[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiyuan Temple (Updated Jan)

📍 Itinerary Overview 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 1. 留园 lingering garden It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens of Suzhou. The place is beautiful. Very nice place to take photos, there are many corridors, pavilions, halls etc to take very nice photos. Can wear cheongsam here to take photos, think it really match with the feel here. 2. 西园寺 xiyuan temple This place feels very peaceful. Not as many people as the other garden, there are many cats here too. The vegetarian noodle is yummy as well. There are yellow walls where you can take those instagramable photos too. 3. 平江路 pin jiang road Though many would say it is very commercialized, I still feel that it is worth coming. You can see the narrow road and stone bridge crisscross the waterways. There are many small shop selling souvenirs. And tea house where you can rest your legs and escape from the hot afternoon sun. Have some local tea and listen to the local traditional opera/music. Suzhou have their traditional opera performance called 苏州评弹 Suzhou pingtan. Worth a try but do take note that there are some that have hidden fees. 4. 七里山塘街 qili shantang street Night view is beautiful as lanterns are lighted. 🚇 Transportation Personally I feel that taking train is much more convenient as it comes on time and it is air conditioned. Traffic is a bit congested so the bus might be delayed, and waiting for the bus in hot weather is a torture. 🍜 Local Cuisine 1. 绿豆汤Mung bean soup Not your traditional kind, it is peppermint drink with mung beans and many other toppings. Those who hate it would say it tastes like toothpaste. But people who love it will find it so refreshing! 2. 生煎包 pan fried pork bun Had these everyday during my trip. My favorites would still be from 鑫震源 3. 素面 vegetarian noodle Specifically from 西园寺 xi yuan temple. 4. 苏式糖粥 Suzhou style sweet porridge It is typically made with glutinous rice in the form of porridge and pair with red bean soup. There are other variety where you can add mini rice ball. 5. 桂花糖藕 sweet osmanthus lotus roots It is a cold dish where they stuffed glutinous rice inside the lotus root and cook with sugar syrup flavored with osmanthus. 6. 鸡头米 gorgon seed I had it stir fried with celery and water chestnut. The texture of the gorgon seed is slightly chewy. I also saw that it can be added as toppings for some sweet dessert like in the sweet porridge. 7. 松子桂鱼 sweet and sour mandarin fish with pine nuts The mandarin fish was prepared and cut in a way that after it was being deep fried, it resemble a squirrel. It was served with sweet and sour sauce and topped with pine nuts. 🏠 Accommodation 1.Pan Pacific Suzhou There is a private access from the hotel to 盘门 pan men, a historic landmark in Suzhou. It is the only remaining land and water gate left in China (if I’m not wrong). Do spend some time here as it is quite big. There is a big Chinese garden with pavilions and canals. There are also some activities there too for kid

Lazybones who can't understand complicated strategies, please come in💢||| I chose these four locations because they are close to each other, near Suzhou Station, surrounded by subways, and convenient for transportation. There's everything for eating, drinking, and shopping, and a budget of one to two hundred yuan is enough. (For those like me who arrive at Suzhou Station🚄 and are on a one-day tour, I suggest copying the order directly, so you don't have to backtrack.) 1️⃣ Xiyuan Temple Transportation: Take a taxi from Suzhou Station to Xiyuan Temple💰12🚗 Time: Try to arrive before 9 o'clock⌛️ so there won't be too many people eating noodles at Xiyuan Temple, and it's also better to feed the cats as they haven't eaten much yet. Tickets: 💰5R, scan the code at the entrance to buy tickets, no reservation needed, if you want a paper ticket you can go to the ticket window. Strategy: At the entrance, there are grandmas selling cat snacks and grandpas selling calligraphy fans. Enter and receive three incense sticks, go straight to the Hall of Heavenly Kings on the right to light the incense, the specific method can be seen on the sign. Exit the Hall of Heavenly Kings and turn left to eat vegetarian noodles🍜, order at the entrance, get a ticket, then queue up for noodles. The place to get peace charms and dragon ropes is in the Sutra Copying Pavilion opposite the Lake Center Pavilion. Cost: Guanyin noodles💰15+ peace charm💰20/piece + fan💰10 2️⃣ Shuangta Market Transportation: Take a taxi directly from Xiyuan Temple💰13🚗 Time: Recommended before 12 o'clock, to solve lunch Tickets: None Strategy: Half of the market is a vegetable market, cold dishes, and cultural and creative stalls, the other half is a street with open-flame snacks. There are two sizes of plum drunk shrimp🦐, the small one is 48 for half a pound about 4-5 pieces, the large one is 68 for half a pound about 2-3 pieces, poached chicken is 25/box, all sweet and very fresh. Nuojiji pastry is about 20/box on average, and the dessert tofu pudding is about 18/serving on average. Cost: Plum drunk shrimp💰49+ poached chicken💰25+ taro mochi green dumpling tofu pudding💰18 3️⃣ Pingjiang Road Transportation: Two-minute walk from Shuangta Market, just cross a road🚶 Time: Go straight after lunch, just in time to digest Tickets: None Strategy: There are many cultural and creative shops, each with its own characteristics. The most popular foods are plum blossom cakes and chicken foot corners. There are two 'Suzhou' character walls, located at 68 and 82 Pingjiang Road respectively. Cost: Water💰3 (actually, there is drinking water available) 4️⃣ Ou Garden Transportation: Five-minute walk east from Pingjiang Road🚶 Time: Try to arrive before 4 pm, entry stops at 5 pm, and the garden closes at 5:30 pm Tickets: 💰20R, no reservation needed, tickets can be bought on the platform or on-site Strategy: The garden is quite large, with many varieties of flowers, plants, and trees, and it's very suitable for wearing Hanfu and taking photos. If possible, it's recommended to follow along with a senior tour group to listen in, as you can learn a lot of interesting history, and the garden also has recommended tour routes marked. Cost: 💰0 Duration: 7 hours Equipment: 14plus original images straight out

