Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Suzhou

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, economy hotels in older areas

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Local noodle shops, street food stalls, convenience store meals, small family restaurants

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Public buses, subway system, shared bikes, walking for most destinations

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free temple visits, public gardens, occasional paid attraction, self-guided walking tours

Eat at local noodle shops and food courts instead of tourist areas, typically 60-70% cheaper than restaurants near major attractions

Use public buses and subway system instead of taxis for daily transport, saving approximately 75-85% on transportation costs

Visit gardens and temples early morning or late afternoon when some offer reduced admission or free access periods

Stay in accommodations slightly outside the historic center, generally 30-50% cheaper with easy public transport connections

Buy snacks and drinks from convenience stores rather than tourist sites, typically 200-300% markup at attractions

Book garden combination tickets covering multiple sites, usually 20-35% savings compared to individual entries

Taking taxis for all transportation instead of using excellent public transit system, typically 4-6 times more expensive daily

Eating exclusively in areas near major tourist attractions, usually 100-150% markup compared to local neighborhoods

Booking accommodation during peak domestic holiday periods without checking local calendar, often 200-400% price increases