Two-Day Suzhou Wuxi Tour From Shanghai by Bullet Train

Day 1

In the morning, you will take the high-speed train to Suzhou on your own. Upon your arrival, our local tour guide will be waiting for you at the exit of Suzhou train station with a welcome sign reading "Your Way Holiday", and your tour in Suzhou will begin.

Your first destination is Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest classical gardens in Suzhou. Renowned for its historical and cultural significance, it is considered one of China’s four most famous classical gardens, alongside the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Summer Palace, and the Mountain Summer Resort in Chengde. Lingering Garden is celebrated for its extraordinary landscape design, where traditional Chinese architectural elements blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of rocks, plants, and water. The garden is a masterpiece of spatial art, using a variety of artistic techniques to create an intricate and harmonious environment. As you stroll through its winding paths, bridges, and pavilions, you'll experience a sense of tranquility that invites reflection and relaxation. It’s a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing both your mind and body to rest. Your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the garden’s history, its architectural design, and the cultural significance behind each carefully crafted scene, ensuring that you fully appreciate the beauty and depth of this remarkable garden.

Next, you will visit Hanshan Temple, also known as Cold Mountain Temple, located near the town of Fengqiao. This ancient Buddhist temple is steeped in history and is best known for its mention in the famous poem "A Night Mooring by the Maple Bridge" by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji. The temple’s architectural beauty is highlighted by its impressive large bells, its distinctive black roof, and the elegant domed bridge that links the temple’s various buildings. As you wander through the temple grounds, you’ll encounter its peaceful halls, pavilions, and corridors, all surrounded by well-maintained gardens that enhance the serene atmosphere. The temple offers a tranquil space where you can take a moment to relax and reflect, allowing both your mind and body to rest. The calming sound of the bells in the distance, combined with the quiet beauty of the surroundings, creates a truly peaceful environment. Your guide will provide insightful commentary on the temple’s rich history, the meaning behind its architecture, and its cultural significance throughout the centuries, ensuring that you gain a deeper understanding of this sacred and timeless place.

Lunch will be arranged at a local Chinese restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Suzhou cuisine, known for its delicate flavors and refined presentation. Suzhou’s culinary tradition is famous for its use of fresh ingredients, light seasoning, and the subtle balance of sweetness and savory notes. You will have the opportunity to sample signature dishes such as Suzhou-style sweet and sour fish, steamed dumplings, and delicate marinated meats. If you have any dietary preferences or specific requirements, feel free to let our tour guide know, and we will make sure to accommodate your needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or prefer to try something new, this meal will give you a taste of the rich culinary heritage of Suzhou.

In the afternoon, continue your tour to Panmen, one of Suzhou's most historically significant landmarks. Also known as Pan Gate, this ancient site dates back to the 6th century and stands as a testament to the city's rich history and defensive ingenuity. The Panmen area is a unique blend of military architecture and natural beauty, featuring the well-preserved city gate, a stone bridge, and the distinctive Panmen Water Gate, which once played a crucial role in the city’s defense system. As you explore the site, you will discover how the gate was strategically designed to protect Suzhou from invaders. The surrounding park is a peaceful retreat, with lush greenery, traditional pavilions, and picturesque views that create a perfect setting for quiet reflection. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the ancient city walls and the tranquil atmosphere that offers a sense of timelessness. Your guide will provide detailed insights into the history of Panmen, its military significance, and its role in shaping Suzhou’s development. Through their expert commentary, you will gain a deeper appreciation of this remarkable blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Next, you will visit Shantang Street, also known as Seven-mile Shantang, located in the northwest of Suzhou. Famous for its picturesque canal views and charming old architecture, Shantang Street attracts both domestic and international visitors. The street’s prime location and easy access by both land and water made it one of the most prosperous trading and cultural hubs during the Ming and Qing dynasties, earning it the title of "the No.1 Ancient Street in China." Today, the renovated Shantang Street offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, often referred to as "the miniature of old Suzhou and the window of Wu culture." The street’s historical significance and scenic charm are celebrated in a popular folk song that says, “There is a paradise in heaven, but there are Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth. Hangzhou has the West Lake, while Suzhou has Shantang. Both are places of boundless beauty.” As you stroll along the street, your guide will share insights into its history, cultural significance, and the vibrant life that once flourished here, allowing you to appreciate the timeless charm of Shantang Street.

