One Day Suzhou Hiking Tour from Shanghai

Tour Itinerary

Overview: Almost all visitors to Suzhou appreciate all the beautiful canals dotted around the city. However, many people miss out on the great hiking and trekking which lies just around the corner. For those who would rather conquer a mountain than a river, here is a list of the greatest hikes in and around Suzhou for your Suzhou hiking day tour.

In the morning, you will take a bullet train from Shanghai to Suzhou, it takes around 30 minutes only for one way. Upon arrival, our local Suzhou tour guide will pick you up at the exit of Suzhou train station, you will find a welcome signage “Suzhou Private Tour”. And your hiking tour start.

Our Suzhou Pick Up Sign "Suzhou Private Tour"

Below are most popular spots highly recommended by our clients.

Jinji Lake Circuit
Sometimes the best hikes are in the most accessible places. The Jinji Lake walking trail circuit is a loop which encompasses the famous and beautiful Jinji Lake. In total the loop is around 15km so a bike will come in handy if you don't want to make a full day of it. You'll be in the center of the city, so be sure to stop at one of the many scenic areas you pass and grab a bite to eat.

Most of the trail consists of a board walk, but there are a few places where you can go off the beaten trail so hiking shoes are recommended. If you're hiking with your significant other, you might want to think about breaking up the walk with a ride on a tandem bike. Bicycles for two can be rented near the pants building for RMB 40 per hour. A word to the wise, this route can also be a favorite of joggers so remember to be polite and be aware.  

Tiger Hill Area
Tiger Hill is one of Suzhou's premiere tourist hot spots. But with over 50 acres of trails, fields, towers, gardens, and rock structures it's also one of Suzhou's prettiest hiking spots.  The location itself is said to be over 2,500 years old and was an island amid a great lake giving the area both the old name of Haiyong Hill as well as the peculiar eroded rocks you'll find around the site.

The best part about hiking in the Tiger Hill scenic area is that aside from a few main trails, the site is yours to discover. There are many goat paths twisting and winding through the flowers and the forest as well as some choice waterfalls leading to picture perfect canals. The only downside to this location is its popularity on holidays and some weekends. Try to pick a weekday and it's very possible to feel totally alone here.

Baimajian Longchi Scenic Area
Baimajian Longchi Scenic Area is located in the middle of the Lingyanshan Scenic Area just south of Taihu Avenue. The area is most conveniently reached from the north side but with an added hike it can also be entered freely from the south side. Either take the long way from Lingyan Temple or take a shortcut by taking bus 65/312 from Mudu station to stop ???  and cut in. The endless rolling hills of Mudu are in themselves worth the trip but follow the main trail across the bare hills and into the forested section of the area.

From there go through the large green gate and you will find yourself quite unexpectedly among people and food at the Baimajian Longchi Scenic Area. The area itself is steeped in local and provincial history. It was once used as stables for the King of Wu during the Warring States Period as well as the temporary vacation seat of the Qianlong Emperor. Longchi is riddled with footpaths and goat trails leading through forests, along canals, and up into the three mountains which encompass the site. There are ancient stone inscriptions as well as some historical cottages to visit. Don’t forget to check out the peach blossom jellyfish living in the Dragon Pool. Their unchanged evolutionary history of 550 million years made them “living fossils” when they were discovered there by biologists in 2002.

Dayanshan Route
The Dayangshan route is arguably the best hike in Suzhou on this list. It is also by far the most strenuous. The trail starts on a hidden dirt road bordering on a small tea farm. The elderly people tending the tea plants are very friendly and will point you to the mouth of the trail.

From there the route starts as a gruelling climb up the steep face of the mountain approaching from the south. The trail itself was made as a path for an old water pump at the top of the mountain. Follow the pipe and there’s really no way to get lost. The climb will lead you through a huge range of environments, from a very dense yet small bamboo forest to jagged rocky outcrops. Take frequent breaks to admire the view and appreciate the drastic rise in elevation. Also don't forget to bring plenty of water as there is absolutely nowhere to buy some. After a while the trail opens up and becomes more gradual. The vegetation also thins out leaving you with even more fantastic views.

As painful as the climb is, the top is worth it. Hundreds of dragon flies, bumble-bees and birds live at the very top which gives the place a sort of fairy-tale feel. But that might just be heat-exhaustion setting in. From there the trail follows the crest of the mountain. A word of caution, watch for sink holes towards the last peak. From here you have two choices, take a number of small paths to the bottom or carry on to Wenshu Temple. Wenshu Temple is part of the greater Jiangsu Dayang Mountain National Forest Park, which is a truly beautiful area that is always nearly empty. When you get to the shabby looking back gate go left down the hill. Although it might seem extremely counter-intuitive, stay close (but not too close) to the vicious roll of barbed wire by the side of the path.

Again, use extreme caution here, take your time! 30 metres down you'll see a circular hole cut into the chain-link fence. If you're feeling adventurous, you can duck in through the hole, explore the park then when you're done take convenient steps to the bottom. You can also take a (careful) look at the cliff next to the hillside temple. Local history tells us that a few notable people have thrown themselves off this cliff for various reasons. At the very bottom, the gate security is very friendly but is best avoided for obvious reasons.

Low Road

Suzhou Taihu National Tourism Vacation Zone
If you’re not looking to get into anything too crazy, the Huantaihu Avenue trail is the route for you. Although this trail follows the road, it offers some truly stunning views of Taihu Lake. The blue-green water and tropical vegetation will remind you of how close to the sand and sun we really are.  The open bay looking out onto small brown islands give the third largest lake in China the breezy feel of the ocean.

Start exploring off the main road, especially near the Shanghai Expo statue. There are many hidden gardens and paths along the shore of the lake.

High Road

Suzhou Taihu Lake
When you get tired of the scenic roadway and want to find adventure, head for the hills. The forest trail starts on a nameless road between Huantaihu Avenue and Xiangshan Middle School and ends at Hu Yang Ze at the top of Yu Yang Mountain. Unfortunately at present the trail is gated off and closed until landscaping is completed (no signs of current landscaping activities were detected).

In order to circumvent these inconveniences you will have to dodge the harsh shrieks of an elderly municipal servant sitting in her chair, then hop a short gate. Along the way you will see some impressive views of the lake on one side as well as green rolling hills on the other. The hike culminates at the Hu Yang Ze temple where you can find your way down.

After finished hiking in Suzhou, our tour guide will take you back to Suzhou train station or your hotel in Suzhou downtown. Have a pleasant trip!

There are some useful tips for you to puchase train ticket between Suzhou and Shanghai:
From Shanghai to Suzhou:
Option 1: G7104 Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Suzhou Station: Depart at 08:54AM and arrive at 09:30AM
Option 2: G7006 Shanghai Station to Suzhou Station: Depart at 09:00AM and arrive at 09:25AM

Please choose one of the above options according to your hotel location

From Suzhou to Shanghai
Option 1: G7119 Depart at 17:56 from Suzhou Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 18:32
Option 2: G7243 Depart at 18:02 from Suzhou Station and arrive at Shanghai Station at 18:27

You can ask your hotel help you book it or you can book it online by yourself. (Ctrip is ok)

Note: Plz book the train ticket in advance in case sold out, especially on weekend or public holiday

Price Per Person in US Dollars