# Suzhou travel guide (苏州) Jiangsu Province · East China, China · 22 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/jiangsu/suzhou ## Quick itinerary - **Day 1:** Jinji Lake → Pingjiang Road (lunch) → Lion Grove Garden → Suzhou Museum → Humble Administrator's Garden - **Day 2:** Tiger Hill → Hanshan Temple → Lingering Garden → Qili Shantang - **Day 3:** Master of the Nets Garden → Canglang Pavilion (Surging Wave Pavilion) → Panmen Gate → Night Cruise on the Grand Canal ## The feel of the place - **Serene Elegance:** Mention Suzhou and you can't avoid phrases like 'water town', 'houses resting on rivers' or 'the Venice of the East', but none of these words can capture its one essence: serene elegance. Walking through Suzhou's city, you must slow your pace. Narrow lanes, green trees, white walls, and branches quietly stretching out from behind a wall: stroll through such a streetscape and even the breeze you bring seems to stir everything around you. The old lanes of Suzhou, their bluestone slabs worn smooth, the faint scent of wood, and the stone lions with patches of moss at their doorways: these are Suzhou's deepest dream. Shantang Street, Taohuawu, Pingjiang Road... even the unhurried, peaceful feeling carried in the street names cannot be imitated. Although billboards, the emblem of modern life, have moved into the buildings of this old city, they have never destroyed this feeling, and that is what people envy most. - **Suzhou Pingtan:** Finding a teahouse, drinking a pot of fine Biluochun tea and listening to a witty piece of Suzhou Pingtan is many people's image of Suzhou. In fact, not every Suzhou person can sing Pingtan; this is somewhat a misunderstanding of Suzhou held by outsiders. Suzhou Pingtan is highly professional, comparable to bel canto or an aria in opera. Perhaps many Suzhou women can effortlessly sing Wu-dialect ditties such as 'Jasmine' or 'Beautiful Taihu', but these cannot rival Pingtan. - **Suzhou's Wells:** Suzhou's gardens are already dazzling, so many people overlook its most everyday feature: the well. Suzhou's wells come in endless shapes. Take a close look at these old objects that have vanished from urban life, then watch Suzhou people leisurely drawing water, and you can't help feeling a twinge of envy. ## The feel of the place ### Suzhou Pingtan Suzhou Pingtan is the collective term for Suzhou pinghua (storytelling) and tanci (ballad singing). It originated and became popular in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai region, and is performed in the Suzhou dialect. Pingtan has a long history: it was already quite popular in the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty, and it has remained undiminished for over 200 years. Suzhou pingtan combines speaking and singing and is generally performed in three formats: a solo act by one performer, a duo by two, or a trio by three. Each performer accompanies themselves on the xiaosanxian (a small three-stringed lute) or the pipa. ### Preparation and Information ### Language Suzhou dialect sounds soft and lilting. It is pleasant to listen to but hard to follow, so Mandarin will still come in handy. ### Climate and Travel Seasons Early spring, in March, is when Suzhou looks its most beautiful. Suzhou also holds many traditional festivals throughout the year, and the folk performances held during them are well worth seeing. Special garden events are equally distinctive: the temple fair and chrysanthemum show at Tiger Hill, the lotus and bonsai exhibitions at the Humble Administrator's Garden, and the New Year's Eve bell-ringing at Hanshan Temple. ### Festivals April 14: Gashenxian (Ga Shenxian); June 6: Baoshu Fanjing (airing books and turning scriptures); June 24: Leizhai Su (vegetarian feast day); July 7: Qiqi Festival (Qiqi Jie); August 18: Shihu Chuanyue (Moon Reflections on Shihu Lake). ## Getting there & around ### Getting In and Out Suzhou is extremely well connected, with fast and convenient transport options in and out of the city. ### By Air Suzhou has no commercial airport. The nearest are Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong airports, as well as Wuxi Shuofang Airport. Buses run from both Shanghai airports to Suzhou. For timetables and fares, call the Shanghai passenger flight information hotline at 021-96990. Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is also integrated with the railway station, and multiple trains run to Suzhou every day. Buses to both Shanghai airports depart from Suzhou North Square Bus Station and Jinji Lake Square. Buses run from Wuxi Shuofang Airport to Suzhou. Buses to Wuxi Airport depart from Suzhou North Square Bus Station and Suzhou West Bus Station. ### By Train Suzhou currently has five railway stations: Suzhou Station (苏州站), Suzhou North Station (苏州北站), Suzhou Industrial Park Station (苏州园区站), Suzhou New District Station (苏州新区站) and Weiting Station (唯亭站). Suzhou Station is the city's main railway station, 3 km from the Humble Administrator's Garden. If you plan to explore the old city, it is best to get off here. It is shared by the Beijing–Shanghai Railway and the Shanghai–Nanjing Intercity Railway, making onward travel to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing very convenient. Suzhou North Station is far from the city centre and mainly serves high-speed and bullet trains, with connections to Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao, among others. To see the modern side of Suzhou around Jinji Lake, get off at Suzhou Industrial Park Station. Suzhou New District Station also mainly serves high-speed and bullet trains, with services to Nanjing, Shanghai and Wuxi. ### High-Speed Rail The Shanghai–Nanjing Intercity High-Speed Railway has three stops in Suzhou: Suzhou New District Station, Suzhou Station and Suzhou Industrial Park Station. The Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway has only one stop in Suzhou, Suzhou North Station, on Fulin Road in Xiangcheng District. ### By Road Suzhou is the “southeastern gateway” to Jiangsu's road network. ### Long-Distance Bus Stations and Destinations ### By Water Suzhou Nanmen Wharf is at No. 8 Renmin Road. Passenger services to Hangzhou have ceased; only regular sightseeing boats operate now. Water transport ticket office: ### Trains from Suzhou to Shanghai The best options are Suzhou Station, Suzhou New District Station or Suzhou Industrial Park Station. Take the Shanghai–Nanjing Intercity Railway to Shanghai Hongqiao Station. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs about ¥40. From Shanghai Hongqiao Station, you can transfer to the metro to reach any part of central Shanghai. ### No Need to Book Ahead from Shanghai to Suzhou There are three rail lines and numerous long-distance bus routes between Suzhou and Shanghai, so there is no need to book in advance. Just turn up and go. ### Services at the Suzhou Tourist Transfer Centre As one of the centre's services, tourist shuttle buses also operate from here, mainly for independent travellers. There are two lines, east and west, connecting Suzhou's major sights and shopping districts. Each line costs ¥10 and allows unlimited rides on that line for the day. Visitors can also buy attraction tickets on the shuttle buses and enjoy discounted admission. ### Getting Around the City City buses in urban Suzhou (excluding Wujiang District) serve all the major sights. Most are self-service, with no conductor. Routes of 18 km or less cost ¥2. Routes longer than 18 km use a flip-card fare system, meaning the fare is not a single flat rate: a sign by the front door shows the fare from the boarding stop, and the driver flips the card along the way. ### Metro Suzhou Metro currently has Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 (including its branch), 5 and 11 in operation. Line 1 runs between Mudu and Zhongnan Street, passing Jinji Lake, Pingjiang Road and Suzhou Amusement Park. Line 2 runs between Qihe and Sangtian Island, passing Tongjing Park and Yinshan Lake. Line 4 runs between Longdaobang and Tongli. Line 11 runs from Weiting Station in Suzhou Industrial Park east to Huaqiao Station in Kunshan, and connects with Shanghai Metro Line 11. ### Unique Bus Fares Some suburban bus routes in Suzhou use “flip-card fares”, meaning the fare varies depending on the boarding stop. A sign by the front door shows the fare for that stop, and the driver flips the card along the way, which gives the system its name. ### Riding the Water Bus A water bus ride is a great way to experience the character of Jiangnan's water towns, passing Xumen, Panmen, Midu Bridge and Loumen. The journey takes 80 minutes. ### Agree on the Price Before Taking a Pedicab Suzhou's pedicab trade has no well-established industry standards, so agree on a price with the driver before getting in to avoid being overcharged. ### How to Get to the Water Towns 1. Water town tourist shuttles: Nanmen Bus Station — Tongli North Bus Station — Zhouzhuang 2. Railway stations have tourist shuttles to Zhouzhuang, Tongli and other water towns, which are convenient. ### Peak and Off-Peak Seasons at Suzhou Sights The Suzhou municipal government has introduced new peak and off-peak rules for seven garden scenic spots. Peak season runs from April 16 to October 31, and off-peak season