Beyond Shanghai
Suzhou: the back story
The back story
About Suzhou: the back story
Suzhou’s classical gardens recreate natural landscapes in miniature. UNESCO inscribed nine of them as the Classical Gardens of Suzhou in 1997; they date from the 11th to the 19th century, and the city itself was founded in the 6th century BCE.
The gardens
The Humble Administrator’s Garden is the best known; arrive at opening time to enjoy it before the crowds.
Getting there
High-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao reach Suzhou quickly; book on China Railway’s official 12306 service.
UNESCO calls Suzhou’s gardens masterpieces of the Chinese garden.
Our advice: choose two gardens rather than trying to see them all.
Why it's on our list
- The gardens
- Getting there
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Suzhou: the back story before you go.