Suzhou is Jiangsu’s greatest sightseeing attraction. The city provides visitors a glimpse into classical Chinese history through its famous gardens. Suzhou is also China’s largest producers of silk, making it an important economic and export centre.
Visas
All international travellers require visas although Brunei, Japan, and Singapore passport holders are able to enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Standard 30-day, single-entry visas can be issued in three to five working days from most Chinese embassies, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Longer visas are often more
difficult to obtain.
For further details, consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese embassy or consulate.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
RMB 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.16
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.13
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.11
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
1.25
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
8.88
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
16.55
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.20
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.20
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.16
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 15% surcharge, including government tax, is applicable in most hotels.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants generally include their own service charge which varies between establishments.
Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
8.30am - 5pm, Monday through Saturday
Office Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
Shopping Hours
9am - 9pm, Monday through Sunday
Public Health
Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.
Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou, recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every room.
Dress
Dress is generally informal in Suzhou except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate.
Weather
Suzhou has a temperate climate ranging from very hot during summer (16 C to 40 C / 70 F to 104 F) to cool during the winter (2 C to 7 C / 28 F to 45 F).
Today
Sunny
Very warm with sunshine
|
High:
|
32°C /
89°F
|
|
Low:
|
17°C /
62°F
|
Tomorrow
Partly Sunny
Partly sunny and very warm
|
High:
|
31°C /
87°F
|
|
Low:
|
19°C /
66°F
|
|
Thursday:
|
|
Showers
|
High:
30°C /
86°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|
|
Friday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy
|
High:
31°C /
87°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|
|
Saturday:
|
|
Intermittent Clouds
|
High:
28°C /
82°F
|
Low:
21°C /
69°F
|