Expat recommendations for 2026 Spring Festival in Suzhou

What are the must-dos to celebrate a Suzhou-style New Year in the city? Let's check out recommendations from expats living in Suzhou.

The Year of the Horse has arrived. As an expat living in Suzhou for over six years, I would suggest outdoor activities to recharge your energy and stay in a good mood after the long winter. I just discovered a nice and very old temple, Yunquan Temple云泉寺, in Dashiwu village in Shushan Eco-village树山生态村.

That is a good place to hike around the mountain full of tea bushes and pear trees. After hiking, just next to the temple, there is a vegetarian restaurant serving tasty, healthy, local food. Nice to scroll around the village, and if you have time, there are also caves to see.

I would highly recommend enjoying Suzhou's local Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish for its sweet and sour flavors. It's my favourite Suzhou dish.

The Humble Administrator's Garden拙政园 is normally a must-visit for travellers to Suzhou. Not far from that is Pingjiang Road平江路, which is another great attraction because you can find many visitors wearing local Chinese clothing.

Finally, make sure to stop by a B&C bakeryBUTTERFUL&CREAMOROUS 黄油与面包(苏州首店) for beautiful and delicious pastries. I recommend any of their desserts with cream.

Suzhou is an exquisite place to welcome the Spring Festival, where the old and the new drift together like mist over water. Begin with food: savor classic Suzhou dishes, such as the legendary squirrel-shaped fish at Wumenrenjia吴门人家, whose flavors seem worthy of Empress Wu Zetian herself—delicate, ceremonial, and once reserved for imperial tables.

Beyond tradition, the city opens outward: enjoy Mexican chilaquiles and tamales at Taco ChillTacochill苏州墨香餐厅, or authentic Spanish cuisine at Vice VersaVice Versa Bar&Restaurant, accompanied by the vibrant rhythm of live flamenco. Between meals, run along Jinji Lake金鸡湖, where glass towers shimmer like modern lanterns, share laughter over a game of laser tag, or enjoy the lion dance, a spectacular display of energy and tradition.

At 1971 Cangfang阳澄湖1971仓坊, make sticky rice—symbol of reunion and sweet beginnings for the New Year—or learn crafts such as chopstick-making and embroidery. Wander past ancient bridges like Baodai Bridge宝带桥, visit exhibitions at the nearby Museum of Wu吴文化博物馆, find calm in the secluded Tuisi Garden退思园, and enjoy performances at the Suzhou Shishan Grand Theater苏州狮山大剧院.

When the New Year arrives, Suzhou welcomes it with light on water, quiet music in the air, and streets that feel both ancient and alive. At Lion Grove Garden狮子林, the winding rock formations become an adventure of their own. The Lingering Garden留园 offers yet another beautiful setting, where corridors guide you through scenes that unfold like living paintings.

The Shantang River山塘河 is another highlight. The illuminated bridges and riverside houses create scenes that seem almost painted. Performances at the Grand Canal Theater运河剧场 add cultural energy to the holiday, inviting audiences to enjoy traditional art in a modern setting.

New Year's celebrations would not be complete without good food. Zhu Hong Xing朱鸿兴面馆 is well known for its comforting Suzhou-style noodles. Wei Ji Ao Noodle Restaurant伟记奥面馆(白塔东路店), a Michelin-recognized noodle shop, offers delicious dishes at an affordable price, making it a popular stop during the festive season. Sharing these meals with family and friends adds warmth to the nights.

Photos provided by interviewees
Source：iSzhou