📍📍📍 Four attractions in two days and one night: Pingjiang Road (1-5), Humble Administrator's Garden (6-8), Xiyuan Temple (9-10), Shantang Street (11-13) ✔️Pingjiang Road is full of snack streets and boutiques, a combination of hustle and tranquility. Many young ladies dress in very Jiangnan style for photos.📷 ✔️Walking along Pingjiang Road is the Humble Administrator's Garden, which has a history of almost 500 years. The buildings in the courtyard are very distinctive. If you encounter a tour guide, you can listen to the stories about the garden. ✔️The next day, take a taxi to Xiyuan Temple. It's amazing that your heart calms down as soon as you arrive at the temple. It's very suitable for office workers who are always in the workplace. The outside world is too noisy, here you can feel a tranquility that is completely different from usual. ✔️Walking along Xiyuan Temple, you will reach Shantang Street, which is full of special snacks and souvenirs. After the lights on both sides of the waterfront are turned on at night, it completely conforms to my impression of the Jiangnan water town~ Finally, if you have time, I also recommend going to the Suzhou Museum and listening to the Suzhou Pingtan by Teacher Wu

Jiechuang Lü Temple is located outside the west gate of Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, covering a total area of 49,670 square meters. Jiechuang Lü Temple was built during the Yuan Dynasty (1264-1294), originally named Guiyuan Temple, also known as Xiyuan Temple, commonly known as Xiyuan. In the eighth year of Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty (1635), Master Maolin was the abbot, and he changed his name to Jiechuang Lü Temple to promote the "Lü Sect". Now Jiechuang Lü Temple includes temples and gardens, with the Four Heavenly Kings Hall, Daxiong Baodian, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, Guanyin Hall and Sutra Tower and other buildings, which are open to the public as main tourist attractions, and there are under construction Buddha Hall Three Treasure Towers and others will meet with tourists in the future. "Golden walls and black tiles with wind chimes hanging, a small stream and stone bridge hidden in Xiyuan." This ancient temple located in the northwest corner of the old city of Suzhou can be said to be the memory of the old Suzhou people. If you want to explore its history, it can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty more than 700 years ago. It is considered one of the oldest temples in Suzhou. Searching for the must-go list in Suzhou, Xiyuan Temple must be ranked among them. Stealing half a day of leisure, stepping into this quiet world with companions, and also feeling a bit of Zen from Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou. "A piece of pure land, three pillars of incense, a bowl of Guanyin noodles." In addition to the beautiful scenery in the temple, the vegetarian food of Xiyuan Temple is also a must-check-in item. Because it is afternoon, Suzhou-style mung bean soup is sold out early, so I tasted a bowl of Guanyin noodles. The rich toppings can satisfy your taste buds without any seasoning. The soup base is slightly sweet, with tofu, crispy bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms. Slurp, one bite after another, it is memorable. A fat cat is sleeping on the wooden rack when you come in, and it is probably also dazed by this fragrance. Vegetarian noodle restaurant, here you can experience the popular vegetarian noodles in the temple, but you need to queue up to wait. There are three flavors of Suzhou-style vegetarian noodles, Guanyin noodles, auspicious noodles and Ruyi noodles. Guanyin noodles are bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms with gluten, auspicious noodles are vegetables, pickles, edamame and vegetarian chicken, and Ruyi noodles are black fungus, daylily, bean sprouts and roasted gluten. Only Ruyi noodles are 10 yuan, Guanyin noodles and auspicious noodles are 15 yuan. After eating vegetarian noodles, you can also buy a Suzhou-style mung bean soup, which is very comfortable when it is cold. Stroking cats, there are many cats in every courtyard of Xiyuan Temple, and they are not afraid of people. They actively follow behind you, especially after meals. The cats lie on the lawn or doze off in the rockery. They are very cute and gentle, attracting many tourists. Take photos and check in for the cats. If you plan to stroke the cats, you can bring some cat food to feed. However, the master of the temple said that if you like it, you can adopt it for free.

December, the Suzhou Essence Two-Day Tour Guide you want is here‼️ Every year at this time, Suzhou is as beautiful as a painting❤️ Living in Suzhou for many years, still obsessed with this🤩 Sharing with you the two-day tour route of admiring ginkgo and red maple in Suzhou in early December, finally know what it feels like to be speechless with beauty on the Internet😂 Day1: Tiger Hill-Zhuozheng Garden-Daoqian Street Day 2: Lingering Garden-Xiyuan Temple-Huanxiu Villa-Net Master Garden-Shiquan Street 1⃣️Tiger Hill Su Shi once said: It's a pity not to go to Tiger Hill when you come to Suzhou～ The aesthetics of our ancestors are fully displayed here, various frame scenery aesthetics, amazing, must spend half a day here, slowly appreciate! 2⃣️Zhuozheng Garden The top stream ceiling, the red maple that is popular all over the network, bright and beautiful under the sun, misty in the pool, really like a fairyland, must not be missed! 3⃣️Daoqian Street Suzhou's top stream ginkgo avenue‼️Come here to see a ginkgo rain💛, it's the romance of this season. 4⃣️Lingering Garden One of the four major gardens, century-old ginkgo, maple forest on the back mountain🍁. This is one of the most worthwhile gardens to watch in early December. The forest is dyed, the scenery is picturesque. 5⃣️Xiyuan Temple Walk🚶to Xiyuan Temple, the combination of yellow wall💛and ginkgo, garden and temple, the joy of burning incense and stroking cats🐱, worth everyone to check in! Have a bowl of vegetarian noodles🍝that are popular all over the network for lunch, very satisfied. 6⃣️Huanxiu Villa The ginkgo at the entrance of the manor, and the red maple🍁in the yard are very ornamental, put on a cheongsam, feel like a person in the painting～ 7⃣️Net Master Garden Minority garden, but the light and shadow at three or four in the afternoon are particularly beautiful, very exquisite garden, here are few people can harvest a lot of ancient style photos! 8⃣️Shiquan Street Out of the Net Master Garden is Shiquan Street, a popular street for eating, drinking, buying and strolling, have a cup of milk tea🥤, have a big meal. Another satisfying day😌And this is also a paradise for girls, a lot of beautiful Chinese-style clothes. Recently my wardrobe has been contracted by 'Shenglian', crazy recommendation! Suzhou ceiling viewing time, everyone must collect and rush🤩

