Suzhou Classical Gardens

Suzhou in Jiangsu province, China, is famed for its UNESCO-listed classical gardens, and is about 220 km east of Nanjing and only 25 to 35 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train. From Nanjing South the train takes 1 to 1.25 hours (CNY 95-110), and from Shanghai Hongqiao 25 to 35 minutes (CNY 35-45). From Suzhou Station the metro reaches the garden district in 15 to 25 minutes for CNY 3-5, or a DiDi can be used. The core sight is the Humble Administrator's Garden at 178 Dongbei Street, Gusu District, the largest of the classical gardens, with ponds, pavilions and covered corridors; entry is about CNY 70-90 and it opens around 7:30AM to 5:30PM. The Lingering Garden (about CNY 55) is known for its rockeries and decorated halls, and the Master of the Nets Garden is a small, intimate garden often visited in the evening. The Suzhou Museum, designed by I. M. Pei, sits next to the Humble Administrator's Garden and blends modern geometry with traditional Suzhou white walls and grey tiles; it requires a timed reservation. Pingjiang Road, a preserved canal street with teahouses and shops, is a natural place to finish. A one-day arc starts with the Humble Administrator's Garden at opening, when crowds are thin, followed by the museum, then lunch near Pingjiang Road, where Suzhou noodles, sweet-and-sour mandarin fish and local pastries are typical. The afternoon suits the Lingering Garden and an evening canal walk before an early-evening train back. Allow five to seven hours. The best seasons are April to May, when flowers bloom, and October to November, when temperatures are mild and foliage is colourful. Summer is hot and humid, and public holidays bring dense crowds, so weekdays are preferable. Comfortable shoes are essential for the stone paths and steps, and the walking is easy overall.