Yan Zhou
What's Inside
I’ll be honest — getting lost on the way to Jiaxing is easy if you follow the wrong map. Google Maps doesn’t work well here, and most online guides just list train times without telling you how to actually buy a ticket as a foreigner. I’ve taken this route dozens of times with my groups, and I’ve seen every mistake. So let me save you the headache.
The short version: Take the high-speed train from Suzhou Station to Jiaxing South. It takes about 30 minutes and costs around ¥50-60. But the details matter — which station, how to pay, and what to do when you arrive. Keep reading, I’ve got you covered.
Fastest Option: High-Speed Train from Suzhou to Jiaxing
This is the way to go. The G-series trains run frequently from Suzhou Station (苏州站) or Suzhou North Station (苏州北站) to Jiaxing South Station (嘉兴南站). Travel time is just 30–40 minutes. I always take the one from Suzhou Station — it’s closer to the city center and less confusing.
Where to Buy Tickets
Use Trip.com (the English version) or 12306.cn with a passport. As a foreigner, you can’t buy tickets from the Chinese app if you don’t have a Chinese ID. Here’s what I tell my guests:
- Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) — supports English, accepts international credit cards, and you can pick up tickets at the station ticket counter with your passport. Book here.
- 12306.cn — official but tricky. You need to register with a passport number and verification can take a day. Stick to Trip.com for simplicity.
- Station ticket office — always works if you have cash or a Chinese mobile payment. But queues can be long. Arrive at least 40 minutes early.
Pro Tip: Avoid buying tickets from third-party touts outside the station — they overcharge. I once saw a traveler pay ¥150 for a ¥55 ticket.
Which Station in Suzhou?
Suzhou Station (苏州站) is your best bet. It’s right in the city, easy to reach by metro Line 2 or Line 4. Suzhou North Station is farther out (30 minutes by metro), but some trains stop there too. Check your ticket: if it says “Suzhou” (not “Suzhou North”), you’re good.
Arriving at Jiaxing South Station
Jiaxing South Station is modern and well-connected. You can take bus 93 or 95 to the city center (about 30 minutes), or use Didi (China’s Uber) — the ride costs around ¥30-40. Don’t rely on Google Maps for directions inside the station. Apple Maps works better, but I suggest downloading AMap (高德地图) and using its English mode. Or just show the driver this: “请带我去嘉兴市区，谢谢” (Please take me to Jiaxing city center).
Budget Bus: Cheap but Slow
If you’re on a tight budget, long-distance buses are an option. They take about 1.5–2 hours and cost around ¥35. But honestly, I only recommend this if the trains are sold out (which happens during Chinese holidays like National Day or Spring Festival).
Where to Catch the Bus
Suzhou South Bus Station (苏州汽车南站) has direct buses to Jiaxing. You can buy tickets at the counter with cash or Alipay. The bus drops you at Jiaxing Bus Center (嘉兴汽车客运中心), which is a bit far from the old town — you’ll need another 20-minute taxi ride.
Insider Advice: The bus is less comfortable than the train. Toilets on board are basic, and the air conditioning might be weak. Bring a small fan and snacks. I’ve done this trip once — never again.
Driving: Freedom & Flexibility
If you have a car (or rent one), driving from Suzhou to Jiaxing is straightforward. Take the G15W Shenhai Expressway heading south. The drive is about 90–100 km and takes 1.2–1.5 hours without traffic. Tolls cost around ¥50.
Important for foreigners: Renting a car in China requires a Chinese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (not valid in all countries — check with the rental company). I usually suggest using a private car service (chauffeur) if you don’t want the hassle. You can book through Trip.com or Klook for around ¥300–400 one-way.
Parking in Jiaxing old town is tricky — spaces are tight. Park at a hotel or a public lot near the South Lake area. Fees are about ¥10–20 per hour.
