Tours/Shanghai/Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai
Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai
5.0(16)Shanghai8–10 hours
TRIPADVISOR5.0(16)
+2 photos
At a glance
Duration
8–10 hours
Price from
$269 / person
Location
Shanghai, China
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 16 reviews
Languages
CMN, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
MAO
Meeting point
Tim Hortons coffee near ticket office at the north square of the train station
Description
Hi, I’m Mao! Suzhou is my hometown, a picturesque riverside city known as “Venice of the East”. Joining my day tour, you will be able to escape from the crowds at famous tourist attractions and personally explore a hidden ancient water town, experience traditional Su-style cuisine made using ancient methods, visit stunning the “water temple”, cycle or just relax by the beautiful lake, and enjoy Chinese wine/tea tasting with me.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 10:00 AM
Next available
Mon, Oct 12
Adult
$269
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $419.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 11.
Tour Options
From Shanghai - All inclusive
8-10 hour private tour : with excellent English/Chinese-speaking guide to explore Suzhou's hidden gems.
First class bullet train : tickets, rental fee are inclusive. Pickup service will be provided on your preferred departure time.
Beverages and snacks: during tasting, temple entrance fee are all included.
Itinerary
Shanghai Railway Station
45 min
I will meet you at your hotel lobby/meeting points at your preferred departure time (between 8:30-10:00). Please make sure to bring your passport with you before arriving at Shanghai railway station. All your train tickets will be ready in advance. You will have a wonderful bullet train experience to Suzhou. (For those who depart from Suzhou, i will pick you up at your preferred time and head to our next stop directly.)
Kunshan
90 min
You will visit a hidden ancient water town that 99.9% tourists don't know. You can wander around the old village. Enjoy the picturesque river view, old streets, houses and bridges, see the authentic lifestyle of people and hear my explanation of the history and art.
You will also get the chance to watch the ancient methods of making various traditional Su-style desserts & street food and enjoy tasting them
Yangcheng Lake
120 min
Here you can choose from cycling along the beautiful riverbank or taking a break by the lake while enjoying great view and special snacks. Bike rental fee/snacks & beverages are included (those who choose to depart after 9:00am will skip this part.)
Then we will have a traditional Chinese wine/tea tasting session. Feel free to bring up any questions related to Chinese culture, art and gastronomy.
Chongyuan Temple
Admission included90 min
You will then head to the Chongyuan Temple. It is claimed to be the most beautiful water temple in China. The most notable features of the temple are the 33-meter tall Guanyin statue located in the Water Guanyin Temple and the largest single building among domestic temples, the Mahavira Hall.
You will be able to take stunning pictures from here.
At end of the tour, I will escort you to Suzhou railway station and take 1st class bullet train back to Shanghai. After arrival, I will drop you off at your hotel/meeting points. (For those who depart from Suzhou, I will drop you off at your hotel/meeting points directly after our final stop)
If you want to visit some other attractions besides the sample itinerary, feel free discussing with me!
When tour is finished, you will take bullet train back to Shanghai city.
What's included
Included
Temple entrance fee
Round trip 1st class bullet train ticket
Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Shanghai/Suzhou
Transport by private vehicle in both Shanghai and Suzhou
8-10 hour private guide
Beverages and snacks during tasting
Resting facilities (e.g. chairs)
Bike rental fee
Not included
Hotel pick up and drop-off for locations outside of downtown Shanghai/Suzhou (surcharge applied)
Gratuities
Other personal expenses
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Shanghai/Suzhou are included, and will need to be confirmed 1 day in advance
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
16 reviews
5
16
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Shanghai
Starting price $269 is 21% above the typical $222 for tours of similar length in Shanghai
Excurgo comparison of 2,086 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants (for fast train ticket reservation)
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai take?
Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai lasts about 8–10 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai cost?
Prices start at $269 per person for this Shanghai experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $419. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 10:00 AM.
Can I cancel Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Shanghai/Suzhou are included, and will need to be confirmed 1 day in advance Pickup points include GreenTree Alliance Disneyland North Gate.
What languages is Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai offered in?
The experience is available in CMN, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 6 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Children must be accompanied by an adult
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Suzhou Private Day Tour from Shanghai worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by MAO.
Reviews(16)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
M2369SFandy
April 17, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Learned So Much with Mao’s Easygoing Style!
Mao made Suzhou’s history fun! The bullet train ride was smooth, and she explained things in a way that wasn’t overwhelming. Loved the hidden garden she chose—she pointed out how the rocks and ponds mimic mountains and lakes (mind blown!). She didn’t rush us, and the private car kept us cool in the heat. Bonus: she taught us a few Chinese phrases! Felt like exploring with a knowledgeable friend, not a formal guide.
2
224onlyj
April 17, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Perfect Tour for Avoiding Crowds!
