The old city is compact enough to walk, and walking is the best way to explore the historic canal district. The gardens and major sights in the central area are all within reasonable walking distance of each other, and the canal-side streets are pleasant to navigate on foot.
Suzhou has a metro system with several lines. Line 1 connects the main station to the old town and runs east-west through the city. Line 4 provides a north-south route. Fares are inexpensive and the system is clean and reliable. Signs are bilingual.
Taxis are metered and generally honest. Bicycle hire is available from several points in the old town and is a good option for the relatively flat canal streets. Electric scooters are available through app-based rental services, as in most Chinese cities. Buses cover the wider city and are cheap but require reading Chinese characters to navigate efficiently.
For reaching Tiger Hill, Shantang Street, or the water villages on day trips, taxis or ride-hailing apps (Didi) are the most practical options.