Suzhou 2D1N for ~$70 USD? Just Copy This! 📝 #TravelHack

[Lena Oberbrunner]

Wow, Suzhou is truly a wonderful place! I'll share my itinerary and insights with you in hopes of helping you have an equally fantastic experience!

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My walking route (for reference only; strenuous activity could strain your legs!
第一天:

1. Day 1: Suzhou Station → Suzhou Museum → Humble Administrator's Garden → Lion Grove → Pingjiang Road → Pre-Markets Street → Qili Jiatang
   • Note: This day involves visiting numerous scenic spots, mainly through walking. Friends lacking good stamina are advised to adjust their plan appropriately!
     第二天:
2. Day 2: Hanshan Temple → Xiyuan Temple → Tiger Hill → CityLink Mall (Chéng pǐn Bookstore) → Jinji Lake → Oriental Gate (also called the giant “long johns jacket!”)

**Must-visit scenic spots in Suzhou (highly recommended!)：

1. Suzhou Museum free entrance!
   • Notice: This museum is very popular, make sure to purchase tickets online at least seven days in advance. Tickets are released daily at 8 AM, visiting in the afternoon improves photograph quality with better lighting!
   • Background information: designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, this museum features distinctive architectural style.
2. Humble Administrator's Garden price: 80 RMB
   • One of China’s four famous classical gardens, the Humble Administrator's Garden has earned its top spot. Make sure to arrive early for optimal photo opportunities among fewer crowds; this attraction will surely win your heart with the first glimpse!
3. Lion Grove price: 40 RMB
   • Famous for its unique rock formations, this scenic spot resembles a puzzle involving climbing around fake mountains, promising much fun.
4. Pingjiang Road free!
   • To immerse yourself in the picturesque setting of "bridges over flowing rivers, houses by water," this destination is perfect! You may choose to enjoy a gentle ride by hand-pulled boat (make sure to negotiate the price), attend local say-singing performances (which bear some resemblance to folk tales), or wear a Chinese robe as the backdrop for your perfect picture. The river water is so green it makes perfect photos!
5. Liu Garden price: 45 RMB
   • Also one of the four famous gardens, Liu Garden displays meticulous design despite its slightly smaller size and offers exquisite landscape scenery and architecture.
6. Hanshan Temple price: 20 RMB
   • World-renowned for an old poem, many Chinese people know "Night Anchorage at Maple Bridge." The temple itself is small; however, it ranks as one of the most famous temples in China, though I personally find Xiyuan Temple more enchanting.
7. Xiyuan Temple price: 5 RMB (really cheap!)
   • Highly recommend: This temple boasts cute cats everywhere! Enjoy a simple but satisfying vegetarian noodle soup, play with the kittens, or feed pigeons all for only 5 RMB—a real bargain!
8. Tiger Hill price: 80 RMB
   • This site has rich history and is designated as "Wuzhong's most famous scenic spot," where “Wuzhong” refers to Suzhou historically. If your schedule is tight, simply snapping shots will suffice without visiting fully.
9. Jinji Lake free entrance!
   • Important reminder: Arrive before 5 PM on Jinji Lake beach! Especially look for the monumental "frame" sculpture for a popular photo shoot. At sunset, the place looks incredibly beautiful!

️**Suzhou delicacies (a must-discover for food lovers!):

• Silent Man's Pan-fried Bao: Hot pan-fried bao with juice bursting out upon first bite, featuring springy meat filling! 🥰 (P.S. "pan-fried" refers to the crispy bottom of small stuffed bao)
• Wang's Twin Pagoda Pancake: This speciality cooked in a traditional oven comes both salty and sweet; enjoy it fresh hot for crispier dough!
• Tai Yanyuexin: A surprise to see this trendsetting milk tea shop in Suzhou! Treat yourself to a delightful sip!
• Su Yanxi•Suzhou Cultural Noodle Shop (Suzhou Museum location): Well known for noodle dishes near the Suzhou Museum, its noodles are springy and tasty, perfect either with the red broth or clear soup. Try signature dishes including sour sweet "Squirrel Perch", a seasonal fish-shaped dish with tangy taste.
• Su Xiangxing•Suzhou Style Noodle Shop: Located in Shiquan Street, this noodle shop offers highly preferred cuisine for visitors after the beautiful small garden visit. Dishes of choice are: stewed pork noodles, crab yellow noodles with seasonal availability and a higher price tag.

A small accommodation recommendation:

• Stay near Pre-Markets Street or Pingjiang Road. Both places are located within Suzhou city center; easy access to major attractions saves time and energy! Start exploring with fun-filled shopping and eating immediately upon arrival.
• I've frequently stayed at Inn Alley Art Hostel. Conveniently close to subway station and scenic spots, offering a clean and tidy environment within Pre-Markets Street at reasonable cost!

Transportation advice:

• Suzhou attractions are relatively concentrated, easily accessed by taking Metro, providing great convenience
• Other than subway rides, feel free to grab a small electric bike (e-bike) for local exploration, but keep safety measures and abide traffic regulations in mind!

P.S. All prices mentioned are in RMB and might be subject to change at present time.
Have a safe trip and enjoy your journey in Suzhou!

[Mr. Carlton Johnston]

Anyone going this weekend?

[Colin Cronin]

@DayuHaitang, hurry up with the guide!

[Kristi Doyle]

@DayuHaitang, I think we can pretty much follow this guide for the first day, but I'm not keen on the museum.

[Carmen Willms]

@Butterfly