Suzhou · 苏州
Suzhou is known as "the Venice of the East" for its canals and classical gardens, and at the same time one of China's most important industrial hubs (electronics, biopharma, new materials), just 25 minutes by high-speed rail from Shanghai.
City map
What to see
Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园)
Suzhou's largest classical garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pingjiang Old Town
Neighborhood of canals and traditional architecture
Tiger Hill (虎丘)
Leaning pagoda and historic gardens
Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP)
Modern tech district, home to multinational companies
Shantang Street
Old shopping street along the canal
Getting around
Suzhou's metro connects the historic center with the industrial areas (Suzhou Industrial Park, SIP). Being just 25 minutes by bullet train from Shanghai, many visitors stay in Shanghai and make the trip as a day visit.
In mainland China, Google, Gmail, WhatsApp and Instagram aren't accessible without a VPN arranged before you travel (it can't be installed once you've arrived). Hong Kong doesn't have this restriction.
Most used apps
Frequently asked questions about Suzhou
When is the best time to visit Suzhou?
March-May and September-November, when the classical gardens are at their best.
Do I need a visa to visit Suzhou?
Always check the current visa policy for your nationality before traveling: China has expanded short-stay visa exemptions to several European nationalities in recent years, but the conditions change frequently. For longer stays or multiple entries, consider arranging a business (M) visa in advance.
Keep exploring
Suzhou is part of the Jiangsu cluster
Industrial machinery, technical textiles and mid-to-high-end electronics, with a strong heavy industry presence.
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