1 Day in Suzhou: Gardens and Culture Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan). This is one of the most famous classical gardens in Suzhou and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds, and pavilions, which offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese garden design. The serene environment makes it a perfect spot for morning relaxation and photography. After exploring the garden, head to Suzhou House for breakfast. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Chinese breakfast items like congee, dumplings, and steamed buns.

In the afternoon, visit the Suzhou Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei. The museum showcases ancient Chinese art, paintings, calligraphy, and handmade crafts that provide insight into Suzhou's rich cultural history. The architecture of the museum itself is also worth admiring. For lunch, dine at DeYueLou, a highly-rated restaurant known for its authentic Suzhou cuisine. Try their signature dishes like sweet and sour mandarin fish or braised pork belly.

Conclude your day with a tour from your wishlist: Suzhou Private Guided Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train. Even though you are already in Suzhou, this tour offers an insightful guided experience through some of the city's key attractions including gardens and museums you might have missed earlier. End your evening with dinner at Wu Men Ren Jia, where you can enjoy more local delicacies in an elegant setting.