The final stop is Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, established in 1926 and one of the most renowned silk factories in China. The factory is divided into three sections: the exhibition hall, where you can learn about the history of Suzhou silk and view some ancient collections; the working area, where you can observe the intricate process of silk production; and the product exhibition hall, which showcases the factory’s main products, particularly its famous silk wadding quilts. Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory is highly regarded in the silk industry for its comprehensive production process, which includes silkworm raising, cocoon sorting, cocoon boiling, and silk reeling, rewinding, and packing. As the first silk mill in Suzhou, it offers visitors a fascinating view of the entire silk-making process, from the cultivation of silkworms to the creation of the final products. This experience not only highlights the technical and artistic mastery of Chinese silk-making but also provides a deeper understanding of the rich cultural history of silk in China. As you tour the factory, your guide will explain the significance of silk in Chinese culture, its development through the centuries, and its impact on global trade, offering you a comprehensive insight into the ancient art of silk production.

After the tour of Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, drive you to your hotel in Suzhou.

Day 2

After breakfast, our Suzhou tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby on time and you will be transferred to Wuxi directly, it takes around 1 hour for one way.

Your first destination in Wuxi is Three Kingdoms City, a renowned tourist attraction and one of the CCTV Television Bases, famous for being the filming location of the historical TV series The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The entire scenic area exudes grandeur and spectacle, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of ancient China. As you stroll through the city, every gate, tower, and brick seems to tell its own captivating story of the tumultuous times of the Three Kingdoms era. Designed as a double-purpose city that serves both as a filming base and a tourist destination, Three Kingdoms City attracts a large number of visitors eager to experience its historical ambiance and cultural significance. In addition to exploring the city, you may also have the opportunity to take a leisurely boat ride on the tranquil waters of Taihu Lake, while enjoying a live performance of traditional Kunqu Opera and Pingtan, enhancing your cultural experience. Your guide will provide fascinating commentary on the history of the Three Kingdoms, the significance of the TV series, and the role the city plays in preserving and promoting Chinese cultural heritage.

Lunch will be arranged at a local Chinese restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Wuxi cuisine, known for its rich flavors and unique culinary techniques. Wuxi cuisine is a part of the Jiangsu culinary tradition and is particularly famous for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, as well as its balance of sweet and savory flavors. You will have the opportunity to sample some of the city’s signature dishes, such as Wuxi-style spare ribs, known for their sweet, sticky glaze, and the famous Wuxi sweet-scented rice balls, a traditional dessert. The restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a delightful meal. If you have any dietary preferences or restrictions, please feel free to let our tour guide know, and we will ensure that your meal is tailored to your needs. This lunch will provide you with a true taste of Wuxi’s rich culinary heritage, giving you a deeper appreciation of the local culture.

After lunch, continue your tour to Yuantouzhu Park (Turtle Head Park), often hailed as the "wonder among wonders around Taihu Lake" by a renowned Chinese poet. Situated on a beautiful peninsula that extends into the northwest part of Taihu Lake, the park is famous for its distinctive turtle-head-shaped landscape, which gives it its unique name. This picturesque park offers stunning views of the vast lake, surrounding hills, and lush greenery, making it one of the most iconic spots in the region. Yuantouzhu Park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, with traditional pavilions, winding paths, and well-designed gardens that create a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. The area also holds a rich cultural history, serving as a symbol of Wuxi's deep connection to nature and its historical importance. As you stroll through the park’s serene environment, your guide will share fascinating stories about the park’s origins, its cultural significance, and the natural wonders that make it such a cherished destination, ensuring that you leave with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful and historic site.

The final stop is Jichang Garden, a renowned example of classical Chinese garden design in South China. Known for its elegance and harmony, Jichang Garden is considered a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping and has even inspired Emperor Qianlong to create a duplicate of the garden in Beijing, called Huishanyuan Garden (Hui Hill Garden) or Xiaquyuan Garden (Xiaqu Garden). Nestled against the backdrop of the picturesque Huishan Mountain, Jichang Garden embodies the essence of traditional Chinese residential gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the serene lifestyle of ancient China. The garden features a small, tranquil pond surrounded by a winding corridor, which connects over one hundred sections, linking towers, pavilions, halls, chambers, bridges, and terraces along the waterside. These thoughtfully designed structures create a unique and diverse landscape, often referred to as a "garden within a garden." As you explore this beautiful garden, your guide will share insightful details about its history, design principles, and the cultural significance of its structures, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and depth of this iconic Chinese garden.

After finished the sightseeing, drive you to the train station and you return back to Shanghai. Our Shanghai driver will take you back to your hotel, your tour ends.

Price Per Person in US Dollars