Memorial Park of the Founder of Suzhou
Xuwangyuan (胥王园) is a memorial park‑temple dedicated to the legendary general and city planner Wu Zixu (伍子胥). It is located in the town of Xukou, a suburb of Suzhou, just 110 km from Shanghai. The first temple on this site was built as early as 484 BC — more than 2,500 years ago.
It was Wu Zixu who designed and built the Great City (闾阖大城) — the prototype of modern Suzhou — and also dug the Xujiang Canal. For his loyalty, bravery, filial piety and justice (孝、勇、忠、义) he was deified. Today the park combines an ancient temple, a classical Chinese garden, an alley of steles and a memorial complex. An ideal place to get acquainted with ancient Chinese history and architecture.
Attractions along the route
What to expect
- Departure from Shanghai (08:00) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, comfortable car with Russian guide. The drive to Xukou takes about 1.5–2 hours.
- Arrival at Xuwangyuan (~10:00) — introduction to the history of Wu Zixu and the meaning of the park.
- Main Hall “Loyalty and Filial Piety” — you will see ancient plaques, statues and scrolls telling of the general's deeds.
- Walk through the classical garden — pavilions, koi ponds, ancient trees and elegant bridges. Great spots for photos.
- Stele Alley “Millennium of Glory” — dozens of stone steles with eulogistic inscriptions by emperors and poets from different dynasties.
- Viewing platform by the Xujiang Canal — the very canal that legend says Wu Zixu dug to protect the city.
- Lunch at a local restaurant — traditional Suzhou dishes: Suzhou‑style duck, fish cakes, sweet rice balls.
- Museum exhibition “Wu Zixu – Founder of Suzhou” — models of the ancient city, maps, artefacts.
- Free time and tea ceremony — you can visit the tea house and buy souvenirs (calligraphy, history books).
- Return to Shanghai (~18:00–19:00) — transfer to Xinzhuang metro station.
Sample tour itinerary (1 day)
*A high‑speed train option Shanghai–Suzhou + taxi to the park (30 minutes) is also possible.
| Time | Program stage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Departure from Shanghai (Xinzhuang metro) | Drive to Xukou (Suzhou suburb) ~110 km, 1.5–2 hours with a stop. |
| 10:00 | Arrival at Xuwangyuan | Ticket purchase, briefing, restroom. |
| 10:15–12:30 | Exploring the temple complex and garden | Main hall, steles, pavilions, ponds. Guide's story about Wu Zixu. |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch | Traditional Suzhou cuisine in a nearby restaurant. |
| 13:30–15:30 | Museum and Xujiang Canal | Exhibition about the founding of Suzhou, walk along the canal. |
| 15:30–16:30 | Free time / tea ceremony | Tea house, souvenirs, photos. |
| 16:30–19:00 | Return to Shanghai, approximate arrival at Xinzhuang metro around 19:00. | |
💡 Important notes:
- Comfortable shoes for walking in the park (paths are flat, but the garden is large).
- Bring: hat and water in hot weather, passport, cash for lunch and souvenirs.
- The tour is suitable for children and the elderly (flat terrain, benches available).
- Best time: spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (golden foliage). Also interesting all year round.
Cost and conditions
Tour cost
Train + taxi
EconomyGuide meets you in Suzhou or at the park. Transfer to the station on your own.
By car
ComfortGuide services, transfer from Shanghai by sedan/minivan.
Additional expenses per person
- Entrance ticket to Xuwangyuan50¥ (~7$)
- Lunch (Suzhou cuisine)60–80¥ (~9–12$)
- Train ticket Shanghai–Suzhou (round trip, 2nd class)~160¥ (~23$)
- Taxi from Suzhou station to the park (round trip, per group)~200¥ (~30$)
Duration
Additional services
Frequently asked questions
Important information
Prices valid for 2026. Booking requires a 50% prepayment (PayPal, card). Cancellation 48 hours in advance – full refund, less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets are bought in advance). The organiser reserves the right to change the programme due to weather or force majeure. The park is open daily from 08:30 to 17:00.