**Autumn Scenery of Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou** 1. **Time**: In 10 days, in mid-November, the autumn scenery of Xiyuan Temple will reach its peak. 2. **Scenery**: Ginkgo trees, Japanese maples and other trees complement the ancient architecture, forming a beautiful autumn scroll. 3. **Activity Suggestions**: - Enjoy the garden scenery. - Interact with the cats in the garden. - Count the Arhats in the Arhat Hall and draw lots. - Explore the turtles and spotted turtles in the release pond. - Listen to the evening class's bell and drum chanting. - Copy Buddhist scriptures and experience the wisdom of Buddhism. - Taste vegetarian noodles and vegetarian buns. 4. **Check-in Locations**: - Ginkgo trees are mainly distributed at the yellow wall next to the south entrance, in front of the Daxiong Hall, and at the moon gate in the back garden. - Japanese maples are distributed on the grass next to the moon gate in the back garden. - There are many cats in the garden, especially in front of the bell and drum tower. - Turtles, spotted turtles and koi are in the release pond in the back garden. - You can copy scriptures while drinking tea at the teahouse in the garden. - For vegetarian noodles and buns, go to the restaurant on the left side of the Heavenly King Hall. - The monks' evening class time is around 4:30 in the afternoon. 5. **Surrounding Check-in**: Xiyuan Temple is close to Liuyuan, Shantang Street, Maple Bridge, and Hanshan Temple, which can be visited together. 6. **Practical Tips**: - Scenic spot: Xiyuan Temple. - Location: No. 18, Xiyuan Alley, Liuyuan Road, Suzhou City. - Ticket price: 5 yuan/person. - Time: 08:00--17:00. - Check-in locations: South entrance, Imperial Edict Archway, Bell and Drum Tower, Heavenly King Hall, Daxiong Hall, Arhat Hall, West Garden. - Recommended level: Five stars. 7. **Transportation Guide**: - Self-driving: Navigate to Xiyuan Temple and park at the Laike Mao parking lot. - Subway: Take Line 1 to Tongjing North Road Station and walk 1 kilometer. - Bus: Take bus 311, 34, Tour 3, 400, 40, 933, 816 to Xiyuan Road East Station and walk to the destination.

In Xiyuan Temple, you will find noodles, cats, and birds. This is a great place to take a walk on sunny days. When visiting Xiyuan Temple in winter, you’ll see cats in the underbrush, under the trees, and on the paths. There are also pigeons who love to eat cooked and uncooked rice, steamed buns, and maize here. You can also try vegetable noodles - it's impossible to get sick of them!

Four Days and Three Nights in Suzhou - Non-Special Forces Itinerary|||I realized my wish at the end of 2024 and went to Suzhou❗ I read a lot of guides before departure and finally chose a route that suited us. I recorded it here and hope to give you some reference. 🏠Accommodation 📍UrCove by Hyatt Suzhou Shantang Street, the hotel is very clean, very close to Qilishantang, and convenient transportation 🚶🏻‍♀️Itinerary DAY1️⃣: Qilishantang I set off from Shanghai on the 29th and arrived at Suzhou Station in the afternoon. I stored my luggage at the hotel first. I wanted to go to Jinji Lake to watch the sunset in the afternoon, but I was too hungry, so I went to eat crab roe noodles first. I took a walk around Shantang Street and took some satisfactory photos before going back to the hotel to rest. DAY2️⃣: Lingering Garden ➡ Xiyuan Temple ➡ Hanshan Temple ➡ Night Tour of Shantang Street When I went there, many leaves had fallen in the Lingering Garden, but it was still very beautiful. It took about two hours to walk and take photos. When I went there, there was a flower arrangement exhibition, which was very beautiful. After walking for a while, I arrived at Xiyuan Temple, ate vegetarian noodles, and didn't have to queue✌🏻. I bought vegetarian buns, and there were quite a few people queuing for vegetarian buns. It was 10 yuan per pack, and you could buy 3 vegetables and 2 red bean pastes. The taste was good, but two people might not be able to finish it. I got a calendar, couplets, and the character "Fu", and I felt very fulfilled. After coming out, I walked for a long time because I mistook the location of the bus stop. When I arrived at Hanshan Temple, my feet were already very painful, so I didn't go in much. I took a taxi back to rest for a while, ate Haidilao near the hotel, and then went on a night tour of Qilishantang. Because I found the wrong location the day before, there are really many bridges in Suzhou. The others are also very beautiful, but I saw many viewing points on 📍Xinmin Bridge. DAY3️⃣: Suzhou Museum ➡ Humble Administrator's Garden ➡ Eslite Bookstore ➡ Big Photo Frame Check-in and Take Photos ➡ Gate of the Orient I made a reservation for the museum a week in advance, and I didn't find an explanation. You can listen to some for free in the official account. The whole museum is very beautiful, and the small light and shadow through the corridor are very artistic. There are many black and white buildings in Suzhou, which have a feeling of landscape painting and also give people a quiet and elegant feeling. You must see the treasure of the museum in person. After coming out, it is the Humble Administrator's Garden. I couldn't walk anymore, so I didn't go in to appreciate it. I took a taxi to Eslite Bookstore. There are all kinds of small things inside that really hit the hearts of girls. There is also a check-in place for Zhang Linghe on the first floor, and the stairs are also very good for taking photos. For someone like me who likes taking photos, I love it so much. I walked to the big photo frame check-in place, and there were not many people. The food inside was quite expensive, and the mineral water was 5 yuan a bottle. I couldn't see the sunset because I went too early and left when I was hungry. The next stop was the Gate of the Orient, another classic check-in place, like Chongqing Raffles City. After taking photos, I finally got on the subway back, bought delicious food and small cakes, and watched the New Year's Eve concert of Esther Yu! DAY4️⃣: Gusu Wall 📍No. 36 Fengqiao Road ➡ Return Every time I go out to play, I must take photos📸. I only have half a day in the morning, and this location is very close to the hotel, so I left the time here. In fact, it's just a wall, but it's still quite photogenic. 👉Finally: Shen Wansan's pig's trotters are delicious, and I packed a portion when I left.

