Suzhou — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Suzhou.
Classical gardens and canal towns a short HSR ride from Shanghai — UNESCO gardens, silk and Pingtan opera.
🍜 Signature dishes in Suzhou
- 松鼠桂鱼Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish
- 响油鳝糊Sizzling Eel
- 蟹粉豆腐Crab Roe Tofu
- 樱桃肉Cherry Pork
- 苏式汤面Suzhou Noodles
- 奥灶面Aozao Noodles
- 鸡头米Water Chestnut Sago
- 糖粥Sweet Rice Porridge
- 碧螺春茶Biluochun Tea
- 梅花糕Plum Blossom Cake
🎟️ Top things to do
- Humble Administrator's Garden
Largest classical garden
- Tiger Hill
Pagoda hill & legends
- Zhouzhuang Water Town
Canal town, 1h drive
- Pingjiang Road
Historic canal street
- Suzhou Museum
I.M. Pei architecture
- Suzhou cuisine dinner
Mandarin fish & eel
- Hanshan Temple
Ancient bell temple
- Lion Grove Garden
Rockery maze garden
- Jinji Lake
Lakeside night view & fountain
- Tongli Ancient Town
Canals & gardens, 45 min drive
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Suzhou?
Take the metro or a taxi from SHA (Hongqiao, Shanghai) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Suzhou on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Suzhou. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Suzhou visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (SHA (Hongqiao, Shanghai) ) · verify with official sources before travel.