Suzhou (Suzhouyuanqu Rail Stn)

Suzhou Yuanqu Railway Station, also known as Suzhou Industrial Park Station, is a vital transport hub for the eastern part of the city. This modern terminal primarily serves high-speed trains operating on the bustling line between Shanghai and Nanjing. Thanks to its location in the heart of the business district, the station is highly popular among business travellers and tourists who value time and comfort.

It is important for passengers to know that the station features a compact and intuitive structure, minimizing walking times. The building is equipped with clear signage in English and Chinese, helping visitors find the correct exit to the platforms or the city. The main passenger flow goes through the main gates where security checkpoints are located; transfers to city public transport are organized in the immediate vicinity of the terminal exit.

• Official Website: www.12306.cn (unified portal of China Railways)
• Inquiry Phone: 12306 (national hotline)
• Address: Zhihe Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
• Opening Hours: Daily, approximately from 06:00 to 22:00 (depending on the train schedule)
• Luggage Storage: Automatic lockers and a luggage storage facility are available in the waiting hall
• Accessibility Information: The station is equipped with elevators, ramps, and dedicated restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility

Getting to Suzhou Yuanqu (Industrial Park) Station is convenient thanks to a developed public transport network. The station is integrated with the Suzhou Metro system: Line 3 and Line 8 intersect here, providing a fast connection to the city centre and other districts. Metro exits lead directly to the station square, which significantly saves travel time.

You can also reach the station by city buses, with routes covering the entire Industrial Park. If you prefer a taxi, the trip from the historic centre of Suzhou will take about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. For pedestrians, Zhihe Road serves as a landmark, although due to the large distances in this area, walking is only recommended from nearby hotels.

Suzhou Yuanqu Station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable journey. The main hall houses ticket counters and automatic self-service terminals (some support an English interface and passport scanning). The spacious waiting hall is equipped with ample seating, and a separate zone is often provided for business-class ticket holders.

Among the important amenities, it is worth noting the availability of free dispensers with hot drinking water (boiling water) — an essential feature of Chinese railway stations. The premises also feature clean restrooms, including cabins for people with disabilities, and luggage storage facilities. Public Wi-Fi is available, but connecting usually requires verification via a Chinese mobile number.

Dining options at Yuanqu Station itself may be limited compared to giant transport hubs, but you will not go hungry. Usually, small convenience stores operate inside the terminal, where you can buy water, soft drinks, snacks, and the famous instant noodles. This is the most popular option for a quick snack before boarding.

For those wishing for a substantial meal, it is better to look for establishments near the station or in the shopping centres of the Industrial Park before arriving. Inside the building, you may find fast-food chains (such as KFC or McDonald's) or Chinese cuisine outlets, where the average bill will be around 30–50 RMB. Many establishments are open from early morning until late evening. Travellers seeking Halal options should note that choices inside might be limited, so checking for Halal certification or opting for vegetarian snacks is advisable.

The history of Suzhou Yuanqu Station is closely linked to the region's economic boom and the development of high-speed railways. The station was commissioned on July 1, 2010, as part of the large-scale Shanghai — Nanjing intercity railway project. Its opening was a response to the growing needs of the Suzhou Industrial Park for rapid logistics and passenger transport.

Over the years, the station has established itself as a key element of the city's transport system, significantly relieving pressure on the central Suzhou Railway Station. An important stage of development was the integration of the station with metro lines, transforming it into a full-fledged transport interchange hub connecting railway services with the inner-city network.

When planning a trip via Yuanqu Station, it is strongly recommended to arrive at the station at least 45–60 minutes before the train departs. This time is necessary to pass the mandatory security control (luggage screening and personal check) and document verification. International tourists should keep their passport ready, as it will be required both to enter the station and for boarding.

Please be attentive to luggage regulations: knives, scissors, and flammable aerosols are prohibited. Boarding usually closes 5 minutes before departure, so keep an eye on the announcements on the display boards. If you have a long wait ahead, bring a portable charger, as available power outlets may be occupied.