Suzhou, China π¨π³
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Suzhou is a major city located in Jiangsu province, known for its classical gardens and rich cultural heritage. |
| π₯ Population | Over 10 million residents. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average download speeds are around 100 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | CNY (Chinese Yuan), 1 USD β 6.93 CNY. |
| π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type A/C sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | China Mobile and China Unicom are the main providers offering data plans. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Services like HSBC and local banks accept international cards. |
| π Accommodation | Options include local apartments or serviced apartments via sites like Airbnb. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, payment through Alipay and WeChat Pay is widely accepted. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and Tujia. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Suzhou Youth Hostel provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Coco Space, located in Suzhou Industrial Park, offers modern amenities. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Brewed by A Cafe, known for its comfortable chairs and fast Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Check out Meetup.com for local expat and entrepreneur gatherings. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Suzhou International Community hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing service. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo offer bike-sharing services across the city. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Located about 40 minutes away, Jinji Lake offers lakeside activities. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | China Eastern Airlines operates from nearby Wuxi Airport. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | China Southern Airlines and Air China connect to major cities worldwide. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | E25 and G15 highways offer easy access to other cities. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Suzhou Railway Station serves high-speed rail connections. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for convenience. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains to Shanghai and Nanjing operate frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Suzhou First People's Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Suzhou provides various classes for all levels. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness has multiple locations throughout Suzhou. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats such as ζ΄θ‘£ε± (Xiyiw) provide washing and drying services. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are popular platforms for food delivery. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish is a must-try local specialty. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurants like Loving Hut offer plant-based cuisines. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Suzhouβs famous mooncakes can be found at Songhelong. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Suzhou's local markets like Guanqian Street offer budget-friendly food items. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are leading e-commerce platforms. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Dmall and Alibaba offer grocery delivery services. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Shilu Pedestrian Street has several bars and nightlife options. |
| π» Local Brewery | Nanyuan Brewery serves a variety of craft beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | Wine Bar at Jinji Lake offers a curated selection of wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Guanqian Street sell local snacks like dumplings. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Pizza Marzano serve international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Humble Administrator's Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Suzhou Museum features traditional architecture and contemporary art. |
| π° Historical Sites | The ancient Lingering Garden is renowned for its classical landscaping. |
| π Religious Sites | Hanshan Temple, famous for its beautiful scenery, is a significant cultural site. |
| π Annual Events | Suzhou Cultural Expo takes place every September. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Pingjiang Road is a cultural district with traditional shops and teahouses. |
| π Theater Venues | Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater showcases regional operas. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Shiquan Street is famous for its local crafts and goods. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Local venues often host live music ranging from traditional to contemporary. |
| π¨ Street Art | The Suzhou Industrial Park features murals and public art installations. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Suzhou Cooking School offers classes on local culinary traditions. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Ding Hao Art Gallery displays works from local artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Suzhou Silk Museum showcases the cityβs silk-making history. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Suzhou is known for its ancient water canals, representing traditional Chinese culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Tiger Hill is a scenic area with beautiful gardens and temples. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Kangshan National Park, about 2 hours away, offers outdoor recreation. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The picturesque Jinji Lake Cycling Path is popular for cycling and walking. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | Observation deck at the Suzhou Center gives a great skyline view. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Dushu Lake is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Dushu Lake Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express offers reliable domestic shipping services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Authorized Apple Repair centers are available in shopping malls. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Local clubs such as Suzhou Table Tennis Center allow for recreational play. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Suzhou Mandarin Institute provides language courses for foreigners. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Suzhou Library is a great place for online study and research. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | The Suzhou International Community Center hosts various activities. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes around the city provide a social hub for gamers. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Suzhou; however, nearby Shanghai has several options. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯22,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯880,000). |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯15,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯600,000). |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯28,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯1,680,000). |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯20,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯1,200,000). |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯25,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯2,000,000). |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯18,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯1,440,000). |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate applies to businesses. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends is applicable. |
| π¦ Tax System | China employs a progressive income tax system for residents. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% as the maximum tax rate. |
| π§Ύ VAT | The standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, China has CFC rules in place. |
| π Property Tax | Residential property tax varies by local regulations. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is generally around 3%. |