If you are craving a break from Shanghai, the dorms, the classes, or the same cafés, Suzhou is your perfect quick escape. With just an hour and a half away by car and around half an hour by train, this city feels like you’re stepping into another world with its quiet gardens, old streets, and calm canals. This guide brings together some of Suzhou’s great spots that I’ve personally visited and loved, from tucked-away cafés to quiet gardens off the main street.

First stop: Xiyuan si 西园寺 (Xiyuan Temple)

I first discovered Xiyuan Temple after seeing it featured in the Chinese drama, “Xiao xiang renjia” 小巷人家 (Romance in the Alley); it turned out to be even more serene in person. The tickets are priced at only 5 RMB per person, so it’s a tranquil and affordable spot to spend a slow afternoon in Suzhou. The temple is filled with a soft sandalwood fragrance that lingers while you walk through the garden. There were also many cats that were roaming freely across the courtyards, making this spot a cat petting heaven. Benches and shaded resting areas were also scattered around, making it an ideal place to slow down and relax.

Second stop: Shuanglian Yinxiang 双联音像

Tucked away on Shiquan Street, this little record shop is a dream for anyone who loves collecting music. The place isn’t big, but it’s packed wall-to-wall with treasures of both CDs and vinyls. This spot is a total gem if you’re into collecting music or just love flipping through old records. What really stood out to me is that it doesn’t only contain Chinese media; they’ve got a ton of western media and artists too. All of their products are priced fairly: used CDs range from 30-60 RMB while vinyl prices start around 100 RMB and up. If you can't find something, the friendly owner is sure to help you track it down.

Third stop: NomNom Tiramisu Zhuanmendian NomNom提拉米苏专门店

This tiny tiramisu shop, also located on Shiquan Street, had such a cute vibe and caught my eyes immediately during my citywalk. The space is small but still super cute, featuring a clean, Korean-inspired aesthetic that makes its every corner photo-worthy. They offer an unexpectedly diverse selection of Tiramisu flavors, including Pistachio, Mint Chocolate, Oreo, and many others. The prices ranged from 30-40 RMB, but their tiramisu was also really worth the price. It’s light, fresh, and not overly sweet, which makes it such a good little treat. If you love cozy cafes, pretty desserts, and cute drinks, this place is definitely worth a stop.

Final stop: Beisi ta 北寺塔 (Beisi Pagoda)

The Beisi Pagoda, one of my favorite spots, feels like you’re walking into a completely different world once you step in. It’s the kind of place that you go to when your brain is fried, and you just want somewhere quiet to exist for a bit. The garden is classic Suzhou style: small but super put-together. There’s a lot of deep green everywhere you look: trees, plants, and mossy corners that make it feel soft and calming. There’s even a tea house inside, so you can actually sit down, have a drink, and just watch the garden. The whole place is very photogenic too. It’s a perfect place if you like slower, softer city breaks instead of loud tourist spots.