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The Handbook — $19
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Jiangsu · 苏州

Suzhou

White walls, narrow canals and gardens designed as small landscapes.

Red lanterns and covered boats line Shantang Canal beneath an arched stone bridge.
Shantang CanalCovered boats sit beneath rows of red lanterns on Suzhou’s Shantang Canal.

The classical gardens and the old canal lanes.

What to see

Fresh green trees lean over a pond leading the eye toward a small pavilion.
Humble Administrator’s GardenFresh leaves frame a waterside pavilion in the Humble Administrator’s Garden.
An arched stone footbridge, rockwork and floating leaves frame a green garden pond.
Master of the Nets GardenA small stone bridge leads toward the main pond at the Master of the Nets Garden.

Suzhou through the year

UNESCO · Classical Gardens of Suzhou

March–May

Spring

Humble Administrator’s Garden

Follow the pond at the Humble Administrator’s Garden for views framed by new leaves and pavilions.

June–August

Summer

Master of the Nets Garden

At the Master of the Nets Garden, take the shaded path around the pond and look across from the stone footbridge.

September–November

Autumn

Lingyun Bridge at Jinji Lake

Walk the edge of Jinji Lake toward Lingyun Bridge, where the arch lights pick up the movement of the water after dark.

December–February

Winter

Maple Bridge Scenic Park

In early winter, a few leaves can still hang over the stonework at Maple Bridge. Walk through the park for views under and around the arches.