What to do in Suzhou this October

October will usher in autumn in the city. Osmanthus flowers sway in classical gardens, chrysanthemums begin to bloom and seasonal delicacies appear on the dining table. Together, they make Suzhou's autumn an unforgettable season. Here is a guide to what's happening in the city this month.

New Events

15th Suzhou Creative & Design Cultural Industry Expo

The grand expo will end today. The main venue at Suzhou International Expo Centre苏州国际博览中心 covers an exhibition area of 35,000 square meters, featuring 84 themed booths. It has attracted over 500 cultural and creative institutions and companies from more than 40 countries and regions, gathering over 1,000 categories and tens of thousands of cultural and creative products. 

Crab Season

Suzhou's famous Yangcheng Lake hairy crab season is underway. After a year of waiting, October is the perfect time to enjoy the city's most anticipated autumn delicacy.

Scenic Spot Events

Tiger Hill Autumn Temple Fair

The fair features intangible cultural heritage performances and a special market.
When: Till Oct. 31
Where: Tiger Hill

National Invitational Exhibition of Ornamental 
Stones & Suzhou 
Garden Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition

The exhibition aims to integrate natural stones, calligraphy and paintings with the changing views inside classical gardens.
When: Till Oct. 15
Where: Lion Grove Garden, Yiyuan Garden

Moon Viewing at Panmen Gate

There are themed performances, a traditional-Chinese-style market and free Chinese-style costume experiences.
When: Till Oct. 31 (Performances through Oct. 7, costume experiences through the end of October)
Where: Panmen Gate

Mountain Flower Market Osmanthus Season

Over 30 vendors offer osmanthus-flavored food and traditional handicrafts. Visitors can also collect stamps and look for hidden stamps along the way. The venue features osmanthus-themed installations, a 15-meter-long fish lantern and lanterns from different regions. Shadow puppetry, magic shows and other performances will take place throughout the event.
When: Till Oct. 7
Where: Former Residence of Tang Yin

Osmanthus Market

Visitors can sample seasonal snacks, browse handmade crafts and enjoy the fragrance of osmanthus.
When: Till Oct. 25
Where: Guihua Park

Traditional Chinese Culture Fair

The fair features traditional games, non-player character interactions and autumn-themed photo spots. Visitors can pick up a "pawn ticket" and complete tasks to redeem gifts and shopping vouchers.
When: Till Oct. 7
Where: Jianjinqiao Lane

Yinyan Market

More than 60 vendors gather at this market, offering pastries, special drinks, cultural products and handicrafts. Visitors can take part in games and stamp-collecting activities, and watch folk music performances.
When: Till Oct. 5
Where: Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory

The 6th Shihu Lake Moon Festival

The festival features lantern riddles, a moonlight market, nighttime lantern tours and traditional performances.
When: Till Oct. 7
Where: Shihu Lake Scenic Area

Sunflower Culture and Lifestyle Festival

With non-player character interactions and folk music performances, the festival allows visitors to experience the sights, sounds and scents of autumn among flowers.
When: Till Nov. 20
Where: Moonlight over the Lotus Pond Wetland

Yinshan Flower Valley National Day Celebration

The event features flower-seller characters, carriage parades, traditional Chinese clothing pop-up shows, lantern displays, bubble shows and iron-flower performances.
When: Till Oct. 18
Where: Yinshan Flower Valley

2026 Cross-Strait (Kunshan) Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival

The festival takes place simultaneously at two places. Elaborate lanterns and installations create an illuminated spectacle.
When: Till Oct. 7
Where: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, Huiju Square

Flower Appreciation

Osmanthus

When: Till late October
Where: Guihua Park, Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator's Garden Lingering Garden Canglang Pavilion, Master of the Nets Garden, Couple's Retreat Garden, Yiyuan Garden, Beiban Garden, Yaoshang Village

Sunflower

When: Till late October
Where: Moonlight over the Lotus Pond Wetland Park, Suzhou Bay Sports Park, Feng Menglong Village

Pink Muhly Grass

When: Early October to early November
Where: Suzhou (China) Flower Botanical Garden, Feng Menglong Village, Yangcheng Lake Peninsula Farmland, Wujiang Shengdi Ecological Park

Chrysanthemum

When: Early October to early November
Where: Lion Grove Garden, Lingering Garden

Seasonal Delicacies

Hairy Crab

Where: Restaurants around Yangcheng Lake

Sugar-fried Chestnut

Where: Xiaoliwang, A'nan Yeliwang, Jinliwang, Xueji Roasted Goods

Taro with Osmanthus Syrup

Where: Xiangxin Eatery, Chengqiang Eatery, Dududu, Xiangmenli Teahouse

Braised Pork

Where: Old Suzhou Restaurant, Xiehe Restaurant, Laochenjia

Mutton

Where: Cangshu Town, Dongshan Town, Zhenze Town, Shuangfeng Town

Sports Events

2026 SUP World Cup

When: Oct. 5 to 7
Where: Suzhou Railway Station South Square

Ed Stafford Wild Challenge

When: Oct. 17 to 18
Where: Suzhou Jiangnan Botanical Garden

Source：iSuzhou