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Your Location: Home > Suzhou Private Tours > Suzhou Private Tours For First Time Travelers > Immersive Suzhou Day Tour: Including Tongli Water Town and Elegant Gardens

Immersive Suzhou Day Tour: Including Tongli Water Town and Elegant Gardens

From $116 per person
Immersive Suzhou Day Tour: Including Tongli Water Town and Elegant Gardens
  • Immersive Suzhou Day Tour: Including Tongli Water Town and Elegant Gardens
  • Immersive Suzhou Day Tour: Including Tongli Water Town and Elegant Gardens
  • Immersive Suzhou Day Tour: Including Tongli Water Town and Elegant Gardens

Tour Style:
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and rich heritage of Suzhou with this cultural and scenic exploration. This tour seamlessly combines the elegance of classical Chinese gardens with the charm of ancient water towns, providing a thorough and immersive experience of Suzhou's historical and architectural splendor. Marvel at the intricate designs of traditional gardens, each a masterpiece of landscape artistry, and wander through picturesque water towns where history comes alive amid ancient bridges and well-preserved buildings. This journey offers not only a glimpse into Suzhou's architectural achievements but also a deep connection to its cultural traditions and serene natural landscapes.

Duration: 6-8 Hours

Attractions(Cities):
Lingering Garden, Tongli Water Town

Pick-up point:
Your hotel in Suzhou or Suzhou train station (based on your requirement)

Finishing point:
Your hotel in Suzhou or Suzhou train station (based on your requirement)

Tour Customizable:
Absolutely! (Tell us your requirements in your inquiry)

Payment Types:
Cash, Wire, Paypal, Western Union, Wechat, Alipay

Available: Daily

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Tour Itinerary
Optional Activities
Price
Why Choose Us
Review

Tour Itinerary

  • Place&Transport: Suzhou
  • Today's Activities: Master of Nets Garden, Tongli Water Town
  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meal: N/A

In the morning, your tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel lobby in Suzhou downtown or Suzhou train station, where our guide will be waiting with a "Your Way Holiday" welcome sign.

Your Way Holiday in Suzhou

You will start your tour at the Lingering Garden, celebrated for its refined design and harmonious layout. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 23,300 square meters, showcases the classic Qing Dynasty style with elegant pavilions, tranquil ponds, and meticulously arranged rockeries, creating a serene and picturesque environment. As one of China’s four great gardens, the Lingering Garden stands out for its exquisite architectural beauty, historical significance, and the artful integration of nature and design. The garden’s unique layout reflects the principles of traditional Chinese aesthetics, blending natural landscapes with human artistry. Your guide will provide detailed insights into the garden's intricate design, historical context, and its role in representing classical Chinese garden culture, ensuring you gain a deep appreciation for its exceptional artistic and cultural heritage.

Lingering-GardenLingering-Garden-Suzhou

Next, you will be driven to Tongli Water Town, one of the most renowned ancient water towns in the Yangtze River Delta. Famous for its picturesque rivers, historic bridges, and traditional architecture, Tongli is a charming example of Southern China's water town culture.Occupying an area of 51 square miles (133 square kilometers), Tongli is divided by 15 rivers into seven islets, which are connected by 49 ancient bridges. Among these, the Taiping (Peace), Jili (Luck), and Changqing (Celebration) bridges are particularly famous. These historic landmarks not only serve as essential connectors within the town but are also regarded as sacred by the locals, embodying the town's cultural heritage and charm.

Tongli-Water-TownTongli-Water-Town-Suzhou

Our first stop is Retreat Garden (Tui Si Yuan), an exquisite example of Suzhou’s classical garden design. This garden, celebrated for its serene beauty and harmonious layout, features tranquil ponds, intricately carved pavilions, and lush, meticulously maintained vegetation. As you explore this peaceful retreat, your guide will provide detailed insights into its historical significance and the art of traditional Chinese garden design. They will explain the garden’s philosophical principles, which emphasize balance, harmony, and natural beauty. You will also hear stories about the influential figures who frequented the garden, adding depth to your understanding of its cultural and historical context.

Tuisi-GardenTuisi-Garden-Tongli

Next, we’ll visit Chongben Hall (Chong Ben Tang), a splendid example of traditional Suzhou architecture. This historic residence is renowned for its elegant wooden carvings, exquisite tile work, and spacious, well-preserved interiors. Your guide will walk you through the hall’s impressive architectural features, discussing its intricate woodwork and classic design elements that reflect the opulence of the Ming and Qing dynasties. They will also share engaging stories about the hall’s historical significance and the cultural practices of its former inhabitants, providing a comprehensive view of Suzhou’s architectural heritage and social history.