At the end of the year, I stepped into the tranquil halls of Xiyuan Temple, my heart full of expectations for the future and reflections on the past. The ancient trees towered above, and the sound of the bell echoed, as if every breeze carried a sense of Zen, guiding me into a spiritual cleansing. Kneeling devoutly before the Buddha statue, I silently made a wish: May my family be healthy, safe, and happy; may friendships endure, warm as ever; may I, in the new year, be kind-hearted and courageous. The candlelight flickered, the incense smoke swirled, and each wish transformed into a sincere force, merging into this sacred place. Looking back on 2024, it was a journey through wind and rain; looking forward to 2025, I am filled with hope. Every blade of grass, every brick and tile in Xiyuan Temple, witnessed my wishes and determination. May this blessing follow me, accompanying me through every day and night of the future, until my dreams come true and my wishes are fulfilled. Year-end blessings are not only a farewell to the past but also a beautiful expectation for the future. Xiyuan Temple, thank you for giving me strength and hope.

Hey, travelers, this time I came to Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou, a place full of Zen. The Buddha statues in the temple are all so solemn, reminding me of the ancient saying, "The bell rings, the ancient temple is quiet." Walking through the ancient courtyard, I saw lush bamboo forests and towering spires, which made me feel calm. The small bridges and flowing water complement the ancient temple buildings, creating a harmonious scene. As I walked through each temple, it was as if I could hear the echoes of history in my ears. The daily lessons of the monks in the temple and the sound of the bells form a harmonious picture, allowing me to find a moment of peace in the busy city life. This is the charm of Xiyuan Temple.

Xiyuan Temple's architectural style combines the characteristics of ancient Chinese Buddhist architecture, with upturned eaves, exquisite colonnades, and solemn halls, fully demonstrating the essence of ancient Zen culture. The temple's overall layout is simple and elegant, combining the typical style of Jiangnan gardens. The temple not only has Buddhist halls and scripture buildings, but also garden landscapes with Jiangnan characteristics, with bamboo forests and rockeries and ponds complementing each other. There are many cats in Xiyuan Temple, and these cats are not afraid of people and are even a little clingy, which has become one of the features loved by tourists.

In Suzhou, there is a pure land where the soul can rest—Xiyuan Temple. As you step into the temple, the lingering scent of sandalwood seems to have traveled through millennia, instantly enveloping the worldly disturbances. The yellow walls and black tiles, with their flying eaves and upturned corners, are all imbued with the frost of time, shining brightly under the sunlight. Inside the temple, ancient trees tower into the sky, their branches and leaves swaying, casting mottled shadows like a Zen painting drawn by nature. The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats is solemn and majestic, with each Buddha statue having a different expression, as if whispering the Buddhist chants of the past. In the pond, turtles and fish swim leisurely, creating gentle ripples on the water's surface, spreading circles of tranquility and peace. Here, you can listen to the echoes of your heart amidst the lingering Buddhist chants, temporarily forgetting worldly thoughts beside the ancient Buddha, and finding a place of clarity and peace. Why not choose a sunny day to visit Xiyuan Temple for a date with your soul, to enjoy the scenery and understand Zen, and find a corner of tranquility in the bustling world? Would you like to come here to find your heart?

