Shanghai / Suzhou

I am in Shanghai now. I would like to go to the canal vilages/cities like Suzhou. I want to make this a day trip but start earliest and end latest but to end up in Shanghai that night. I want t do this budget. Can anyone advise me?
Thanks

Suzhou is possible as a daytrip. But you would want to spend a whole day there. In the southwest corner of the old part of the city there is a beautiful park, with a short section of the city wall, a massive 'water gate' (called the 'coiled gate' or 'pan men' in Chinese), an ancient pagoda, arched bridge, etc. It's well worth the visit.

The canals are very beautiful, with the narrow cobblestone streets and old-fashioned houses. But I found the gardens to be disappointing- and others who have been there have said the same.

thanks for your reply.
Any logistical info, like how to get there a and back? Once there can one get around by taxi like one can in Shanghai?

You can get to Suzhou by bus or train. I went by train, and it took about 1 hour. Bus takes about 1 1/2 hours. Suzhou is much smaller than Shanghai, so getting around by taxi is a lot more affordable. You could also take a pedicab, and see Suzhou at a slower pace, for that more "authentic Chinese experience."

Unfortunately, if you only do a daytrip you'll miss seeing Suzhou at night: the canals and alleys are more romantic in the evening. I stayed at a really great hostel that was opposite a small canal, in a centuries-old house. It was beautiful.