Soochow University

Suzhou


Before the communists took over, this college was China's oldest private university, founded by missionaries of the Methodist church in 1900. The university is still in operation and its beautiful old campus is accessible from the west gate (西门; xīmén), where you’ll see St Joseph Church, built in 1881, standing right outside. Inside the leafy campus are ivy-clad colonial buildings, the most notable being the imposing Clock Tower and the Laura Haygood Memorial Hall.

The Xiangmen metro stop (exit 1) is next to the north gate of the campus, or bus 8 from the train station will drop you off at the west gate.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Suzhou attractions

1. Twin Pagodas

0.35 MILES

Beautifully enhanced by flowering magnolias in spring, this delightful courtyard and former temple contains a pair of sublime pagodas, which don't often…

2. Pingjiang Lu

0.47 MILES

On the eastern side of the city, this canalside road has whitewashed local houses sitting comfortably side by side with teahouses and trendy cafes selling…

3. Garden of the Master of the Nets

0.49 MILES

Off Shiquan Jie, this pocket-sized garden is considered one of Suzhou's best preserved. Laid out in the 12th century, it went to seed and was later…

4. Kunqu Opera Museum

0.61 MILES

Down a narrow lane, this small museum is dedicated to kūnqǔ, the opera style of the region. The beautiful old theatre houses a stage, musical instruments,…

5. Sūzhōu Park

0.62 MILES

Small but charming public park in Sūzhōu's downtown area. Popular amongst local retirees, this is a great place to experience China's outdoor group…

6. Suzhou Fan Museum

0.74 MILES

The antique fans on display here demonstrate the skillful painting and embroidery of the art form. Many of the silk fans feature a cat motif; rat-catching…

7. Couple’s Garden

0.82 MILES

The tranquil Couple’s Garden is off the main tourist route and sees slightly fewer visitors than the other gardens, and its pond, courtyards and garden…

8. Temple of Mystery

0.91 MILES

Lashed by electronic music from the shops alongside, the Taoist Temple of Mystery stands in what was once Suzhou’s old bazaar, a rowdy entertainment…