😎 Today, we're going to recommend Suzhou's autumn! 🍁 Suzhou's autumn is like a shy girl, slowly revealing her beauty in mid-November. 👗 If you want to enjoy the autumn scenery, hurry up! If you don't go now, you'll have to wait until next year! 🏃‍♀️💨 Suzhou Autumn 3-Day Itinerary DAY 1: - Beisi Pagoda The red maples and ginkgo trees at Beisi Pagoda are breathtaking! 😍 And there aren't many people! Although the most beautiful part of the persimmons at the subway entrance has been broken this year, it's still great to take a photo as a souvenir! 📸 - Xiyuan Temple Not only are there ancient buildings here, but there are also many cats! 🐱 In autumn, come here to feel the tranquility and peace, it's so pleasant! 😌 - Yipu Garden Yipu Garden in autumn has a unique charm, small and exquisite, with a view at every step. 🍂 - Dinghui Temple Dinghui Temple is actually the location of the Twin Pagodas of Suzhou! There are two huge ginkgo trees here, with golden leaves all over the ground, so beautiful that you don't want to leave! ✨ DAY 2: - Hanshan Temple In autumn, come to Hanshan Temple to listen to the melodious bells and watch the falling maple leaves, it's a unique experience! 🎶 - Canglang Pavilion In autumn, Canglang Pavilion perfectly combines classical gardens and natural landscapes, like a painting! 🎨 - Pingjiang Road In autumn, Pingjiang Road is much less crowded than in summer, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll to experience the unique charm of the water towns in Jiangnan! 🚶‍♀️ - Tiger Hill In autumn, the maple leaves on Tiger Hill are as red as fire, and the ginkgo leaves are as yellow as gold, it's breathtaking! 🔥 DAY 3: - Master of the Nets Garden In autumn, the Master of the Nets Garden is exquisite and elegant, with a view at every step, as if you're in a painting! 🖼️ - Humble Administrator's Garden The Humble Administrator's Garden is the most popular garden in Suzhou! It's crowded no matter the season! Want to avoid the crowds? There's only one way - get up early and queue! Get up early and queue! Get up early and queue! ⏰ - Tianping Mountain The maple leaves on Tianping Mountain have turned red! The mountains are covered with red leaves, as if you're in a fairy tale world! 🎈 - Lingering Garden In autumn, the Lingering Garden is a blend of classical and modern, with a unique charm! 🎼 Suzhou Museum Suzhou Museum is also a great place to enjoy autumn! It's known as the "most beautiful museum," and in autumn, the pomegranate trees outside the windows of Suzhou Museum are left with only fruit hanging on the branches, full of autumn vibes! 🍂 Conclusion: Suzhou's autumn is really beautiful! 😭 If you don't go now, you'll have to wait until next year! Quickly save this guide and invite your friends to check it out together! 💖

🍁The beautiful scenery of Xiyuan Temple is finally here! The ground is covered with golden ginkgo leaves, and the trees are full of golden ginkgo and fiery red maple leaves. The romantic index is off the charts! 🎟️Ticket price: CNY 5💰 ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00–17:00 (Note: No entry after 16:30!) 🚗Transportation tips: For self-driving visitors, please navigate to "Xiyuan Temple". There is a parking lot opposite the temple, CNY 6 per hour🚗 For subway riders, take Line 1 to Tongjing North Road Station, and walk for about 10 minutes after exiting the station🚇 📸Photo tips: The round arch door on the left side of the main entrance is a paradise for photography enthusiasts! Fallen leaves, ginkgo, red maple, and green bamboo are intertwined into a colorful picture🖼️ The yellow wall at the south entrance is surrounded by ginkgo trees. Come and capture the beauty of autumn!🍂 🍜Food: Don't forget to try the vegetarian noodles and vegetarian buns here. The Guanyin noodles are also worth a try. They taste great!🍜 🙏Religious experience: Get three sticks of incense for free, and pray sincerely in the Hall of Heavenly Kings for peace and prosperity in the coming year🙏 For those who want to copy scriptures, the tea room is a good choice. It is quiet and peaceful, and makes people feel calm📜 🐱Cat paradise: The cats in the temple are leisurely and carefree, and the area in front of the bell and drum is their gathering place. Come and say hello to them!🐾 🕊️Feeding pigeons: There are many pigeons gathered by the pool. Bring some bread crumbs and enjoy interacting with them!🕊️ ⚠️Notes: Do not take photos of Buddha statues, do not step on the threshold, and do not make loud noises. Respect the temple culture!🙅‍♂️ Nearby attractions include Lingering Garden, Shantang Street, and Hanshan Temple. You might as well visit them all to experience the classical charm of Suzhou🏞️

Xiyuan Temple is my favorite temple in Suzhou. It is said that Xiyuan Temple is very effective. Even if you don't come here to pray, you can feel the aura and Zen just by being here. 📍Address: No. 18 Xiyuan Lane, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province Xiyuan Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 700 years. It combines the solemnity of traditional Han temples with the exquisite features of Suzhou gardens. The overall structure of the temple is based on the seven-hall system of the Sangha: the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Sutra Library, the Guanyin Hall, the Arhat Hall, and the Three Treasures Building. 🚗Transportation: Subway: Take Metro Line 2 to Shilu Station, exit from Exit 2, walk to Guangji Bridge (Shilu) Station, and take Bus 406 (Yuanjiabang direction) to Xiyuan Station, or Bus 311 (Huguan Terminal direction) or Bus 34 (Waitang New Village direction) to Xiyuan Road East Station. 🌟Highlights: ①Petting cats: Young people call this place a cat sanctuary, a temple for petting cats. ②Eating vegetarian noodles: Ruyi noodles are CNY 10, Guanyin noodles are CNY 15, and they taste good, but a little sweet. ③Counting Arhats: There are 500 golden Arhats inside. Enter the temple with men on the left and women on the right, worship Guanyin first, and then choose an Arhat that you like. 🌟Two must-see places: 1️⃣Marriage Tree: Donated by Carina Lau and Tony Leung in 2004, who later got married in Bhutan. 2️⃣Bronze Statue of the Sacred Turtle: Scientifically known as the Yangtze giant softshell turtle, it is called the panda of the water and has lived in Xiyuan Temple for more than 400 years. 🍛Food The vegetarian noodles and buns at Xiyuan Temple are also worth trying. Ruyi noodles, Guanyin noodles, and Jixiang noodles are priced between CNY 10 and CNY 15. Buns are CNY 10 for a bag of 5, and they taste great. ✨Opening hours 08:00–17:00 daily. Tickets are CNY 5, and you will receive three sticks of incense at the entrance. Free before 8:00 am. 💗Other tips: Follow the route for a comprehensive tour. Bring food for the cats to avoid being scratched, bring bread for the pigeons, and wash your hands and keep quiet before copying scriptures. Enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, visit at the right time, and experience the beauty of the ancient temple in all seasons.

