Suzhou spans an area of 8,488 square kilometers, of which the city proper covers 1,650 square kilometers.

Geographic Info

Suzhou is situated in the south of Jiangsu Province, in the middle of the Yangtze Delta, in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Taihu Lake, bordering Shanghai in the east, Zhejiang Province in the south, Taihu Lake in the west and the Yangtze River in the north.

Visa

Visas are required for all foreigners entering mainland China except Brunei, Japan and Singapore passport holders who can enjoy visa-free access to China for not more than 15 days.

Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are usually difficult to obtain.

Visitors are advised to consult their travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, any PRC Embassy or Consulate for details.

Currency

The unit of money in China is called Renminbi. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and major department stores.

Use the Currency Converterto check the exchange rate that corresponds to your local currency.

Shopping

Suzhou produces exquisite Suzhou embroidery, one of the four famous embroideries in China, sandalwood fans, Song Dynasty brocade, a type of weaving done by tapestry method using fine silk and gold thread, mini carving and other handicrafts.

Taxes

N/A

Tipping

Officially, tipping is inappropriate and disapproved of.

Business Hours

Dress

The dress code in China is fairly informal except on social diplomatic occasions. A business suit and tie is appropriate for both meetings and banquets. For tourists, sports clothes for daytime wear are fine and comfortable shoes are a must.

Health

Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form when entering the country. It is not advisable to drink tap water. Bottled drinking water is available in the hotel room, compliments of CastleHotel.

Weather