from November 1 to April 15 of the following year. During Golden Week, all sites charge peak-season prices. ### Taxis Flag fall is ¥10 for the first 3 km, then ¥2 per km. After 5 km, a 50% empty-running surcharge applies. Waiting time over 5 minutes is charged as 1 km for every 5 minutes. After 23:00, fares (including the flag fall) rise by 30%. ### Pedicabs Most pedicab drivers today are not native Suzhou residents. Before setting off on a pedicab tour, be sure to agree on the fare. Also be wary of unscrupulous drivers who offer very low fares but take you to shops or venues where you are pressured to spend, and overcharge you. ### Bicycle Rental Suzhou's sights are fairly concentrated, so cycling through the old lanes is a great option. Public bikes can be rented on the city streets, and there are many rental shops around Pingmen Bridge, east of the railway station. - tip: Tip: Suzhou also has several other tourist routes, including holiday shuttles and Haoxing sightseeing buses. For up-to-date bus information, follow the “Jinri Suzhou Gongjiao” WeChat official account. - **Suzhou North Square Bus Station** — (1455 Suzhan Road, 0512-65776577) - **Suzhou South Bus Station** — (Junction of Nanhuan East Road and Yingchun Road (reachable by buses 29, 30, 31 and 101), 0512-87181605) - **Suzhou Passenger Ferry Terminal** — - **Railway Station Youth Hostel Ticket Centre** — - **Ferry Passenger Information Desk** — - **Foreign Affairs Tourism Bus & Boat Company** — ## Nightlife - hours: 9：00—16：30 ### Ringing the Bell on New Year's Eve At midnight on New Year's Eve, after the monk at Hanshan Temple has rung the bell 108 times, visitors may ring the lucky New Year bell themselves. In Buddhist teaching, a person has 108 afflictions, and hearing 108 chimes is said to bring release from them layer by layer, wishing everyone happiness and good health in the year ahead. ### Tuisi Garden ### One-Line Recommendation ### The History and Food of Pingjiang Road Located near the Humble Administrator's Garden and the museum, Pingjiang Road is not only a historic old street with Jiangnan charm but also a famous food street. Must-try treats include the yogurt cheese at Huli Jia, the chicken feet at Jijiao Gala, and the handmade yogurt at Liushanmen. ### Delicious Boat Cuisine 1. Due to practical constraints, boat cuisine is known for being “refined, clean, elegant and dainty”, and its cooking methods are mainly “stewing, braising, simmering and keeping warm”. Later, boat cuisine was absorbed into Suzhou cooking, which made Suzhou dishes even more exquisite and refined. The dishes mostly feature Lake Tai seafood, most famously the “three whites” of Lake Tai: silver fish, white shrimp and white fish. Their flesh is tender and their flavour distinctive, attracting many diners. 2. Today, a “boat dining” craze has spread across Jiangsu and Zhejiang. From an environmental standpoint, this is particularly harmful to the environment and water quality of the lakes. ### Famous Snacks on Guanqian Street Famous snack stalls on Guanqian Street include Wenkuizhai's pear paste candy, Guanzhenxing's noodles, Wangyuanxing's soy milk, Xiaoyoutian's lotus root starch, as well as Dafangzhai, Wufangzhai, Liufangzhai and Qifangzhai. Sanwansi and Pinfang are two teahouses with a century of history. ### Suzhou's Food Streets Shiquan Street, Taijian Lane, Jiayu Fang, Gong Lane, Fenghuang Street and Ganjiang Road (near Renmin Road) are several well-known food streets in Suzhou. ### Pearl Trading Hub The “China Pearl City” in Hejiawan, Weitang Town, is a large pearl trading and distribution hub, with good quality at low prices. Take Bus 83 directly from Suzhou Railway Station, or Bus 12 or 84. ### Bars Suzhou is no longer the gentle, delicate town many outsiders imagine; fashion has long taken root here. Suzhou's long-established bar street is Shiquan Street, on the southeast side of the city moat, with classical street lamps and elegant whitewashed walls. Its bars have a relaxed mood. Most are quiet bars with small storefronts but strong themes, and Mr.Bartender, LA NUIT and Jellyfish all have a wonderful atmosphere. Younger Suzhou residents prefer the newer bar street on Panxu Road beside the Grand Canal, where the alluring night scene makes you forget the old Suzhou of deep courtyards. SOS Bar and Couple are very popular nightclubs. - **18** — 00—21：00 (798 Panxu Road, Suzhou) - **“Tuisi” means “to make amends for past faults.” The garden** — Begun in the Guangxu era of the Qing dynasty, it was built by Ren Lansheng, a Qing official who returned to his hometown after being dismissed from office. It is the only