Mid-Range Travel Guide: Suzhou

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Private rooms in 3-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, business hotels near city center

Food & Dining

$20-45 per day

Mix of local restaurants, casual dining establishments, some tourist-area eateries

Transportation

$8-25 per day

Combination of public transport, occasional taxis, ride-sharing apps for convenience

Activities

$25-60 per day

Garden entrance fees, boat tours, cultural sites, some guided experiences

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