Mao was super helpful and friendly! The bullet train from Shanghai was way faster than I expected, and the private car in Suzhou made getting around easy. The gardens she picked were quiet and pretty, not like the busy ones you see online. She even snapped a few photos of us by the canals. Lunch was at a local place with amazing dumplings. If you want a chill day without tourist crowds, book this tou
J
jjgghj2025
March 10, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend
We had a great time visiting and learning about the beautiful city of Suzhou. Mao arranged all the transportation and tickets which made everything seamless and enjoyable. She was a fantastic and friendly guide, with lots of knowledge and personal stories to share. Mao even went back to the train station the day before our tour when our tickets were misprinted. We had lots of questions and she was patient and informative with his answers. We were able to try delicious local cuisine for lunch and overall had a wonderful experience. Definitely recommend booking a tour with her during your next trip to Shanghai!
N
nnbbu
March 10, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Perfect day trip from Shanghai with a great guide
We had a fantastic time exploring Suzhou with our private tour guide Mao. We opted for bullet train transport from and returning to Shanghai which was a highlight in itself. We were also transported around Shanghai and Suzhou in luxury air conditioned vehicles. Our lovely tour guide Mao was amazing. Her knowledge of the area and english were outstanding. We had a very varied itinerary which gave us a brilliant insight into ancient and modern Chinese culture. We highly recommend this tour and our amazing guide Mao.
K
kkjjklljl
March 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Suzhou Untouristy: Mao’s Hidden Gems Delight!
Forget generic tours—Mao’s Suzhou is a love letter to the undiscovered. The bullet train’s speed contrasted beautifully with her leisurely strolls through nearly empty gardens, where she revealed how every pond and pavilion whispers Confucian ideals. A visit to a silk museum became a hands-on lesson in heritage, and her choice of a canal-side lunch spot (with the city’s best “squirrel fish”) was genius. Mao’s grace in handling logistics (rain umbrellas ready!) matched her historical expertise. Want authenticity? Mao delivers.
F
ffgkj
March 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Beyond the Obvious: Mao Crafts a Suzhou Masterpiece
The bullet train set the pace, but Mao curated hidden gems slowed time: a secluded canal boat ride, a family-run tea house where she explained ceremonial traditions, and a silk workshop humming with quiet artistry. Her English flowed like the city’s waterways, and her wit turned historical facts into memorable anecdotes (who knew garden rocks had “personalities”?). The private car rides between stops were clutch for escaping crowds. Mao’s tour isn’t a checklist—it’s a sensory feast.
J
jjji2025
March 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Suzhou’s Silk, Gardens & Whispers of History with Mao
Ever wondered how silk threads inspired empires?” Mao’s question kicked off our tour, and her answers never ceased to amaze. From the bullet train’s modernity to Suzhou’s ancient canals, she bridged eras effortlessly. We explored hidden garden corners where she decoded poetic inscriptions, and a silk atelier where her insights made centuries-old techniques feel alive. The private transfers were a blessing in summer heat, and her lunch recommendation—a savory Suzhou noodle dish—was a triumph. Mao’s passion turns sightseeing into time travel.
H
hhhhj2025
March 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Mao Unveils Suzhou’s Best-Kept Treasures!
Our day began with a swift bullet train ride from Shanghai, but the real journey started when Mao greeted us in Suzhou. She led us through winding canals and tucked-away gardens that even seasoned travelers might miss. Her explanation of silk weaving at a quiet workshop—complete with live demonstrations—turned a craft into a captivating story. The private transfers were seamless, and Mao’s knack for blending history with humor (like decoding garden rock symbolism with a wink) kept us hooked. If you crave a Suzhou beyond postcards, Mao is your key!
J
jjdjhj
March 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Hidden Gardens & Warm Hospitality with Guide Mao!
Mao is a gem! Her Suzhou tour perfectly balanced famous gardens like the Humble Administrator’s Garden with quieter, lesser-known ones that felt like secret oases. She explained the symbolism behind every rock and pond, making the landscapes come alive. The private transfers saved us time, and Mao’s witty commentary about Suzhou’s silk trade history kept us engaged. We loved the spontaneous stop at a local market, where she helped us bargain for handmade embroidery. Her thoughtful touches—like bringing umbrellas for unexpected rain—show she truly cares. Mao’s English is excellent, and her enthusiasm for Suzhou is contagious. A must-do tour for curious travelers!
K
kjhbnnj
March 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A Masterclass in Suzhou’s Charm with Guide Mao!
Mao’s passion for Suzhou transformed our day trip into a cultural adventure! From the efficient bullet train to the cozy private car in Suzhou, every detail was seamless. She introduced us to hidden courtyards with centuries-old bonsai trees and shared stories about the city’s scholarly past. A highlight was exploring a lesser-known section of the Grand Canal, where Mao pointed out architectural details most guides miss. Her recommendation for a local lunch spot (try the sweet “Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish”!) was spot-on. Mao’s kindness and deep knowledge made this tour feel personal, not generic. If you want to see Suzhou’s soul beyond the guidebooks, Mao is your guide!
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