Suzhou Travel Guide Tested in Person | 3 Days 2 Nights for Just 800 RMB per Person to Explore All the Gardens

Just got back from Suzhou! Compiled this 3-day 2-night guide for only 800 RMB per person, certified by local friends as foolproof—just follow it and you can't go wrong! Day 1: A Blend of Gardens and Local Life Start early at the Humble Administrator’s Garden—it’s magical! Enter around 7 AM when the morning mist still lingers, and the pavilions appear like ink paintings (80 RMB ticket). Afterward, head next door to the Suzhou Museum, where I.M. Pei’s light-and-shadow design is breathtaking (book a week in advance!). Don’t miss the rockery in the courtyard. From the museum, stroll 500m to the Lion Grove Garden—navigating its rock maze is super fun (30 RMB). At noon, hit Pingjiang Road, stepping on cobblestones to find a riverside eatery. Slurp up a bowl of Aozhao noodles with eel sauce while sunlight filters through willow leaves onto the water—pure Jiangnan vibes. In the afternoon, wander Shiquan Street and try the viral bamboo-tube milk tea at a trendy café. At 4 PM, visit the Master-of-Nets Garden to see "dancing golden light" (40 RMB). At dusk, rush to Jinji Lake for sunset—the Ferris wheel glows like a halo in the twilight. End the day with a feast of Cangshu mutton at Suzhou Center. Perfection~ Day 2: Temples and Old Streets in Slow Motion The Lingering Garden is small but exquisite—go at 9 AM to avoid crowds and admire its picture-perfect pavilions (55 RMB). Walk to Xiyuan Temple for vegetarian noodles—the tofu "chicken" soaked in broth is divine (5 RMB entry, plus you can feed pigeons). In the afternoon, hike up Tiger Hill to see the ingenious "Broken Beam Hall" and listen to bamboo rustling across the slopes (70 RMB). By evening, move to Shantang Street—sit on a stone bridge as lanterns light up, listen to boat ladies singing Pingtan, and snack on candied rice cakes while strolling. Pure bliss~ Day 3: Free Ancient Town Wandering Mudu Ancient Town’s red walls and black tiles are perfect for Hanfu photos—take a wupeng boat ride and listen to the boatwoman’s tales (optional 40 RMB boat ticket). Or head to Luzhi to see Tang Dynasty sutra pillars at Baosheng Temple. The old street’s pickled radish is addictive—grab some as souvenirs! Stay near Guanqian Street—200+ RMB gets you a cozy B&B with windows, super convenient for exploring. Total cost for 3 days: tickets + food + lodging + transport—all under 800 RMB per person!