Private Day Trip to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang or Tongli from Shanghai
Description
This private tour brings you the Suzhou exquisite UNESCO World Heritage classical gardens, and the enchanting charm of China’s most beautiful water towns, Tongli or Zhouzhuang, all in one unforgettable experience. • Visit the iconic Tiger Hill, a must-see symbol of Suzhou’s rich history. • Explore a Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage classical garden. • Wander through Zhouzhuang or Tongli water town, celebrated as China’s most beautiful water towns. • Shanghai hotel pick up and drop off with private comfortable vehicle. • All entrance fees included. • No rushing, no crowds, just your pace. • Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby in Shanghai and provide a comfortable private transfer to Tiger Hill in Suzhou. The drive takes about 2 hours. Your private insider guide will meet you directly at Tiger Hill to begin the tour.
Tiger Hill, also known as Surging Sea Hill, is a famous scenic area in Suzhou, attracting visitors with a number of historical sites and its natural beauty. It is said that "it would be a pity if you had been to Suzhou but didn't go to visit Tiger Hill". Walk in the footsteps of emperors and poets as you explore serene gardens, hidden courtyards, and a mysterious 2,500-year-old tomb believed to hold the king of the Wu Kingdom. The famous Yunyan Pagoda, tilting gracefully for centuries, offers a picture-perfect moment you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re chasing history, romance, or that perfect photo, Tiger Hill delivers. Feel the magic, hear the whispers of the past, and see why this has been a must-visit destination for travelers for over a millennium.
The Lingering Garden is beloved by visitors worldwide as one of Suzhou's most exquisite and harmonious classical gardens. Step into the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure where grand halls, poetic rockeries, and serene ponds unfold at every turn. Wander through winding corridors and hidden courtyards, each view more stunning than the last. Here, beauty lingers, and time slows down.
Then we'll transfer to Zhouzhuang, it normally takes about 1 hour drive. Zhouzhuang, China’s most enchanting water town where ancient canals, stone bridges, and Ming-Qing architecture bring history to life. Glide on wooden boats under iconic bridges, wander cobblestone lanes, and explore cultural treasures like Shen House. Savor local delights such as Wansan Pork Knuckle, and witness lantern-lit nights reflected on tranquil waters. Perfect for romance and culture seekers, Zhouzhuang offers a poetic escape into a living postcard. Experience the magic of China’s timeless charm, every moment here feels like a step back in time.
If you choose the Tongli option, after visiting the majestic Tiger Hill, we will skip the Lingering Garden and head directly to Tongli Water Town with renowned Tuisi Garden (Garden of Retreat and Reflection), a masterpiece UNESCO-recognized classical garden. It'll take about 45 minutes drive from Suzhou to Tongli Watertown. Tongli Water Town is a hidden gem often favored by travelers seeking authentic Jiangnan charm, praised as one of the most picturesque and tranquil water towns near Suzhou. Discover Tongli, where canals replace streets, bridges arch over calm waters, and life flows at the pace of a drifting boat. This ancient water town offers a serene escape from the city's hustle, complete with its own UNESCO-recognized classical garden, the Tuisi Garden (Garden of Retreat and Reflection).
At the end of the tour, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Shanghai. The return drive typically takes about 2 hours.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby in Shanghai downtown, and then transfer to Suzhou with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Reviews(13)
My bf and I went on holiday to China and chose this tour based on reviews and I'm glad we went with this tour. It was slow season so it was just us two with tour guide Andy. he was very informative and answered all our history questions. The water towns were amazing to walk through and Andy helped out so much when we shopped with the local people. I would definitely recommend.
our tour guide is very knowledgeable. she knows what she is talking. she is also very nice to her guests.
A great trip.Picked up on time from our hotel on time and delivered back as per the schedule. Jack our tour guide was very proficient in English and our driver was also very accomplished behind the wheel.No scary moments.The tour itself was excellent and the crowds were not excessive.A good lunch was provided.Did an enjoyable boat trip and had to duck around the posing ladies getting photographed on the bridges.Everyone was very friendly and although there weren't many Westerners doing these tours the Chinese people were very polite and friendly.If you have blonde hair you will be asked to pose with bunches of giggling ladies but its all good fund.Thanks Jack for the experience.
Enjoyed a trip back in time to visit two different era fishing towns. Both beautiful and distinct. Candy, the guide, provided great information and picked a delightful canal-side local restaurant for a tasty relaxing lunch. Great way to take a break from the busy modern Shanghai and soak up a refreshing trip back in time.
Our guide Sophie Lee led a small group tour to the two water towns; it was very exciting and knowledgeable and very enjoyable. The fishing village with the river boat tour was excellent and I'm sure I saw the same in an early James Bond movie. Lunch was very enjoyable; we would recommend this tour and Sophie Lee to future tourists; it was a very enjoyable day and tour; thankyou
We had a great time with a leisurely walk through the streets of Zhouzhuang. It got a little crowded at times and I was more than once thankful I was in a small tour group of 6. I don't think I would have coped with a having to follow the large tour group leader with a flag and jostle to hear what they were saying. Jinxi did not have the history of Zhouzhuang but was quieter but you got a better insight into the life of the people who made their living off the lake. I enjoyed seeing the contrast and seeing both if I had to make a choice out of the two I would pick Zhouzhuang
<p>A different look at the outskirts of Shanghai...enjoyed a beautiful day</p>
Meant be a group tour, but it turned out to be a private tour as there was no other participant - what a bonus! It was snowing on the day of our tour, which is very rare in the Shanghai area. This made our tour little difficult, but the snow made everything look very pretty! It was freezing cold but the scenery made all the efforts worthwhile. Our guide, Kris was very good, so was the driver. The vehicle was new and clean. I highly recommend the tour to people who may not have much time in Shanghai, but want to see something totally different from the Big City metropolitan scenary.
<p>It was a great trip. Very interesting and my guide Summer was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and more than willing to share. Let her order lunch. What great choices. I would highly recommend for all. Pick up and drop off at hotel. Could not have been more simple. Wonderful day.</p>
<p>Great tour. Summer our guide was really knowledgeable and customized the tour on what we wanted to do/see. Would definitely recommend this tour!</p>