Qing-dynasty garden in the ancient water towns of Jiangnan to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has also served as a filming location for several TV series. (234 Xintian Street, Tongli Town, Wujiang District) - **Xijing Bay** — Xijing Bay is known as the “Hokkaido of Suzhou” and is the most beautiful spot on the northern shore of Lake Tai. Its geographical advantage offers views of Lake Tai, fishermen at work and birds soaring across the sky. Strolling along the lakeshore at sunset is especially relaxing. (Near Lüye Village (bus stop)) - **Ou Garden** — Ou Garden is not very famous, but its scenery is no less impressive. It borders water on three sides and a street on one, and its private pier is a major highlight, perfectly capturing the Suzhou charm of “every home resting by the river”. Free from the bustle of the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lion Grove Garden, it suits visitors who want to quietly savour Suzhou's gardens. (6 Xiaoxinqiao Lane, Cang Street, Gusu District, Suzhou) - **Lake Tai** — Lake Tai is one of China's five largest freshwater lakes. It is vast and boundless, and on clear days the water looks bluer than the sky, a sight described as “autumn waters and the vast sky in one colour”. Autumn is the best time to visit, when the sky is clear, the air is crisp, and the water is clearer and more beautiful than in spring. - **Suzhou Pingtan** — When in Suzhou, you should listen to Suzhou Pingtan (storytelling with music), which is performed authentically at the following venues. Evening performances are also held at Suzhou Amusement Park, another good place to pass the time. Meizhu Storytelling House (30 Taiping Lane, Shilu) - **Yuanxin Storytelling Hall** — (258 Minzhi Road, inside Suzhou Park) - **Huangdai Pingtan Park** — (Inside Huangdai Pingtan Park, Xiangcheng District) - **Wangting Storytelling Hall** — (West side of Yuting Legal Park, Wangting Town) - **Zhenze Storytelling Hall** — (Next to the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau, Zhenze Town, Wujiang District) ## Eat & drink Suzhou cuisine enjoys an excellent reputation across Jiangnan. It excels at stewing, braising, simmering and keeping food warm, and places particular emphasis on soup-making, preserving the soup's original flavour and keeping dishes light. Beyond being light, Suzhou dishes tend toward sweetness. Suzhou snacks are distinguished by their exquisite craftsmanship. Date-paste sesame cakes and savoury lard cakes are the most popular, and other snacks include honey-glazed dried tofu, pine nut candy and rose melon seeds. ### Signature Dishes Signature dishes include Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, Barbel Lung Soup, Stir-Fried Crab Roe and Lotus-Leaf Baked Chicken. In addition, Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are the iconic river delicacy, especially famous for stir-fried crab with rich roe, crab butter and crab roe shark's fin. Locals in Suzhou often go to restaurants such as Xinjiayulou, Tianzhu, Xiangyun, Runji, Qinghua and Nankai. Compared with the famous old restaurants, they offer better service and environments. - **Boat Cuisine** — “Boat cuisine” is an original Suzhou creation. Records show that the boat dishes of Suzhou cuisine originated in the Tang and Song dynasties, which also reflects the wealth and luxury of city life at the time. When Bai Juyi served as prefect of Suzhou, he built the Bai Causeway and dredged the rivers and ponds, further fostering the custom of boat banquets. Officials, literati, merchants and townspeople alike considered drinking and composing poetry on a boat an elegant pursuit. - **Zangshu Town Mutton** — Zangshu Town mutton in Suzhou is a cross between Dongshan sheep and imported Australian meat sheep. It is extremely tender, and no matter how it is prepared, it has no gamey taste at all. - **Lao Qingtai** — Said to be over 100 years old, this mutton restaurant is now run by the fifth generation of the family. (Inside Lao Qingtai Hotel, Zangshu, Wuzhong District, 0512-66248158) - **Guanqian Street** — Guanqian Pedestrian Street in Suzhou is comparable to Tiantiao in Beijing and the City God Temple in Shanghai, with a variety of acrobatic performances and a gathering of all kinds of snacks. Once you walk down Guanqian Street, you'll find everything for eating, drinking and having fun. - **Fenghuang Street** — Located among Wangshi Garden, the Twin Pagodas, Dinghui Temple and Wanshou Palace, this street gathers dozens of restaurants serving various regional cuisines, all vying for attention. But the one that attracts visitors most is the Suzhou-style