China Itinerary: Hangzhou, Suzhou & Shanghai PT 2✨
Hello #lemon8babe
I’m back with Part 2 of my China trip! Let’s join my digital travel to Suzhou. 🙈 Year-end is definitely travel season, so I couldn’t let this one go unshared. 🌏💛
⏰ Duration: 2D1N
Day 4 — Explore Classic Suzhou (苏州古典之美) Suzhou
🌅 Morning — Lion Grove Garden (狮子林) Lion Grove Garden
• Start our day early at one of Suzhou’s most playful classical gardens.
• Famous for its stone labyrinth—great for photos and exploring small caves & pathways.
• We spent around 1–1.5 hours.
• Late Morning — Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园) Humble Administrator's Garden
• One of the most iconic UNESCO classical gardens in China.
• Enjoy lotus ponds, bridges, pavilions, and Suzhou-style landscaping.
• Allocate 2 hours to fully enjoy the space.
• Optional: Visit Suzhou Garden Museum just next door.
• Lunch Nearby - plenty of restaurants near Pingjiang Road offering Suzhou noodles (must-try: San Sishen noodles).
• Afternoon — Pingjiang Road (平江路古街) Ping Jiang Lu
• A charming old street along the canal.
• Best for slow walking and taking aesthetic photos.
• Spent 1.5–2 hours.
• 🌇 Sunset — Gate to the East (东方之门) Gate of the Orient
• Head to the modern landmark of Suzhou (“the Pants Building”).
• Walk around the surrounding area at Jinji Lake for nice city views.
• Beautiful during golden hour and nightfall.
• 🌃 Night — Guanqian Street (观前街) Guan Qian Jie
• Suzhou’s famous shopping & street food district.
Day 5 — Explore Modern Suzhou (苏州现代之旅)
• 🌅 Morning — Shuangta Market (双塔市集)
• A hip and modern renovated market area.
• Trendy cafés, indie shops, boutique food stalls.
• Perfect for breakfast or coffee.
• 🚤 Late Morning — Pingjiang River (平江河畔散步) Pingjiang River
• Enjoy a peaceful riverside walk (different area from Pingjiang Road).
• More calm, fewer crowds, perfect for photos.
• Optional: Take a short boat ride if boats are operating.
• Spent 1–1.5 hours
• 🌆 Afternoon — InRole Walk of Stars (印象城·星光步道)
• A stylish modern mall area with a “walk of stars” concept.
• Good for shopping, photos, and indoor time.
• Spend 2–3 hours depending on your interest.
📊 Estimated Total Budget for 2Days Trip
🏨 Accomodation: ¥100 - 180
🏙️ Attractions & local sightseeing (2 days): ¥100 - 500
🍽️ Food & Transportation: ¥50 - 100
💸 Estimated Total (4 days): ¥700 – 1000/person
*You can convert the amount based on your own currency.*
Next stop → Shanghai
Stay tuned for my next post on Part 3.
🎋SUZHOU TRIP CONCLUSION:
Suzhou lived up to its reputation as the “Venice of the East” enchanting me with its timeless elegance and graceful charm. The city’s classical gardens, especially the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden, were masterpiece of design⏤perfectly capturing the balance between architecture, water and nature. Wandering along the ancient canals of Pingjiang Road, I felt transported to another era, where every stone bridge and whitewashed wall told a story. Escaping the crowds and immersing ourselves in this quiet charm made Suzhou feel extra special. It wasn’t just a destination, but a moment of calm and connection that we’ll always remember. 🥰
If you're planning a 2-day visit to Suzhou, besides the well-known Humble Administrator’s Garden and Pingjiang Road, I highly recommend exploring the Suzhou Museum located near the gardens. It offers fascinating insights into Suzhou's rich heritage and blends traditional architecture with modern design. For a truly immersive cultural experience, consider joining a guided walking tour along the ancient streets of Pingjiang Road. This area isn't just scenic; it's steeped in history and local stories that you’ll appreciate far more when shared by a knowledgeable local. While Shuangta Market is known for its trendy cafés and indie shops, don’t miss trying local snacks and delicacies there. Sampling authentic Suzhou cuisine at any of the small eateries can be a highlight, especially their signature San Sishen noodles and other street food options. If time permits, take a boat ride along the Pingjiang River for a peaceful view of Suzhou’s waterways. It's less crowded than the main tourist zones and offers a different perspective of the city’s beautiful bridges and water towns. Be sure to experience Guanqian Street at night for a lively atmosphere filled with shopping and street food—perfect for winding down and soaking up local culture. Finally, when visiting landmarks like the Gate to the East, plan to stay into the golden hour for stunning photos of the skyline reflecting over Jinji Lake. It’s truly a sight to remember. These tips helped me feel connected with Suzhou beyond the typical tourist spots, making my trip more enriching and memorable.
