Suzhou Travel Guide

Suzhou, the cradle of Wu Culture, is a city with a history of more than 2,500 years, tracing back to the later Shang Dynasty.

By the Spring and Autumn period of the Zhou, local tribes named the Gou Wu are recorded living in the area which would become the modern city of Suzhou. Suzhou was established towards the end of the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE), a time of intermittent warfare between the feudal states that then dominated China.

After almost a thousand years of relative obscurity, Suzhou re-entered the annals of Chinese history with the construction of the Grand Canal. The canal was built during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE), using compulsory labour. Five million peasants were forced to work on the project; almost three million died, mostly of starvation. When the Grand Canal was completed, Suzhou found itself strategically located on a major trade route. In the course of the history of China, it has been a metropolis of industry and commerce on the southeastern coast of China.

In 486 BCE, Fuchai built the Han Canal, a 185 kilometre connection between the Yangzi and Huai Rivers that was later incorporated into the Grand Canal.

During the Warring States period, the city was known as Wu County. Following the Qin Empire's conquest of the area in 222 BC, it was made the capital of Kuaiji, a commandery named for the reputed resting place of Yu the Great and including lands stretching from the south bank of the Yangtze to the unconquered interior of Minyue in southern Zhejiang.

During the Tang dynasty, the great poet Bai Juyi constructed the Shantang Canal to connect the city with Tiger Hill for tourists.

In February of 1130, the advancing Jin army from the north ransacked the city. This was followed by the Mongol invasion in 1275. In 1356, Suzhou became the capital of Zhang Shicheng, one of the leaders of the Red Turban Rebellion against the Yuan dynasty and the self-proclaimed King of Wu. In 1367, Zhang's Nanjing-based rival Zhu Yuanzhang took the city after a 10-month siege.

Many of the famous private gardens were constructed by the gentry of the Ming and Qing dynasties. However, the city was to see another disaster in 1860 when Taiping soldiers captured the city. In November 1863, the Ever-Victorious Army of Charles Gordon recaptured the city from the Taiping forces. The next crisis was the Japanese invasion in 1937. Many gardens were devastated by the end of the war. In the early 1950s, restoration was done on gardens such as the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden to bring them back to life.

Air 
Suzhou does not have any Civil Airport itself. If you are arriving by air, you have to travel via Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, or Wuxi Shuofang Airport (Sunan Airport). There are many shuttle buses traveling between the two airports in Shanghai and Suzhou. It will definitely not affect your travel itinerary. But shuttle buses between Suzhou and Wuxi Shuofang Airport are quite limited and the schedule is changeable. Your need to call to consult the schedule first.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is about 150 km away from Suzhou. Upon your arrival, you can transfer to a airport bus or train to get to Suzhou. It takes 3 hours by the airport bus. If you choose to take train, you need to get to Hongqiao Railway Station first, then take the high-speed train or bullet train to Suzhou (30 minutes). Airport to Hongqiao train station by metro, 1.5 hour.

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is about 100 km away from Suzhou city. From Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou, you can take the bus or train. By train for about 30 minutes; by bus forabout 1.5 hours. You all need to take subway to the bus station or train station for the transfer.

Wuxi Shuofang Airport is about 36 kilometers away from Suzhou City. the way to Suzhou is also by buses or trains. There are only six buses to Suzhou. Trains from Wuxi to Suzhou is quite a lot.

Rail
Currently, there are four train terminals in Suzhou: Suzhou Railway Station, Suzhou North Station, Suzhou Industrial Park High Speed Railway Station, Suzhou New District High-speed Rail Station. Suzhou North Station is kind of far from the center area of Suzhou City. We recommend you to reach Suzhou Station, which is near the city center, the bus station and attractions.

Suzhou Railway Station
Located in the center area of the city. Almost all of Beijing-Shanghai trains pass through the train station. The trains from Suzhou to Shanghai departs every 20 minutes or so.
♦ Add: 27 Suzhan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou
♦ Tel: 0512-67513131
♦ How to get: take taxi or public bus

Suzhou North Railway Station
It is one of station along Shanghai-Beijing High-speed Rail. All the high-speed train or bullet trains along the rail will pass through this station. But it is kind of far from downtown, taking more than an hour by bus
♦ Add: Fulin Road, Xiaongcheng District, Suzhou

Suzhou Industrial Park High Speed Railway station
It is responsible for arrival and departure of high-speed trains or bullet trains from Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuchang, etc.
♦ Address: Zhihe West Road, Suzhou industrial park

Bus
Suzhou has four long-distance bus terminals. Suzhou North Bus Station, Suzhou South Bus Station, Suzhou West Bus Station is sited in downtown. Wuzhong District Bus Station is located in Wuzhong District, bound for the scenic tourist town line. Four stations are available to book bus tickets at the official website: 221.224.77.214:8081/wsdg_suzhou/

Suzhou North Bus Station
Located in the downtown, near the Suzhou Railway Station. It is responsible for the long-distance passenger transport of Suzhou to various provinces and cities, as well as the surrounding short-distance passenger transport in Jiangsu Province. In addition, it is the station that has the most buses to Shanghai.
♦ Add: 29 Xihui Road
♦ Tel: 0512-67530686
♦ How to get: take taxi or public bus to get there.

