Suzhou is a canal city whose old centre is still wrapped by a rectangular waterway, the Hucheng River, with smaller canals running through it in both directions. The classical gardens, stone bridges, pagodas and whitewashed lanes that draw visitors sit mostly inside that rectangle, while the modern city spreads out around it.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between the historic core and the newer districts to the east and west. The old city holds most of the major sights and the main shopping and entertainment streets; the development zones beyond the ring road are newer, more spread out and better connected to some transport links. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each suits, and how the accommodation tiers differ.
Best areas to stay in Suzhou
1. Downtown (Gusu District)
This is the central old city: canals, temples, what remains of the ancient city wall, and much of the city's shopping and entertainment. Most of the major sights lie within the area enclosed by the Hucheng River canal, so basing yourself here puts the gardens and the historic lanes within easy reach.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the sights. Two streets matter in particular: Guanqian Jie, a pedestrians-only shopping street near the centre of town with the Taoist Temple of Mystery and a flea market toward its east end, and Shiquan Jie to the south, which has restaurants, bars, hotels, the main tourist information office, tourist-oriented shopping and the Garden of the Master of the Nets. The two are within walking distance of each other, and the back streets between them are not especially scenic but are good for moderately priced clothes and shoes. The main roads, Renmin Lu running north–south and Ganjiang Lu running east–west, are both well supplied with shopping, hotels and restaurants, and each has a metro line running beneath it.
2. Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP)
East of downtown on both sides of Jinji Lake, this is a development zone of wide boulevards lined with new high-rise apartments and office buildings, with shopping malls, eating and drinking streets and contemporary parkland. It is served by metro lines 1, 5 and 11, and bus number 2.
It suits travellers who prefer newer surroundings, and it is one of the two areas where most of the city's expatriate community lives, so many bars and restaurants have international menus, English-speaking staff and often live music. Ganjiang Lu has a bridge into the SIP at its east end, which makes the link to the old city straightforward.
3. Suzhou New District (SND, Huqiu District)
West of downtown and served by metro line 3, this is another development zone, with many biotech companies. It is a practical base rather than a scenic one, and works if you want newer accommodation and a metro connection back into the centre.
4. Wuzhong District
South and west of downtown, on metro lines 1, 4 and 5, this district is known for folk crafts including embroidery, carving, tapestry, architectural crafts, bronze casting, musical instrument manufacture, painting and calligraphy. It also runs along Lake Tai, where there are popular beaches.
5. Xiangcheng District
North of downtown on metro lines 2 and 4, this district sits on the bank of Yangcheng Lake. It is the furthest of the listed areas from the old city sights, so it suits travellers who do not mind relying on the metro.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: youth hostels and simple hotels, several of them in the old city and along the historic streets, some in traditional block-houses. Expect dormitory beds and basic private rooms; in the old town you may be within walking distance of the gardens and the main shopping streets.
- Mid-range: comfortable hotels and serviced apartments, including options in the SIP and the SND as well as downtown. Serviced apartments typically come with a kitchen and living area, which suits longer stays; downtown mid-range places put you near the Shiquan Jie bar strip and the pedestrian shopping area.
- Splurge: the upper end of the hotel range, with larger rooms and fuller facilities, found both in the old city and in the newer districts. Rack rates at this level can be high, and discounts are often available.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown (Gusu District) is the best base for a first visit. Most of the major sights are inside the canal that surrounds it, and the two streets travellers use most, Guanqian Jie and Shiquan Jie, are within walking distance of each other. Staying here means you spend your time among the canals and gardens rather than commuting to them.
Frequently asked questions
Which area should I choose if I want to walk to the main sights?
Downtown. Most of the major sights are within the area enclosed by the Hucheng River canal, and the main shopping and restaurant streets are close together there.
Where do I stay if I want international restaurants and English-speaking staff?
Downtown and the SIP. Most of the city's expatriate community lives in those two areas, and most of the bars and restaurants catering to them are there, with international menus, English-speaking staff and often live music.
Which areas have metro connections?
The SIP is served by metro lines 1, 5 and 11; the SND by line 3; Wuzhong by lines 1, 4 and 5; and Xiangcheng by lines 2 and 4. Downtown has line 4 under Renmin Lu and line 1 under Ganjiang Lu.
Can I stay near a lake or a beach?
Wuzhong and Wujiang are along Lake Tai and both have popular beaches. The SIP is built around Jinji Lake, and Xiangcheng sits on the bank of Yangcheng Lake.
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