Written by Veronica |
Among the sections of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, theĀ ancient man-made wonderĀ boastingĀ a history of more thanĀ 1,400 years, Suzhou Grand Canal is definitely an important part. EncirclingĀ Suzhou Old Town, the canal servesĀ as a protective moat to the city. Also, it is an indispensable channel for transportation and a cultural heritage.
During your Suzhou tour, boarding a canal cruise is the recommendedĀ way to get to know the city. During the gusu cruise tour, you will travel around the city, see the landscapes ofĀ ancient architecture, stone bridges, and appreciateĀ the picture of local life unfolding along the river, feeling like back in time to when life was simpler.
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- Fast Facts about Suzhou Grand Canal
- History and Overview of the Grand Canal
- What to See and Do at Suzhou Grand Canal
- Best Time to Visit Suzhou Grand Canal
- How to Get to Suzhou Grand Canal
- Attractions nearby Suzhou Grand Canal
- FAQs about Suzhou Canal
- Tour Suzhou with China Xian Tour
Fast Facts about Suzhou Grand Canal
- Location: It makes a circuit around Suzhou Old Town in Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Hours: The canal is open all day, but the cruise service operates from 9:00 to 20:30.
- Ticket price: CNY 120 each
- Visit time: 40 minutes to 1 hour for the cruise ride
- Best time to visit: March to November
- Suited to: history lovers, photographers, solo travelers, couples, families with kids
History and Overview of the Grand Canal
With a length of 1115 miles (1794 kilometers) and a history of over 1400 years, the Grand Canal has been theĀ worldās most ancientĀ and longestĀ man-made waterway, which spans from Beijing to Hangzhou. It traverses 4 provinces from north to south: Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
About the construction, the Grand Canal started to build from Spring and Autumn period and completed and put into useĀ inĀ Sui Dynasty. Thanks to the repairment and perfection through many dynasties, including the Tang, Song, Yuan and Ming, till now, it is still in use and has become an important transportation hub. The opening of the Canal has bring about various convenient economic and cultural exchanges between northern and southern China and has influenced the coastal cities and people’s lifestyles.
What to See and Do at Suzhou Grand Canal
Take a cruise on the canal
TakingĀ a boat ride on Suzhou Grand CanalĀ is a very popular gusu cruise tour among tourists. Travelling by the ancient-style cruise ship along the canal, youĀ can appreciate not only the intricate carvings and patterns of more than 20Ā stone bridges, but also the ancient city gates, towers and Suzhouās ancient city wall built 2,500 years ago.Ā During the cruise, It is like visiting a gorgeous massive outdoor museum. There is also local traditional Suzhou opera performance in some ship which sounds melodious.
At Xinshiqiao dock, Xumen Dock, Xiangmen Dock and Baijuyi Dock where offer various routes and boats to choose from, visitors can embark onĀ aĀ boat to enjoy the Guyunhe Cruise, Shantang Street Cruise, Panmen Cruise, and more. These cruises generally take 40 minutes to 1 hourĀ andĀ the price ranges fromĀ $5-20 (CNY 30-140).
Comparison of Key Cruise Routes:
Routes |
Main Pier |
Duration |
Type of Boat |
Highlights |
Classic Ancient Canal Loop |
Xinshiqiao dock |
About 45 minutes |
Medium-sized electric boat |
Passes by Wumen Bridge, Peopleās Bridge, Midu Bridge, etc., where you can enjoy the view of the ancient city wall. The boat usually features folk art performances and provides an electronic commentary to the scenic spots along the shore. |
Shantang River Round-trip Line |
Baijuyi Dock |
About 50 minutes |
Painting boat/electric boat |
Cruise through the Seven MileĀ Shantang water lanes and experience the poetic setting of āhomes along the riverā. Enjoy the ancient architecture and lively atmosphere on both banks. Some trips offer PingtanĀ performances. |
PanĀ GateĀ Deep Tour Line |
Panmen Dock |
About 90 minutes |
Painting boat |
A deep exploration of the Three Landscapes of PanĀ GateĀ (Water and Land PanĀ Gate, Ruiguang Pagoda, Wumen Bridge), passing by the ancient city wall, XuĀ Gate, etc. This tour includes commentary and tea refreshments, offering a more immersive experience. |
Enjoy Cruise Performances
On theĀ cruise boats, youāll see performances such asĀ storytelling and Pingtan (čÆå¼¹). Pingtan is an ancient talking-singing art in China,Ā ballad singing in Suzhou dialect. The performer dressed in Qipao will play the Pipa (Chinese lute) and sing songs.Ā It is a fascinating form of art to witness.
Visit the Pan Gate
Pan Gate is a historical landmark of Suzhou. It was built during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and is the only well-preserved water-and-land city gate in the world today. Pan Gate consists elements of a water gate, land gate, and city gate. At this attraction, youāll also see Ruiguang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Suzhou, as well as a charming garden and a museum.
