One - Day Suzhou Hiking Tour Highlights: From Jinji Lake to Dayangshan Mountain

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, your local Suzhou guide will meet you either at your hotel or at the Suzhou high-speed train station, holding a welcome sign that reads “Your Way Holiday” to greet you and begin your hiking adventure.

Below are most popular spots highly recommended by our clients.

Jinji Lake CircuitSometimes, the most rewarding hikes are found in the most accessible places—Jinji Lake is a perfect example. The walking trail forms a scenic 15-kilometer loop around one of Suzhou’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of the city, this route blends natural beauty with modern urban charm, offering travelers a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. If you're not up for walking the entire loop, renting a bike is a great alternative. You’ll pass picturesque lakeside parks, contemporary architecture, and plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants for rest stops along the way.

Most of the trail is made up of well-maintained wooden boardwalks, though there are a few quieter, more rugged sections where hiking shoes are recommended. If you're traveling with a partner, consider breaking up the walk with a romantic tandem bike ride—available for about RMB 40 per hour near the iconic “Pants Building” (Gate to the East). Keep in mind the trail is also a favorite among local joggers and cyclists, so remember to stay aware and share the space courteously. Whether you’re strolling, biking, or simply enjoying the waterfront views, the Jinji Lake circuit promises a relaxing and memorable outdoor experience in the heart of Suzhou.

Tiger Hill Area
Tiger Hill is not only one of Suzhou’s top tourist attractions but also a hidden gem for hikers seeking natural beauty and cultural depth. Spanning over 50 acres, the area is home to winding trails, open fields, ancient towers, classical gardens, and unusual rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. With a history dating back more than 2,500 years, Tiger Hill was once an island in a vast lake, earning it the ancient name "Haiyong Hill." This rich historical background adds a deeper sense of wonder to the already captivating landscape.

What makes hiking here especially rewarding is the opportunity for exploration beyond the main tourist paths. Scattered throughout the grounds are narrow, twisting goat trails that weave through wildflowers, dense forests, and peaceful groves. Some of these paths lead to small waterfalls and picturesque canals that feel delightfully secluded. While Tiger Hill can attract large crowds on weekends and public holidays, a weekday visit offers a completely different experience—serene, uncrowded, and immersive. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Tiger Hill delivers an unforgettable hiking experience right in the heart of Suzhou.

Baimajian Longchi Scenic Area
Baimajian Longchi Scenic Area is nestled within the heart of the Lingyanshan Scenic Region, just south of Taihu Avenue, and offers a rich combination of natural beauty, hiking adventure, and historical significance. The most convenient way to reach the area is from the north side, but for those seeking a more immersive hiking experience, it can also be accessed from the south—either by taking the long scenic route from Lingyan Temple or by catching bus 65 or 312 from Mudu Station and disembarking at a nearby stop (location details may vary). The rolling hills of Mudu, with their open vistas and peaceful countryside atmosphere, are already a treat for hikers, and the main trail eventually leads you across sunlit ridges into the wooded heart of Baimajian.

Once you pass through the large green gate, the landscape suddenly shifts—you’ll find yourself in a lively clearing dotted with local vendors, snacks, and picnic spots, right at the entrance to Baimajian Longchi Scenic Area. This site is steeped in history and legend: it once served as royal stables for the King of Wu during the Warring States period and was also a temporary retreat for Emperor Qianlong. The area is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and goat trails that wind through dense forests, follow narrow canals, and climb into the three surrounding mountains. Along the way, hikers can discover ancient stone carvings, rustic cottages, and tranquil woodland scenery. One of the area’s most fascinating features is the Dragon Pool, home to the rare peach blossom jellyfish—tiny, translucent creatures whose 550-million-year evolutionary history earned them the nickname “living fossils” when they were discovered here in 2002. Whether you're drawn by the hike, the history, or the hidden wonders of nature, Baimajian offers a truly unique and enriching outdoor experience.

Dayanshan Route
The Dayangshan trail is one of Suzhou’s most rewarding hikes—and also one of the toughest. It begins on a quiet dirt road beside a small tea farm, where friendly local farmers may point you toward the trailhead. The hike starts with a steep, challenging climb following an old water pipe path, originally built to reach a mountaintop pump. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense bamboo groves, rocky outcrops, and enjoy increasingly stunning views as you ascend. Be sure to bring plenty of water—there are no shops along the route.

At the summit, the scenery is breathtaking. Dragonflies, birds, and buzzing bees fill the air, adding to the almost magical feel of the place. The trail continues along the ridgeline toward Wenshu Temple, part of the tranquil Dayang Mountain National Forest Park. The final stretch requires care—some sinkholes appear near the last peak, and part of the descent involves passing through a hidden fence opening. Adventurous hikers will love the mix of natural beauty, solitude, and discovery this trail offers.

Low Road

Suzhou Taihu National Tourism Vacation Zone
If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic walk without too much effort, the Huantaihu Avenue trail is a perfect choice. Although the path runs alongside the road, it offers spectacular views of Taihu Lake—China’s third largest freshwater lake. The shimmering blue-green water, framed by lush tropical vegetation, creates a tranquil, almost seaside atmosphere. As you walk along the open bays, dotted with small brown islands, you might feel more like you're on a coastal getaway than in inland Jiangsu.

Be sure to wander off the main road near the Shanghai Expo sculpture, where you’ll discover peaceful lakeside gardens and hidden footpaths tucked along the shore. It’s an ideal route for a laid-back afternoon stroll, perfect for soaking in natural beauty without breaking a sweat.

High Road

Suzhou Taihu Lake
If you’re craving a bit more adventure beyond the lakeside road, head for the hills and explore the hidden forest trail up Yu Yang Mountain. The trail begins on an unmarked path between Huantaihu Avenue and Xiangshan Middle School and leads to the peaceful Hu Yang Ze Temple at the summit. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sweeping views—Taihu Lake glistens on one side, while lush green hills roll endlessly on the other.

Although the trail is currently gated and officially closed for “landscaping” (with no visible work underway), determined hikers still find their way in. Locals sometimes slip past the informal guardians and over a low gate to continue the climb. If you're feeling adventurous and tread carefully, this route rewards you with a quiet, off-the-beaten-path hike and one of the area’s most scenic mountaintop temples.

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!

Price Per Person in US Dollars