As someone who has lived in Suzhou for a long time, free attractions are my go-to whenever I travel because I’ve already visited many of the paid ones. This time, I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorite top 10 free spots in Suzhou that are worth checking out!
Suzhou Museum
Unquestionably number one on this list! Although reservations are tough to get, it’s still worth a visit. The museum is not only a place to see exhibits, but it also blends the design principles of world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, combining light and shadow with the traditional Suzhou garden aesthetic. It beautifully showcases the cultural history of the Jiangnan region. While there aren’t many national treasures, that’s what makes Suzhou Museum so unique—its understated elegance attracts countless visitors for a quick stop.
Pingjiang Road
A walk down Pingjiang Road is like a journey through half of Suzhou’s history! From the “Pingjiang Map” of the Song Dynasty to the present, it’s clear that Suzhou’s streets have remained largely unchanged. The cityscape of small bridges, flowing water, and ancient streets, lined with blue bricks and black tiles, creates an atmosphere that still feels deeply connected to Jiangnan culture. Pingjiang Road is also home to many historic sites, former residences of famous people, and traditional workshops—ideal for those wanting to experience the slow-paced life of Suzhou.
Beisi Pagoda
Also known as the “Baoyen Temple Pagoda,” this ancient pagoda was built by Sun Quan, the King of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period, over 1,700 years ago. Today, Beisi Pagoda still stands as the highest point in the ancient city area. What many people don’t know is that the pagoda’s backyard is a beautiful garden, complete with rockeries, bamboo groves, and plum trees—definitely worth a visit!
Jinji Lake
Jinji Lake is not only a symbol of Suzhou’s modernity but also a fantastic, free-to-access national 5A tourist attraction. Most areas within the scenic spot, from the Wind Garden to the Wanghai Pavilion Pier, are free to visit, including landmarks like Jinji Wharf, Lakeside Avenue, and the Gate to the East. During the summer, head to the southwestern corner of the Jinshui Bay boardwalk to catch a sunset and enjoy a great view of the Gate to the East.
Shihu Park
I’ve always loved Shihu Lake. I visited it when it was in poor condition, and back then, it was a popular fishing spot. Now, Shihu Park has become a more refined and regulated attraction, with beautiful Suzhou gardens, including the Fishery Villa and Xingchun Bridge, all representative of Wu culture. Nearby, the recently popular Suzhou Archaeology Museum is also free to visit.
Mudu Ancient Town
There are many ancient towns in Suzhou, but Mudu Ancient Town often gets overshadowed. In fact, Mudu has a history that’s as old as Suzhou itself, with over 2,000 years of cultural heritage. The town got its name from the Spring and Autumn period when King Fuchai of Wu built the “Guanyuan Palace” for his concubine, Xishi. Mudu is home to more than 30 private gardens, making it the “Town of Gardens.” Though it’s a bit commercialized, it still retains its charm with a bustling atmosphere and plenty of street food.
Baodai Bridge & Dantai Lake Scenic Area
Located in Suzhou’s Wu Zhong District, Baodai Bridge is one of China’s four ancient bridges. It is a stone arch bridge with the most arch holes. The Dantai Lake area is famous for its historical connection with Confucius’ disciple, Dantai Mie Ming. The Grand Canal also passes through here, and the Wu Culture Museum, a national-level museum, is also nearby. Best of all, everything is free to visit!
Taihu Xishan Island
No matter if it’s free or not, I always recommend visiting Xishan Island when in Suzhou. The true beauty of the island isn’t in visiting well-known spots like Linyu Cave, Shigong Mountain, or Yuwang Temple. The real essence is to drive around the island and stop at any spot that feels right—whether it’s Yinshan Island or Hengshan Island, or the pier near Yuwang Temple where you can enjoy the breeze and the view. It’s best to explore without a fixed plan, as most of the island is free to explore.
Shantang Street
Shantang Street is a love-hate place. It’s always crowded, no matter when you visit. But as a tourist in Suzhou, not visiting it would feel like something is missing. However, once you’re there, you might feel like you’ve seen nothing special. Make sure to visit Tonggui Bridge, a Ming Dynasty single-arch stone bridge that offers the best photo spots along Shantang Street. You can also visit the Bai Gongci, a memorial to Bai Juyi, to learn about how he built the famous “Seven Li Shantang.” A boat ride is also recommended to experience Suzhou’s classic water town culture.
Xiyuan Temple
Also known as Jie Chuang Lyu Temple, located in Suzhou’s Gusu District, Xiyuan Temple is a fusion of Buddhist solemnity and Suzhou’s natural elegance, earning it the title of “Temple Garden.” Visitors come mainly to see the cats and enjoy the vegetarian noodles here, but the real highlight is the “500 Arhats” sculpture, which is worth visiting and learning about. Many people say there’s a 5 yuan entry fee, but when we visited from the east gate, we paid and were happy with the experience.
