Suzhou
Constructed in 1342 by the Buddhist monk Tianru to commemorate his master, who lived on Lion Cliff on Zhejiang’s Tianmu Mountain, this garden's curiously shaped rocks were meant to resemble lions, protectors of the Buddhist faith.
Try not to stray far from the touring route, especially around the warrenlike rockery – taking shortcuts may require doubling back against the crowds.
0.79 MILES
On the eastern side of the city, this canalside road has whitewashed local houses sitting comfortably side by side with teahouses and trendy cafes selling…
2.45 MILES
This quiet part of Suzhou is lovely, with a section of the city wall straddling the outer moat in the southwest corner of the city. Dating from 1355, the…
3.02 MILES
In the far northwest of town, Tiger Hill is a major drawcard for Chinese tourists, and the beacon that draws them is the leaning Cloud Rock Pagoda (云岩塔,…
Garden of the Master of the Nets
1.6 MILES
Off Shiquan Jie, this pocket-sized garden is considered one of Suzhou's best preserved. Laid out in the 12th century, it went to seed and was later…
0.17 MILES
This stunning museum, one of only two in mainland China designed by IM Pei, is a modern interpretation of Suzhou architecture, with its confluence of…
0.26 MILES
The largest of Suzhou's gardens, the Humble Administrator’s Garden is often considered to be the most impressive, but its fame draws in constant crowds,…
1.25 MILES
This small but perfectly formed garden is often overlooked by visitors who are drawn to Suzhou's larger and more famous gardens. Its simple layout makes…
19.44 MILES
Near Fu’an Bridge, this residence of the Shen clan is a lavish piece of Qing-style architecture boasting three halls and more than 100 rooms. The first…
0.17 MILES
This stunning museum, one of only two in mainland China designed by IM Pei, is a modern interpretation of Suzhou architecture, with its confluence of…
0.19 MILES
This informative little museum, west of the ticket office for the Humble Administrator's Garden, gives an overview of the history, evolution and aesthetic…
3. Suzhou Arts and Crafts Museum
0.25 MILES
Housed in a historic building, this small museum boasts an impressive range of modern handicrafts created by skilled Suzhou artists. Its nearly 1000-piece…
4. Humble Administrator’s Garden
0.26 MILES
The largest of Suzhou's gardens, the Humble Administrator’s Garden is often considered to be the most impressive, but its fame draws in constant crowds,…
0.53 MILES
The oldest Buddhist temple in Suzhou, Bao'en Temple dates back 1700 years and its current reincarnation goes back to the 17th century. The temple's star…
0.58 MILES
Lashed by electronic music from the shops alongside, the Taoist Temple of Mystery stands in what was once Suzhou’s old bazaar, a rowdy entertainment…
0.58 MILES
The antique fans on display here demonstrate the skillful painting and embroidery of the art form. Many of the silk fans feature a cat motif; rat-catching…
0.6 MILES
The Suzhou Silk Museum houses fascinating exhibitions detailing the history of Suzhou’s 4000-year-old silk industry. Exhibits include a section on silk…