Jietang Lusi Temple is located outside the Changmen Gate in the west of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, covering a total area of 49,670 square meters. Jietang Lusi Temple was first built during the Zhiyuan period of the Yuan Dynasty (1264–1294), and was originally named Guiyuan Temple, also known as Xiyuan Temple, and commonly known as Xiyuan. In the eighth year of the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty (1635), Master Maolin was the abbot, and in order to promote the "Vinaya School," it was renamed Jietang Lusi Temple. The current Jietang Lusi Temple includes the temple and garden area, with the Four Heavenly Kings Hall, Mahavira Hall, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Sutra Library as the main attractions. Jietang Lusi Temple is divided into east and west areas. The architectural layout of the east area is a typical Han-style Buddhist temple layout, with the halls arranged along a central axis in the order of worship, with a strict spatial hierarchy, symmetrical and regular, with a formalized layout to adapt to static religious activities and create a solemn and mysterious religious atmosphere. The west area is a space for sightseeing and activities to dilute the dull atmosphere of the religious space in the east area. The garden space adopts a free and flexible layout, with a focus on movement, enhancing the permeability, continuity, and flow of the space, and striving to create a different spatial atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the garden space in a bright and lively environment.

The ultimate Suzhou travel guide 🚗 Transportation Guide 🚉 • Train stations: Suzhou Station, Suzhou New District Station, Suzhou North Station, Suzhou Industrial Park Station. Choose according to your needs. • Subway and bus: Suzhou's subway and bus systems are very convenient, and you can pay by scanning a QR code. We recommend downloading the "Su e Xing" app to check subway congestion, train status, and other services. Travel Tips 🚫 • Xiyuan Temple Vegetarian Noodles: Only available from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. We recommend going early to avoid crowds. If you arrive early, you can worship first. • Eslite Bookstore: A popular Suzhou landmark. The long escalator is perfect for photos. You can visit before going to Jinji Lake to see the night view. • Lion Grove Garden: Perfect for families with children. The garden has many rockeries that children will love. • Tiger Hill Ginkgo: The ginkgo trees have turned yellow, and the red maple trees in Xie Garden are in full bloom. The best time to take photos is between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. • Hanshan Temple: More crowded than Xiyuan Temple, but a good option for first-time visitors to Suzhou. It is very close to Xiyuan Temple. • Suzhou Museum: The museum has two sections, the main building and the west building. The main building, designed by I. M. Pei, is better for photos. Reservations are required. • Pingjiang Road: There are many photo spots with the word "Suzhou". • Shantang Street: The lights turn on after 5:00 pm. It gets dark early in Suzhou, so we recommend arriving around 5:30 pm. Food Recommendations 🍲 • Shuangta Market: We recommend Da Niang Niang (taro mochi balls), Lao Ke Man (egg-filled pancakes), Tang Zhi Fang (begonia cake), and Qing Nian Chun (Biluochun milk tea). • Qian Yuman · Old School Suzhou Cuisine: About a 3-minute walk from Shantang Street. We recommend Grandma's Braised Egg and Pig Trotters, Three-color Shrimp and Tofu, Giant Handmade Lion's Head, Bamboo Duck, and Peach Blossom Wine. Grandma's Braised Egg and Pig Trotters are especially good. The pig trotters are soft and chewy, and the eggs are flavorful. This guide covers transportation, travel tips, and food recommendations in Suzhou. We hope it helps you plan your trip and enjoy a worry-free travel experience. Suzhou, Jiangsu

In the popular TV series "Xiaoxiang Renjia," a line says, "I'm going to Xiyuan Temple," and netizens added the second half of the sentence, "to eat Guanyin noodles and mushroom vegetable buns, with chili and vinegar," which made Xiyuan Temple popular again. The ancient ginkgo trees at the entrance of Xiyuan Temple are still mostly green, but once you enter the temple, you will find that the autumn wind has quietly changed the color of many leaves, and the autumn atmosphere has gradually spread throughout the temple. Passing by volunteers handing out free spring couplets and calendars, you can see the ginkgo trees in front of the Mahavira Hall from afar, already dressed in yellow, looking calm and poetic against the solemn buildings. The yellow walls, full of spreading vines, with yellow and red leaves contrasting with the yellow walls, look tranquil and beautiful. Walking past the solemn temple, just a wall away is a garden with a style completely different from the worship area, comparable to the private gardens of Jiangnan. A pool of green water is divided into two parts by the walkway of the lakeside pavilion, connected by a curved bridge, with lake stones, pavilions, and halls arranged around the pool, exuding Zen and elegance in simplicity. -

Location: Follow the navigation, and everywhere is your doorstep. Just a few steps away. Buy a ticket and go. When the cold wave hits Beijing, escape to Suzhou to enjoy autumn again. Xiyuan Temple: Unique Suzhou style, the most distinctive Suzhou architecture, high roof, screen shape, and a tree of red maple, like a passionate flame. If I could live here for a long time, I think I could live a few more years. Go back to work. Let's go.

My first time in Suzhou. Decided to have my first destination in Xi Yuan Temple to feel the SuZhou culture and ambience. Upon entry, you will be given 3 joysticks to do your prayers and say your blessings. After that, you can have a bowl of vegetarian noodles next door. Lastly, end your trip with a temple tour in Xi Yuan.

