Day 1
The Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most famous classical gardens, featuring ponds, pavilions, rockeries, and lush landscapes.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 4 to Beisita Station (北寺塔站) and walk 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
About 15 RMB from Suzhou city center.
By Bus:
Routes 40, 313, or 931 to Humble Administrator’s Garden East Station (拙政园东站).
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee:
• 80 RMB (April–October).
• 70 RMB (November–March).
Opening Hours
• 7:30 AM–5:30 PM (April–October).
• 7:30 AM–5:00 PM (November–March).
What to Do
1. Stroll through its three main sections: the central garden, west garden, and eastern garden.
2. Admire landmarks like the Hall of Drifting Fragrance and Lotus Pond.
3. Learn about Ming Dynasty design principles.
Tips
• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends.
• Wear comfortable shoes as the garden has uneven stone paths.
Pingjiang Road (平江路)
A historic canal-side street in Suzhou, known for its traditional architecture, boutique shops, and cafes.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 1 to Xiangmen Station (相门站) and walk 15 minutes.
By Taxi:
15–20 RMB from most city center locations.
By Bus:
Routes 529, 47, or 55 to Pingjiang Road Station (平江路站).
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free.
What to Do
1. Walk along the canal and cross its ancient stone bridges.
2. Enjoy tea or coffee in a traditional teahouse.
3. Shop for handmade crafts, silk, and souvenirs.
4. Take a gondola-style boat ride (~100–150 RMB).
Tips
• Visit in the evening for a quieter and more atmospheric experience.
• Many shops and cafes accept mobile payment but not international cards, so carry cash.
Suzhou Museum (苏州博物馆)
A strikingly modern museum designed by architect I.M. Pei, showcasing ancient artifacts, calligraphy, and porcelain.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 4 to Beisita Station (北寺塔站) and walk 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
15 RMB from city center.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free (ID or passport required).
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
What to Do
1. View exhibitions of Ming and Qing Dynasty artifacts.
2. Enjoy the museum’s minimalist architecture and gardens.
3. Explore nearby landmarks like the Lion Grove Garden.
Tips
• Arrive early as it’s popular and free entry is limited to a set number of visitors per day.
Shantang Street (山塘街)
A lively canal-side street with over 1,200 years of history, offering traditional shops, street food, and nighttime charm.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
15 RMB from Suzhou city center.
By Bus:
Take routes 85, 38, or 112 to Shantang Street Station (山塘街站).
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free.
What to Do
1. Explore the street markets and shops.
2. Try Suzhou delicacies like sesame cakes and mooncakes.
3. Take a boat ride along the Shantang River (~100 RMB).
Tips
• Evening visits offer the best ambiance with lantern-lit streets.
Day 2
Tongli Water Town (同里古镇)
A picturesque water town with canals, gardens, and Ming-Qing Dynasty architecture.
How to Get There
By Bus:
Take the tourist bus from Suzhou Railway Station (~1 hour).
By Taxi:
100–150 RMB one way.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: 80 RMB (includes major attractions within the town).
Opening Hours
7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
What to Do
1. Visit the Retreat and Reflection Garden, a UNESCO-listed site.
2. Explore the Three Bridges area for scenic views.
3. Visit the ancient Pearl Tower or traditional teahouses.
Tips
• Avoid weekends and holidays to escape crowds.
Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple (秦淮河 & 夫子庙)
A cultural hub in Nanjing with a lively riverfront and the historic Confucius Temple.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station (夫子庙站).
By Taxi:
20–30 RMB from downtown Nanjing.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee (Confucius Temple): 30 RMB.
• River Cruise: ~100 RMB.
What to Do
1. Visit the temple dedicated to Confucius and learn about his teachings.
2. Stroll along the Qinhuai River and shop for local crafts.
3. Take a river cruise to see the illuminated cityscape.
Tips
• Evening visits offer the best views with illuminated lanterns and decorations.
Day 3
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵)
A grand mausoleum dedicated to the founding father of modern China, located on Purple Mountain.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Xiamafang Station (下马坊站), then transfer to the tourist shuttle bus to the mausoleum.
By Taxi:
30–40 RMB from downtown Nanjing.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: Free.
Opening Hours
8:30 AM–5:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Climb the 392 steps to the mausoleum for panoramic views.
2. Explore the surrounding Purple Mountain scenic area.
Tips
• Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Nanjing City Wall and Zhonghua Gate (南京城墙 & 中华门)
One of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, offering stunning views and insights into Ming Dynasty engineering.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 1 to Zhonghua Gate Station (中华门站).
By Taxi:
15–25 RMB from downtown Nanjing.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: 50 RMB.
What to Do
1. Walk along the top of the wall for panoramic views of the city.
2. Explore the multi-layered gate defense system at Zhonghua Gate.
Tips
• Visit at sunset for beautiful views of the city.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵)
The burial site of Emperor Hongwu, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, located in a serene area on Purple Mountain.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Station (明孝陵站).
By Taxi:
25–30 RMB from downtown Nanjing.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: 70 RMB.
What to Do
1. Walk the Sacred Way, lined with stone statues of animals and officials.
2. Explore the main mausoleum area surrounded by forests.
Tips
• Combine this with a visit to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum for a full day on Purple Mountain.
Attraction Details
All information is subject to change.