Suzhou South Bus Station
Near to Suzhou Rail Station by Express Bus No.6.
Suzhou West Bus Station
♦ Add: Jinshan Crossing, Changjiang Road, Suzhou New District.
♦ Tel: 0512-68255168
♦ How to get: take taxi or public bus to get there.

Wuzhong District Bus Station
There are some distance to get to the downtown. There are some Tourist Express Buses leaving for Wuzhi, Tongli, Zhouzhuang, as well as a few bus to Zhejiang and Shanghai.
♦ Add: 10 Guangjian Road, Wuzhou District.

Suzhou is located in the eastern coast of China. It has a monsoon humid subtropical climate. It carries the typical season characters with hot Summer and cloudy Winter. North-westerly winds blowing from Siberia during winter can cause temperatures to fall below freezing at night, while southerly or south-westerly winds during the Summer can push temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F).

Suzhou, with its pleasant weather and harmonious natural environment is generally considered as one of the ideal places to live. This city has a lot of mild days with sunshine and clean air and sufficient rain to support agriculture and maintain the natural beauty of its picturesque scenic spots.

Character of the four seasons in Suzhou
Spring, with an average temperature of 14.2℃ from March to May, is a season of recovery from the cold days. Although the average temperature is pleasant, early spring still has temperatures below 0℃.

Summer is the hottest season with a lot of rainy days in June. The highest temperature is in July, when it can reach 35℃.

Autumn in Suzhou is cool and pleasant. From September to November, you can really enjoy outdoor activities because of the fine weather.

The coldest season begins from December to February. There may be snow on some days while most of the winter days in Suzhou are comparatively warmer with an average temperature of 4.4℃.

Climate Data Table for Suzhou

♦ In spring (March to May): everything rouses up from sleeping. You can see beautiful view in classic gardens in Suzhou. If you are lucky enough, you can see the flowers blooming views.

♦ In summer (June to August): summer in Suzhou is hot and humid. It is rainy season, often with typhoon occurring.

♦ In autumn (September to early November): the temperature in autumn is cool. And colorful tree leaves if you travel during this period.

♦ In winter (December to next February): winter is cold and drippy. But if you are lucky enough and it snows when are you there, the snow-covered view is beautiful as well.

Dressing Tips
♦ In spring and autumn, it is cool and windy, woollen sweater and thick coat is necessary.

♦ Summer is hot. Short T-shirt and pants is enough. Remember to bring sunscreen cream. In addition, from mid-June to mid-July, it rains a lot, please bring your umbrella.

♦ Winter is cold and humid. Down jacket and sweater is necessary.

Best time to visit Suzhou

The best time to travel to Suzhou is April to October, when the trees and flowers of this garden city are green and in full bloom

Spring and Autumn are the peak tourist seasons, and are very comfortable. Summer is a peak tourist season too, but is hot and oppressive, as the humidity makes it almost impossible for people not used to the environment to breathe properly. Clothes tend to get fairly wet after just a few minutes of walking.

The city has some Typhoon spells during the year, none of which in recent years have caused significant damage.

Try to plan your Suzhou tour by avoiding the peak holidays. Because of the Chinese tourists, those attractions become more crowded in these periods.

The most crowded seasons in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labor Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07). Spring Festival and the National Day golden week are the most crowded time for traveling.

♦ Humble Administrator Garden - It is the largest renowned Chinese garden in Suzhou. The garden contains numerous pavilions and bridges set among a maze of connected pools and islands.

♦ Tiger Hill - known for its natural beauty as well as historical sites. It is so named because it is said to look like a crouching tiger. Its features include: Sword-Testing Rock,Yunyan Pagoda, Sword Pond (Jianchi), Lu Yu Well, Thousand People Rock, etc.

♦ Lion Grove Garden – it is one of famous classic gardens in Suzhou and is famous for the large and labyrinthine grotto of taihu rocks at its center. The name of the garden is derived from the shape of these rocks, which are said to resemble lions.

♦ Lingering Garden – It is also a renowned classical Chinese garden. It consists of four distinctly themed sections; East, Central, West, and North. The Central area is the oldest part of the garden. Buildings, the primary feature of any Chinese garden. The eastern section of the garden is arrayed around the cloud-capped peak stone. A central courtyard is ringing by buildings. Behind the Old Hermit Scholars' House is the Small Court of Stone Forest, a collection of Scholar stones and connected minor courtyards. The western section is mostly natural containing only a few pavilions, a large artificial hill, and a Penzai garden.

♦ Zhouzhuang Water Town - It is China's oldest water town, known as Venice of China. It is sited 30 km southeast of Suzhou. You can have a boat trip along the water way in the town. It might be fun. Highlights in town include Twin Bridges (Shuang qiao), Twin Bridges (Shuang qiao), Shen House, Zhang House, Milou Tower, Milou Tower, etc.

♦ Tongli Water Town - It is on the outskirts of Suzhou. It is known for a system of canals. Highlights in town include Retreat & Reflection Garden, Luoxing Zhou, the Pearl Tower, the Pearl Tower, etc.