Suzhou Road Trip: My WTF Moments Behind the Wheel

[Mr. Philip Hudson]

Oh, dear friends who are planning to visit Suzhou, please listen to my advice!

• Be Really Cautious If You're Coming by Car!
  • If your car doesn’t have a local license plate from Suzhou (meaning your car isn't registered in Suzhou), you need to be aware of the following:
    • Important Notice: Between 7 AM and 7 PM every day, these "non-local cars" are restricted from driving on many streets in central areas! In other words, during this time, there’s a good chance you won't be able to drive your car where you want.
• The Parking Fees Will Make You Cry!
  • Want to park overnight? Be prepared that this at least costs 100 yuan!
  • Even if you’re lucky enough to find an open spot on the street, don't get too excited as it still comes with a price tag.
  • When visiting famous tourist spots, the parking fees usually start at around 6 yuan per hour.

So, my recommendation is to take a train or bullet train to Suzhou, and once you arrive, either use taxi services or public transport. Not only is it more convenient, but also much more cost-effective compared to driving your own car – which really adds more trouble than it solves!

[Ms. Cecilia Lowe]

One time, we parked at a lot near the Lingering Garden overnight. I recall it was either free or just 1 RMB per hour. During the day, I think it was 8 RMB, but I'm not entirely sure. Just sharing for your reference.

[Kelvin Shanahan DVM]

I'd suggest parking at your hotel and taking the subway.

[Kristi Doyle]

I learned this the hard way from driving there myself, and it was so frustrating!

[Lorena Runolfsson]

Oh, I was planning to drive too! I'm still figuring out the parking situation.

[Marcos Goodwin]

Could you share your findings? Is Guanqian Street in the Gusu District?

[Alejandro Runolfsdottir]

If I drive there during the National Day holiday, do I need to apply for an entry permit for out-of-town vehicles through a mini-program beforehand?

[Antonio Sawayn]

Most likely, yes. It's best to call their local 12345 hotline to confirm.

[Theresa Sporer]

Are green license plates (EVs) also subject to traffic restrictions?

[Jeannie Parisian]

I'm not sure about green plates; you'll have to call and ask.

[Mr. Carlton Johnston]

Does this apply to all non-Jiangsu license plates, or just non-Suzhou plates?

[Delia Jast]

Sorry, I'm not too sure about that.

[Iris Marquardt]

Are there traffic restrictions during the National Day holiday? Does it mean you can't drive into the area at all, or can you drive to your hotel, park there, and then use the subway?

[Madeline Hermann III]

It seems to be in effect all the time for the Gusu District, especially the scenic spots, from 7 AM to 7 PM. You should call their local 12345 hotline to check. They gave a lot of details, and I didn't catch everything.

[Ms. Thelma DuBuque-Rolfson]

Which number should I call to ask?

[Rosemarie Sawayn PhD]

On Saturdays and Sundays, are there traffic restrictions around the Qili Shantang Street area too?

[Misty Anderson DDS]

Yes, the restrictions are in place every day.

[Susie Kutch-Green]

Jinji Lake doesn't have restrictions, does it?

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

Yes, it is restricted.