Explore Shantang Street
Shantang Street is known as the āminiature of old Suzhou.ā It was built in 852 AD and was one of the best developed street blocks in the whole China in Ming and Qing dynasties. People came here to do business, trade, live, and travel. It flows along Suzhou Grand Canal for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). From your boat or walking down the street, youāll see old Jiangnan houses, shops, temples, and bridges.
Admire Hanshan Temple
As one of the top 10 famous temples in China, Hanshan Temple is definitely a tourist attraction worth visitingĀ in Suzhou. It is a Buddhist temple with history dating back to Liang Dynasty (502-557 AD). Zhang Ji, a poet in the Tang Dynasty, depicted the bell-ringing ceremony of the temple on New Yearās Eve in a poem, attracting tourists both from home and abroad to visit. WanderingĀ throughĀ the temple, youĀ will know about the Buddhist culture through the plenty of architectural ornaments, historical relics and amazing artworks.
Best Time to Visit Suzhou Grand Canal
The best time to travel to SuzhouĀ and visit Suzhou Grand Canal is during March and November. The scenery of each season is unique and charming. During spring, the weather is niceĀ with the temperature roughly around 10āĀ and various flowers are in full bloom. And the water townĀ scenery is at its best. From June to August in summer, you can enjoy a leisure trip to take a cruise ship along the Grand Canal to feel the cool breeze and appreciate the large area of lotus flowers. During autumn, the red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves create beautiful spectacle. Besides, visitors can taste the snacks made of osmanthus and well-known hairy crabs. However, to avoid large crowds and long lines for the cruise, stay clear of China public holidaysĀ and weekends.
How to Get to Suzhou Grand Canal
- By bus:Ā Take bus NO. 40, 55, 178, 202, 309, 313, 518, 529, 811, or 923 to Shizilin Station, which is right by Suzhou Grand Canal.
- By metro:Ā Take metro line 4 to Beisita Station. Then walk along Renmin Road for about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) to reach the canal.
- By taxi:Ā Hail a taxi from anywhere in Suzhou directly to Suzhou Grand Canal (Suzhou Guyunhe). The fare varies based on distance and traffic conditions.
You May Like How to Get to & Travel Around Suzhou
Attractions nearby Suzhou Grand Canal
- Suzhou Museu: Designed by the well-known Chinese American architect Mr. Ieoh Ming Pei (č“čæé) who lived in Suzhou during his childhood, the architectural appearance of Suzhou Museum combines many classic elements of traditional Suzhou gardens and Jiangnan architectures. There are various kinds of exhibitions introducing Suzhou’s history, culture and art and displaying more than 40,000 historical and cultural collections, such as relics, handicraft works, seals, jade, ceramics, colored paintings, etc. It is 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) from Suzhou Grand Canal.
- Lion Grove Garden has been a representative of Classical Gardens of Suzhou and one of the four most celebrated gardens in Suzhou because of its amazing collections of lakeside rocks and rockeries, thus also known as the āKingdom of Rockeriesā. Tourists will marvel at the largest existing group of ancient rockeries in China within the garden. Lion Grove Garden is 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) north of Suzhou Grand Canal.
- Pingjiang RoadĀ is the most remarkable ancient block in Suzhou with quintessential features of a Jiangnan water town. Youāll see traditional houses with whitewalls and gray-tiled roofs, stone bridges, and winding alleyways. The street is 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Suzhou Grand Canal.
FAQs about Suzhou Canal
Where is the Suzhou Grand Canal?
It starts from the Wangting Town in Xiangcheng District in the north and ends at the Taoyuan Town in Wujiang District in the south. And it runs through five districts of the city.
Does the Grand Canal in China still exist?
Yes, and it is still prosperous now. Every day, about 6,000 ships pass through.
How long is the Suzhou section of the Grand Canal?
It is about 96 km long.
What are the main attractions along the Suzhou Grand Canal?
There are many world cultural heritage sites and historic streets, such as the Pan Gate, Shantang Street, and Precious Belt Bridge, etc.
What local foods or snacks can I try near the Grand Canal?
The most famous local snack is the exquisite and characteristic Suzhou-style pastries. Every tourist to Suzhou will try the pastries and buy some as gifts. The unique dining experience is the traditional boat dishes, which is the banquet prepared on the cruise ship. Whitefish, white shrimp, and silverfish are the unmissable aquatic foods in Taihu Lake Area.
Tour Suzhou with China Xian Tour
The scenery in Suzhou is as beautiful as a classic painting. Follow China Xian Tour to unfold the painting by yourself. Our guide will take you to stroll in an ancient garden to know the meaning of āEvery step reveals a new sceneā. Also, you will be led to immerse in the vibrant and lively atmosphere along the Grand Canal. To ensure a complete experience, we will also include the local food in the tour. Are you eager to enjoy the trip now? Just contact our consultant and tell her your demands, then you will receive a trip tailored to you specially.