This is the meaning of live photos! I captured the golden light in Suzhou||Life advice: Don't leave Suzhou until you've seen the light and shadow of the gardens in autumn‼️ On my first day in Suzhou, I captured the golden light in the poems Red maple, autumn chrysanthemum, and ginkgo, all competing for beauty in the autumn light and shadow I prefer to daze and nap in the Chinese aesthetics of the gardens💤 As the sun sets, everything slows down, and the autumn sun becomes soft The Suzhou gardens in the sunlight are simple and elegant · [5 Must-Visit Gardens in Suzhou in Autumn] 🍂Master of the Nets Garden: The realistic version of "the golden light and the quiet shadow" with the colorful clouds pool reflecting the sun-gilded walls 🍂Humble Administrator's Garden: The red maple of the Jian Shan Lou is the top attraction in Suzhou in autumn. The red maple extends from the stone wall, perfectly matching the corridor 🍂Art Garden: The Chinese aesthetics of the framed scenery, shooting the red maple through the round arch, is simply stunning 🍂Xiyuan Temple: The bamboo shadows, yellow walls, and monks are very simple, and the flying white pigeons and the green tea room are beautiful to the next level 🍂Huanxiu Mountain Villa: The filming location of "The Peony Pavilion" is less crowded and good for photos 🍂Couple's Retreat Garden: A Suzhou-style garden nurtured by love, with a great view at every step · 📝Notes ▪️It is recommended to stay in Gusu District, which is close to all the attractions ▪️To capture the golden sunset of the gardens, you need to arrive between 3 and 4 pm ▪️The scenery of Suzhou gardens is relatively simple and elegant, so it is recommended to wear black and white solid colors or Hanfu new Chinese style

The 15th garden in Suzhou: Xiyuan Temple Xiyuan Temple, originally named Guiyuan Temple, was originally named Jietong Lyu Temple, also known as Xiyuan Temple. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty (1264) and includes a temple and a garden. In the late Ming Dynasty, Xu, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, rebuilt the declining Guiyuan Temple into a house garden, named Xiyuan. After Xu's death, his son gave the garden to the temple and invited the 21st patriarch of the Lyu sect to be the abbot. Since then, the temple has become a place for the Lyu sect.

| Cat Cafe Blessings. 🎫 Xiyuan Temple tickets are very affordable, only CNY 5 and no reservation is required. 📍 Located at No. 18 Xiyuan Lane, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou. 🚗 Take Metro Line 2 to Shilu Station, Exit 12, and walk 1.7 km; take Bus 406 to Xiyuan Station; if you drive, be careful as the parking lot is small. 🐈 Cat Lovers' Paradise: Xiyuan Temple is a cat lovers' paradise! Cute cats roam around, either napping or curiously looking around. Call them softly, and they will come to you. Gently pet them, and their soft fur will heal you. Be careful when feeding them, don't scare these little angels. 🐾 🌳 Garden Scenery: Entering the temple is like stepping into a peaceful painting, with ancient trees and greenery everywhere, leaving all the troubles of the world behind. 🙏 Blessings: Get three free incense sticks, bow in front of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, make a wish, and hope for health and happiness. 🎐 🍜 Vegetarian Noodles: Available from 8 am to 3 pm on the left side of the Hall of Heavenly Kings. Guanyin Noodles 💰15, sweet and delicious, with bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and gluten. Auspicious Noodles 💰15, salty and fragrant, with vegetarian chicken, snow vegetables, and edamame. Ruyi Noodles 💰10, refreshing and delicious, with black fungus, bean sprouts, daylily, and baked bran. Grab a seat first, then order. The snacks and drinks are also tempting. 🥤 🥟 Vegetarian Buns: Turn left at the Drum Tower to find the hidden vegetarian buns. Green vegetable and red bean paste, CNY 10 for 5, also available individually. Hot and fragrant. 😋 🕊 Pigeons: Pigeons fly around the lake in the West Garden. Throw some bread, and they will flock to you, filling the air with cooing and joy. 🕊 🐢 Spotted Softshell Turtle: Rare spotted softshell turtles live in the pond in the back garden. They have many stories to tell. Go and explore, and you will be filled with respect. 🐢 🧮 Arhat Fun: CNY 15 to enter the Arhat Hall, where men go left and women go right to find their fate. Count to your age, find the secret number, and explore the mysteries of the fortune sticks. 🤩 ✍ Copying Sutras: Free sutra copying in the pavilion in the West Garden. Wash your hands, sit down, and gently touch the pen and ink. Your heart will gradually calm down, and you will feel at peace. ✍ 🪙 Coin Tossing: In front of the Mahavira Hall, there is a pagoda. Toss a coin, make a wish, and hope it comes true. 🎯 Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou, a meeting of the mind and nature, is waiting for you. 💕

🌸Suzhou 8-Year In-Depth Travel Guide: Must-Visit Attractions and Must-Try Foods📝 🍲Authentic Snacks, Taste of Suzhou: ✨[Pan Yulin Sweet Porridge]: Every bowl is steaming hot, with soft red beans and sweet taste! ✨[Xiangxin Chicken Feet]: Soft and tasty, melts in your mouth, with a rich aroma. ✨[Yaba Pan-Fried Buns]: Crispy bottom, fresh and sweet soup, unforgettable! 🍽️Recommended Restaurants, Taste of Suzhou: 🍖[Xi Laoban Stir-Fried Restaurant (Guanqian Branch)]: No. 1 on the list of home-cooked dishes, average price: CNY 60–70. Open during late-night hours, recommended dishes: Frog and Duck Tongue Pot, Fish Maw Chicken, delicious and affordable. 🍖[Shanhai Ju Home-Cooked Dishes (Pingjiang Road Branch)]: CNY 70–80, non-traditional sweet Suzhou cuisine, served in clay pots, full of features. Taihu No. 1 Prawns, Duck Tongue Pot, Suzhou Squirrel Fish, must-try dishes. 🍖[Jiangnan Yachu]: CNY 200–300, new Suzhou cuisine, exquisite presentation, seasonal and delicious. Every dish is a visual and taste enjoyment. 🚢Attractions, Stroll in Jiangnan Water Town: 🌸Zhuozheng Garden: The first of Suzhou gardens, a model of Jiangnan classical gardens. Different scenery in different seasons, a paradise for photographers. 🌸Gate of the Orient 53F [Danqiu High-Altitude Lake View Cafe]: 180-degree view of Jinji Lake, enjoy exquisite afternoon tea for tens of yuan per person. During dinner time, music fountain and night view are perfect for taking photos. 🌸Xiyuan Temple: Ancient temple of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, an artistic treasure of time. The architecture, carvings, and garden design in the temple all show the weight of history and the charm of art. Don't forget to try the vegetarian noodles in the temple, delicious and healthy. 🌸Pingjiang Road: A paradise for stamp collectors, most shops offer free or set stamp services. There is also a stamping point at the visitor center! Stroll along the ancient street and experience the slow life of Suzhou. 🌟Must-See Before Traveling, Make Your Suzhou Trip More Perfect!