cuisine of the local hosts. - **Songhelou Restaurant (Guanqian Street branch)** — Established in 1737, this is Suzhou's most representative authentic Suzhou-style restaurant and one of China's Four Great Time-Honoured Restaurants. Its signature dishes are Songshu Guiyu (Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish) and Xiangyou Shanhu (Sizzling Eel with Soy Sauce). (No. 72 Taijian Lane, Pingjiang District, 0512-67272285) - **Deyuelou Restaurant (Guanqian Branch)** — Founded during the Jiajing reign of the Ming dynasty, this century-old restaurant serves virtually every well-known Suzhou-style dish. (No. 43 Taijian Lane, Guanqian Street, Pingjiang District, 0512-65222230) - **Xiehe Restaurant (Fenghuang Street Branch)** — The storefront is plain and easy to walk past, but the flavours are remarkably authentic. Don't miss the stir-fried shrimp, honey-glazed ham and sizzling eel with soy sauce. This is a gem known only to true locals. (No. 15 Fenghuang Street, Canglang District, 0512-65117830) - **Huangtianyuan (Guanqian Street Branch)** — Huangtianyuan is a century-old Suzhou institution producing a wide range of Suzhou-style pastries, with glutinous rice cakes being its most famous. (Nos. 86 and 88 Guanqian Street) - **Zhuhongxing Noodle House** — A “time-honoured” noodle house serving its signature Suzhou-style noodles. The noodles are thin and springy, with a great variety of toppings. Prices vary depending on the topping you choose. (No. 90 Bifeng Lane) - **Caizhizhai** — In the early Qing dynasty, Caizhizhai was a herbal medicine shop. Its confectionery soon proved more popular than its medicines, and Suzhou's most famous Suzhou-style candy shop was born. Its pine nut candy, jujube paste cakes and dried tofu snacks are the most celebrated. (No. 150 Shantang Street) - **Wufangzhai (Liuyuan Branch)** — A long-standing Suzhou institution. The shop has kept the look of an old-style southern snack house, with a charming, antique atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. (No. 41 Liuyuan Road) ## Shopping Suzhou embroidery is one of China's Four Great Embroideries, and Suzhou's double-sided embroidery is considered unrivalled. The Biluochun green tea from the East and West Dongting Mountains is one of China's Top Ten Famous Teas; the best quality is sold at Sanwanchang on Guanqian Street. Taohuawu woodblock New Year prints are also among Suzhou's most representative local specialties. All of these can be found on Guanqian Street. Most streets near the famous gardens have small shops selling Suzhou embroidery, and many have embroiderers working in the shop. Prices for a single piece are generally around ¥100, while more finely crafted works can sell for around ¥500. ### Huqiu Wedding Dress Street ### Eslite Bookstore Combining reading, leisure and shopping, this lifestyle complex sells thoughtfully designed goods with exquisite packaging. It is a bookstore much loved by young artists and creatives. - **Nearly 300 specialist wedding dress shops** — Prices are only half those found elsewhere, so anyone considering getting married can pick up a dress here. (South side of the Tiger Hill Scenic Area) ## Where to stay As a tourist city, Suzhou has convenient accommodation, and since the city is not large, the distance between sights and places to stay is not a major concern. The old town of Suzhou lacks the bustle of a metropolis, so staying there is very pleasant, but room rates are relatively high. - **ibis Styles Hotel Suzhou Sanxiang** — (No. 1158 Sanxiang Road, 0512-81886777) - **Huxiangsi Youth Hostel** — (No. 52 Tangjia Lane, 18251111723) ## Things to see - **City Gate** (★★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/city-gate - **Humble Administrator's Garden** (★★★★★): Admission ¥70 off-season; ¥80 peak season; Opening hours 7：30—17：30; Time needed About 3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/humble-administrator-s-garden - **Pingjiang Historic District** (★★★★): Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/pingjiang-historic-district - **Suzhou Museum** (★★★★): Admission Free (full advance reservation required; book online); Opening hours 9:00–17:00 (closed Mondays); Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/suzhou-museum - **Lingering Garden** (★★★★★): Admission Peak season ¥55; off-season ¥45; a “Wuyu Lanxun” performance is free during peak season; Opening hours 7：30—17：00; Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/lingering-garden - **Canglang Pavilion (Surging Wave Pavilion)** (★★★): Admission Peak season ¥20; off-season ¥15; Opening hours 