Step into Baoshou Temple and feel ancient Suzhou's soul! This hidden gem wows visitors with its Tang Dynasty-style architecture – the majestic Mahavira Hall's upturned eaves are Instagram gold. Don't miss the 800-year-old ginkgo tree that turns into a golden umbrella every autumn. Pro tip: Sip Biluochun tea in their zen courtyard while admiring exquisite stone carvings of Buddhist figures. Locals swear by rubbing the "Ruyi Stone" at the entrance for good luck!

Everything you need to know about Baoshou Temple
Suzhou Jinji Lake Radisson Hotel is a top choice near Baoshou Temple, blending traditional Jiangnan garden aesthetics with modern luxury. Just a 10-minute walk from the temple, its rooms offer panoramic views of the temple’s ancient eaves and serene courtyards. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions like Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road.
Guests can also participate in special cultural experiences hosted by the temple, such as morning bell rituals and tea ceremonies, offering an authentic glimpse into Buddhist traditions. With easy access to Metro Line 4 (Li Gongpu Station), the hotel is just 25 minutes from downtown Suzhou, making it a perfect base for exploring the historic city’s heritage sites.
After visiting Baoshou Temple, head to Pingjiang Road Historic District, a 1,000-year-old alleyway where you can stroll along ancient canals, enjoy authentic Suzhou-style soup noodles and osmanthus lotus root, and listen to live Suzhou Pingtan performances at riverside teahouses. Nearby, the temple hosts monthly artisan meditation workshops, where visitors can craft incense pouches or copy sutras, immersing themselves in Zen practices.
The area is pedestrian-friendly—just a 15-minute walk from the temple—offering picturesque views of white-walled houses and stone bridges. Ideal for photography and cultural immersion, this route captures the soul of traditional Suzhou life.
The most convenient option is taking Metro Line 4 from Suzhou Railway Station to Li Gongpu Station, then a 8-minute walk to Baoshou Temple—just 20 minutes total. Trains run every 5–8 minutes, ensuring minimal wait time.
Alternatively, a taxi takes about 15 minutes and costs around ¥30, but traffic congestion during peak hours may delay travel. For added convenience, consider combining the visit with a stop at Beisi Pagoda (only 300 meters away), one of Suzhou’s oldest Buddhist towers. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of the city. Metro transit remains the most efficient and reliable choice for tourists.
Family-friendly sites near Baoshou Temple include Dongyuan (formerly Couyuan) and Wangshi Garden, both UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens renowned for their intricate layouts. Dongyuan features a dedicated children’s activity zone where kids can try traditional crafts like paper cutting and fan painting.
Wangshi Garden offers multilingual guided tours in Chinese and English, making garden architecture accessible and engaging for young visitors. Nearby, Pingjiang Road Riverside Path has parent-child rest areas and shallow water zones perfect for kids to play safely. All sites are wheelchair-accessible with clear signage, ideal for multi-generational visits and creating lasting family memories.
Stay at the Hyatt Regency Suzhou Garden Expo, a boutique hotel blending traditional Jiangnan architecture with modern comfort, just a 10-minute walk from Baoshou Temple. Enjoy panoramic views of temple rooftops and serene gardens from your room. Complimentary shuttle service connects guests to the nearest metro station and the temple. Guests can also participate in authentic morning bell and evening drum meditation sessions hosted by the temple, offering a profound cultural immersion into Zen Buddhism and tranquil heritage.
Take Suzhou Metro Line 4 to Shi Hu Mo Li Station, then walk about 15 minutes to Baoshou Temple. Alternatively, bus lines 60 or 317 stop directly at "Baoshou Temple Station." For drivers, use navigation apps with the search term "Baoshou Temple, Suzhou"—ample parking is available nearby with reasonable rates and well-organized management. Both metro and bus services run frequently, especially on weekends and holidays, making them the most reliable and convenient options for visiting this cultural landmark.
Beyond worship, Baoshou Temple hosts annual spring poetry gatherings and calligraphy salons, featuring local scholars and calligraphers demonstrating classical brushwork. The temple also offers Tea & Zen Sessions in its tranquil courtyard—guests sip tea while listening to Dharma talks and meditating, embodying the philosophy of "Zen through tea." Nearby, an authentic Suzhou embroidery workshop welcomes visitors to try hand-stitching techniques, creating personalized souvenirs. These immersive activities highlight intangible cultural heritage, seamlessly blending nature, art, and spiritual reflection.
Accommodations around Baoshou Temple are known for their low density and high quality, primarily boutique guesthouses or renovated historical buildings transformed into cultural retreats. They offer modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms while preserving original wooden structures and carved windows, creating an authentic ancient ambiance. Surrounded by Taihu Wetlands and classical gardens, guests enjoy peaceful mornings filled with bird songs and starlit nights. Some hotels partner with the temple to provide combined passes, granting guests free entry and exclusive guided tours—enhancing both comfort and cultural access.
Near Baoshou Temple, the Dongshan Town Taihu Scenic Area offers ideal family outings with child-friendly zones including ecological observation areas, paddle boat rentals, and interactive farming gardens. The lakeside trails are flat and stroller-accessible, lined with wild birds and blooming lotuses. Nearby, a Suzhou clay figurine workshop allows parents and kids to craft traditional terracotta dolls together—an engaging blend of hands-on fun and cultural learning. These activities emphasize nature education and heritage preservation, ensuring safe, enriching, and memorable experiences for all ages.
Search platforms like Xiaohongshu, HopeGoo, or official travel sites using keywords "boutique guesthouses near Baoshou Temple, Suzhou," filtering listings with ratings above 4.8 and verified photos. Most guesthouses allow bookings up to 7 days in advance and offer free cancellation. Premium properties such as Hyatt Regency Suzhou Garden Expo provide exclusive website deals including breakfast and temple guided tours. When HopeGoo, specify special requests like "room facing Baoshou Temple" or "accessible facilities"—hosts typically accommodate these to ensure a comfortable, seamless stay.
See what other travelers say about Baoshou Temple

The weather was absolutely perfect for our getaway, and choosing Novotel Suzhou Tai Lake Santeh for our family vacation turned out to be an excellent decision. The 599 yuan package included everything—meals, accommodation, and activities—and offered incredible value for money. The family hot pot was generously portioned, and the sour cabbage fish was fresh and flavorful—we couldn’t even finish it! It’s normal for the dining area to be busy during holidays, so no complaints there. A big thank you to Xiao Yuan at front desk for arranging such a spacious, clean room with great attention to detail. Her friendly and patient service made our stay even more enjoyable. We’re already planning to come back next Lunar New Year! 😄😄
Explore more amazing destinations