| Not yellow yet on November 10. Where to go on weekends in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai: [Suzhou Tiger Hill] Round trip from Shanghai on the same day Shanghai - Suzhou Station 9:00-9:25 Arrive and go straight to Metro Line 4, just one stop to Beitasi Station, and have a bowl of authentic and delicious Suzhou-style noodles [Gusu Bridge] After eating, take a taxi to Tiger Hill, which is about 5 km/10-13 yuan, about Less than 15 minutes E Tiger Hill Scenic Area: 60 yuan/person Tour route: Enter from the south gate, enter from the main gate, climb to the top, visit the south side - Tongyou - Shuta Songying all the way down, and go to the north gate from the north side [see the last picture for details] Overall, the maple leaves are not very red, and there are not many yellow ginkgo trees. It is recommended to go in 1-2 weeks to welcome the red maple garden! Seize every weekend to chase the traces of autumn

Xiyou Temple in Suzhou is truly a hidden gem worth visiting. The temple offers a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city's bustling spots. Unlike many popular tourist sites, it’s not crowded, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The soft, natural light around the temple adds a warm glow, perfect for photos or moments of quiet reflection. You’ll also find a few friendly cats wandering around, which adds to the charm and tranquil vibe of this lovely place. It’s ideal for anyone seeking relaxation and a unique, serene experience.

Walking into this ancient city, every step feels like traveling through time. Suzhou aesthetics are in full bloom here, like a beautiful painting! Let me share my 2-day autumn itinerary with you. It's truly breathtaking! 💫 Day 1: 🌿 Hanshan Temple ➡️ Lingering Garden ➡️ Xiyuan Temple ➡️ Tiger Hill ➡️ Shantang Street Day 2: 🎨 Suzhou Museum ➡️ Humble Administrator's Garden ➡️ Lion Grove Garden ➡️ Pingjiang Road ✨ Special reminders: 1️⃣ Suzhou Museum is free, but you need to make a reservation one week in advance! It is closed on Mondays and open from 9:00 to 17:00. Entry is not allowed after 16:00. 2️⃣ Humble Administrator's Garden: It is recommended to enter the garden early at around 7:30 am. The morning sun shines on the lake, creating a fairy-like atmosphere! Especially the red maple at Jianshan Tower, which is breathtakingly beautiful! 3️⃣ Xiyuan Temple tickets are very cheap. Vegetarian noodles cost only CNY 15, and vegetarian buns cost CNY 2. There are also many cute cats and pigeons to interact with! In autumn, the ground is covered with ginkgo leaves, creating a golden carpet, full of autumn vibes! 4️⃣ Tiger Hill is a representative of ultimate aesthetics. Remember to check in at the "circular frame view," where every frame looks like a scene from a painting! Don't forget to visit the Third Spring and Yixie Garden, as the scenery is also great! 5️⃣ Afterward, take a stroll along Shantang Street. A boat ride or a walk is very romantic. 🍁 Red leaf viewing tips: The best time to view red leaves is from late October to mid-December, especially in early November when the red leaves are at their most beautiful, with layers of colors. It's a must-see!

This is XiYuanTemple located at SuZhou. This is a Buddhism temple, with big garden. Do get the vege noodles if you happens to visit this temple. Attacj photo is a Guan Yin Noodles, rmb15 per bowl with rmb5 for addition of vege chicken, the round pieces in the picture. it is made up of tofu, nice texture! another delicacies worth to try is the vege pau. i didnt manage to try as the min purchase is 2 pieces. i am travelling solo , and dont think i could finish it.

This is a very underrated spot in Suzhou called 西园寺. And i prefer it underrated 😂 because its the only place where there is not much crowd and if you know china, their crowd gets real crazy. So yeah, this place really gives me very chill vibe, it even has a lot of cats around to keep you calm and feeling safe. It felt very Zen and this is what I need in a China Trip, to be zen in a chinese temple where i can just feel the breeze and the stableness in my heart. #china #suzhou #awesomepic #couplestrip

| The best temple experience, hands down! Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou is a historic temple with a rich history and stories. Its stories are not only fascinating but also offer a deep cultural experience. You can get three free incense sticks at the temple, which is both eco-friendly and prevents waste. What sets Xiyuan Temple apart from other temples is its golden color scheme, which adds warmth and harmony. The temple also incorporates the layout of a Suzhou garden, allowing visitors to enjoy both the temple and the garden. A temple within a garden, a garden within a temple! If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a peaceful place to enjoy some quality time, Xiyuan Temple is the perfect choice. Here, you can enjoy delicious vegetarian noodles, see cute pigeons and stray cats, and experience a rare sense of tranquility!