7：30—17：30; Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/canglang-pavilion-surging-wave-pavilion - **Master of the Nets Garden** (★★★★): Admission Peak season ¥40; off-season ¥30. Night Garden ticket ¥100 (Night Garden hours: mid-March to mid-November, 19:30–22:00); Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/master-of-the-nets-garden - **Lion Grove Garden** (★★★): Admission Peak season ¥40; off-season ¥30; Opening hours 7:30–17:30 (March–October); 7:30–17:00 (November–February); Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/lion-grove-garden - **Tiger Hill Scenic Area** (★★★★★): Admission Peak season ¥70; off-season ¥60; Opening hours 7:30–17:30 (last entry at 17:00); Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tiger-hill-scenic-area - **Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/suzhou-ancient-grand-canal - **Fengqiao Bridge and Hanshan Temple** (★★★★): Admission Admission to the Fengqiao scenic area is free; Hanshan Temple ¥20; Night Mooring at Maple Bridge water experience tour ¥30; Opening hours Peak season 7:00–17:15; off-season 7:30–17:00; Time needed 3–5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/fengqiao-bridge-and-hanshan-temple - **Shantang Street** (★★★★): Admission The street itself is free. A combined ticket for Yuhan Hall, Quanzhou Guild Hall, Shaoxing Guild Hall, the Ancient Opera Stage, Shantang Pavilion, Antai Firefighting Association, Jiangnan Tailor Shop, the pingtan tour boat and other sights costs ¥100. Electric boat ¥50 per boat (30-minute trip); hand-rowed boat ¥80 per boat; Time needed 3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shantang-street - **Jinji Lake** (★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours Open all day; Time needed 2–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jinji-lake ## Day trips & beyond - **Kunshan** (★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/kunshan - **Dongshan** (★★★★): Admission 1. Combined ticket ¥150, covering five sights: Qi Garden, Carved Flower Building, Zijin Hermitage, Luxiang Ancient Village and Sanshan Island 2. Individual sight tickets: Qi Garden ¥45, Carved Flower Building ¥60, Zijin Hermitage ¥30, Luxiang Ancient Village ¥65, Sanshan Island ¥78, Yuhua Shengjing ¥30, Xuanyuan Palace ¥10; Dongshan West Street and Yushan Island are free; Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/dongshan - **Xishan** (★★★★): Admission Entry to Xishan is free, but individual sights within the scenic area require separate tickets. Luohan Temple ¥10; Linwu Cave (Plum Garden) ¥50; Shigong Mountain ¥50; Mingyuewan Village ¥50; Guzhang Garden ¥25; Piaomiao Peak ¥80 (includes sightseeing bus); Daruyi Shengjing ¥80; Opening hours 8：00—16：30; Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xishan - **Mudu Ancient Town** (★★★★): Admission Yan Family Garden ¥40; Hongyin Mountain House ¥40; Gusong Garden ¥20; Bangyan Residence ¥10. Combined ticket: ¥78, covering four sights: Yan Family Garden, Hongyin Mountain House, Gusong Garden and Bangyan Residence; Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/mudu-ancient-town - **Jinxi Ancient Town** (★★★★): Admission Adult ticket ¥65; boat ticket ¥130; Opening hours 8:00–16:30 (December to March) 8:00–17:00 (April to November); Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jinxi-ancient-town - **Qiandeng Ancient Town** (★★★★): Admission Free entry to the town. Internal sights charge admission. Combined ticket ¥60, covering Gu Yanwu's Former Residence, Qiandeng Lantern Museum, Ancient Opera Stage, Gu Jian Memorial Hall, Xu Fu Memorial Hall, Yu Family Pawnshop and Datang Ecological Park; Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/qiandeng-ancient-town - **Shajiabang** (★★★): Admission Peak season (June–November): ¥100 Off season (December–May): ¥70; Opening hours 8:00–16:30 (April to October) 8:00–16:00 (November to March) — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shajiabang - **Tongli Ancient Town** (★★★★★): Admission Combined ticket ¥100 (covers ten attractions in all, including the old town area, Retreat and Reflection Garden, the exhibition hall, Luoxing Islet, Songshi Wuyuan Garden, Pearl Tower Garden, Chen Qubing's Former Residence and Gufeng Garden) — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tongli-ancient-town - **Luzhi Ancient Town** (★★★★): Admission Combined ticket ¥78; large boat ¥100 (seats up to 5 people); single-person boat ride approx. ¥10; Zhanglin Garden ¥20; Opening hours 8：00—17：00 — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/luzhi-ancient-town --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 1022–1054. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.