️ Best seasons: March–May (spring blossoms), September–November (clear autumn), avoid the plum rain season (June–July) ✔️ Visit gardens early! Before 9 AM, fewer people and better light for photos without disturbance ✔️ Respect traditional culture: keep quiet during Pingtan performances, ask permission before photographing performers ✔️ Want great shots? Recommended spots: lotus reflections in the Humble Administrator’s Garden, night view of the arch bridge on Shantang Street, silhouette of Tiger Hill Pagoda, umbrella portraits in the rainy alleys of Pingjiang Road On the day I left, I slipped a dried jasmine flower into my notebook. It’s not just a scent preserved, but a sealed gentle memory of this city. If you want to hear the peaceful sound of time in one place, go to Suzhou— let Pingtan awaken your ears, let the gardens heal your eyes, and let this journey of water, poetry, and slow living become the softest Jiangnan dream in your heart.