Pro Tips for Booking Tickets
Book at least one day in advance for trains, especially on weekends. Same-day tickets often sell out by 10 AM. Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Method | Duration | Cost (¥) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Train | 30–40 min | 50–65 | ★★★★★ | Speed & convenience |
| Long-Distance Bus | 1.5–2 hr | 35–45 | ★★☆☆☆ | Budget travelers |
| Driving (self) | 1.2–1.5 hr | ~150 (toll+fuel) | ★★★★☆ | Groups or families |
| Private Car Service | 1.2–1.5 hr | 300–400 | ★★★★★ | Door-to-door comfort |
Payment note: Most ticket counters accept cash, but ticket machines only take Chinese bank cards or Alipay/WeChat Pay. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) rarely work at machines or bus stations. Always carry at least ¥200 in cash for emergencies.
What to Do in Jiaxing (Quick Ideas)
You didn’t come all this way just to leave, right? Jiaxing is famous for the South Lake (南湖), where the first CCP Congress concluded. The lake is beautiful, and the boat ride is relaxing. Other highlights:
- Yuehe Old Street (月河老街) — a water town with canals, traditional architecture, and street food. Try the “Jiaxing zongzi” (sticky rice dumplings). Bring cash — some small stalls don’t take cards.
- Xiuzhou Ancient Town (秀洲古镇) — less touristy than Suzhou’s Tongli. Free entry.
- Jiaxing Museum — good for a rainy day, and it’s free with passport registration.
Plan for at least 4–5 hours if you’re on a day trip. Many tourists combine Jiaxing with a visit to Hangzhou or Shanghai afterward — the train from Jiaxing South to Shanghai Hongqiao takes only 20 minutes!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Information reflects standard routes and pricing as commonly reported; always confirm ticket availability and prices on official platforms.
First time visiting Jiaxing from Suzhou - decided to take the bullet train because everything I read said it's the fastest. Wow, they weren't kidding! Left Suzhou at 11:30, was sipping tea at a restaurant near Nanhu Lake by 12:15. The train interior was super quiet and the AC worked perfectly. I even got a window seat and watched the countryside blur by - rice paddies, little villages, so peaceful. The station is well-connected to the city by metro too. Absolutely the way to go!
We tried the Suzhou-Jiaxing high-speed line for a day trip. The train itself was punctual (10:02 departure) and comfortable with WiFi that actually worked. Score! But here's the catch - the ticket machine at Suzhou Station had a long queue and we almost missed our train. And once in Jiaxing South, the taxi line was 25 minutes long because of some event. The ride itself gets 5 stars, but the station logistics bump it down a notch. Still solid recommendation if you plan extra buffer time.
I took the long-distance bus from Suzhou North Bus Station to Jiaxing for only 35 RMB. The bus was clean, but the ride took almost 2 hours because we hit some stop-and-go traffic near the provincial border. Also, the seat recline was basically nonexistent - my back was sore by the time we arrived. That said, the bus dropped us right near the city center which was convenient. If you're on a tight budget it's fine, but I'd spend the extra 20 kuai on a train next time.
Drove down with my husband last weekend via the G15W expressway. Traffic was light on a Sunday morning, and the road conditions were excellent - wide lanes and good signage. We took the Jiaxing Exit and followed the signs to South Lake. The whole drive took about 1 hour 20 minutes from our place in SIP. Only gripe is toll cost (around 45 RMB) but it's worth it for the flexibility. The scenery along the way is pretty with all the green fields and small canals. Would do it again!
Took the high-speed train from Suzhou to Jiaxing last Saturday - absolutely seamless! Left Suzhou Station at 9:15, grabbed a coffee from the platform kiosk, and before I even finished my podcast episode we were pulling into Jiaxing South. Total time door-to-door from my hotel near Guanqian Street was under an hour. The station in Jiaxing is modern and clean, with clear signs to the bus terminal. Highly recommend this route for anyone visiting the water towns - you'll save hours compared to driving.