Stay at Marriott Suzhou Taihu Resort, just a 15-minute drive from Shibi Yonghui Temple. This resort blends classical Jiangnan garden aesthetics with modern luxury, offering tranquil tea ceremonies and meditation workshops. Each room features a private balcony overlooking the serene Taihu Lake, perfect for quiet reflection. Complimentary shuttle service runs to the temple, ideal for early morning rituals or evening moon-viewing. Nearby, Dongshan Ancient Town is within walking distance, where you can savor authentic Suzhou snacks and immerse in local culture.

Take Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station, then transfer to Bus 750 heading to "Shibi Chan Temple" stop—approximately 45 minutes total. For comfort, opt for a private car transfer from downtown Suzhou, taking about 30 minutes through scenic Taihu wetlands and rural landscapes. The temple has a dedicated parking lot with EV charging stations, ideal for self-drive visitors. Several tour agencies also offer half-day packages including transport, admission, and guided meditation sessions, providing great value.

The temple offers daily morning gongs and evening drums, with opportunities to join early-morning meditation and manuscript copying rituals. On lunar calendar first and fifteenth days, grand ceremonies and release-of-life blessings take place, where visitors receive lucky talismans. A serene bamboo forest trail leads up the back hill, lined with stone inscriptions of Zen sayings—perfect for mindful walking. Additionally, the temple hosts regular vegetarian culture lectures and incense art workshops, deepening visitors' understanding of Eastern wisdom and mindful living.

Visit Dongshan Eco Farm, offering hands-on activities like organic farming, handmade tofu making, and fruit picking—ideal for children. The site features a kids’ Zen play area crafted from natural materials, encouraging environmental awareness. Nearby, Xishan Island is a popular cycling destination with wide, safe lakeside trails perfect for family rides, with tea huts along the way for refreshments. The temple’s open Zen Garden is also family-friendly, great for photos, and hosts weekend family mindfulness workshops to strengthen parent-child bonds.

After dark, join the temple lantern meditation ceremony, where guests light lotus lamps in a peaceful sea of glow, reflecting on inner calm. Some guesthouses offer stargazing experiences with telescopes and expert guides, perfect under the clear skies of Taihu Lake’s low-light zone. Alternatively, visit Dongshan Night Market to taste local delicacies like sweet rice wine balls and soy-braised pork rice. For quieter moments, enjoy tea by a courtyard pond while listening to gentle rain—a true retreat.