Chongben-hallChongben-Hall-Tongli

Following that, we’ll explore the Pearl Tower (Zhen Zhu Ta), a notable historical landmark that stands out with its distinctive design and cultural importance. This ancient tower, known for its elegant structure and historical relevance, has been an integral part of Suzhou’s landscape for centuries. As you admire the tower, your guide will offer in-depth explanations about its construction, historical role, and the symbolism it holds within the region. They will highlight the architectural details and historical context of the tower, enhancing your appreciation of this iconic symbol of Suzhou.

Peal-Tower-TongliPearl-Tower-Tongli

Our next stop is the Three Bridges (San Qiao), a picturesque and historically significant site in Zhouzhuang. These charming ancient stone bridges, each with its unique design and historical story, have been central to the town’s development. Your guide will explain the historical importance of these bridges, their role in local transportation, and the legends associated with them. As you walk across the bridges, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for their architectural beauty and their contribution to the cultural and historical fabric of Tongli.

Three-BridgesThree-Bridges-Tongli

We will conclude our tour at Jiayin Hall (Jia Yin Tang), a historic residence that exemplifies traditional Suzhou style and cultural heritage. This hall, with its finely crafted carvings and elegant design, provides a window into the luxurious lifestyle of a prosperous family from the past. Your guide will offer detailed commentary on the hall’s architectural features, its historical context, and the cultural practices of its former residents. They will share engaging stories about the hall’s significance, enriching your understanding of Tongli’s heritage and architectural splendor.

Jiayin-HallJiayin-Hall-Tongli

After the tour concludes, we will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer back to the high-speed rail station, concluding your enriching half-day exploration of Tongli’s historic and cultural treasures.

Optional Activities

At Your Way Holiday, we strive to enhance the depth and flexibility of your travel experience by offering a range of optional additions to our core tour itineraries. Our itineraries are designed to provide exceptional flexibility, allowing you to tailor your journey according to your preferences. Select from a variety of activities and experiences to enrich your itinerary, ensuring a personalized adventure that perfectly aligns with your interests. With Your Way Holiday, you have the freedom to create a memorable travel experience that is uniquely yours.

Immersive Experience: Traditional Lacquer Fans

Step into the world of ancient craftsmanship with the Traditional Lacquer Fan experience, a unique optional activity in Suzhou. This hands-on workshop allows you to delve into the art of crafting lacquer fans, a time-honored tradition in Chinese culture.Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you'll learn the intricate techniques involved in creating these exquisite items, from applying multiple layers of lacquer to mastering the delicate process of embellishing the fan with intricate designs. The process not only showcases the meticulous artistry involved but also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Suzhou.

Lacquer-Fans-SuzhouLacquer-Fans

Discover the Charm of Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Paintings

Immerse yourself in Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage with the Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Paintings experience. This optional activity offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of traditional Chinese woodblock printing, a craft that has been cherished for centuries.In this engaging workshop, you'll witness the meticulous process of creating Taohuawu’s famous New Year paintings, known for their vivid colors and lively motifs. Skilled artisans will guide you through each step, from carving intricate wooden blocks to applying bright, festive inks. You'll gain insight into the symbolic meanings behind these enchanting designs, which often celebrate prosperity, good fortune, and happiness.

Taohuawu-Woodblock-New-Year-Paintings-SuzhouTaohuawu-Woodblock-New-Year-Paintings

From $116 per person
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Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes

1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views.
2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs.
3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees.
4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service.
5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time.
6. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
7. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.


Price Excludes

1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary.
2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD)
3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip.
4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included.
5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.

How Our Teams Serve you at Your Way Holiday

Personalized Travel Consultant
Experience the best of China with our expert travel consultants by your side. With years of local tourism experience, they are not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to making your trip unforgettable. Your dedicated consultant will craft a bespoke tour plan tailored to your unique interests, schedule, and budget, offering you the utmost flexibility. From the moment you start planning until the end of your journey, they will be in touch, ensuring every detail is perfect and that your trip runs smoothly.

Exceptional Local Guides
Discover it through the eyes of our exceptional local guides. All certified and experienced, they are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of attractions, history, and culture. Whether you're interested in hidden gems or popular sites, they know the best places to visit. They can recommend top local restaurants, unique shopping spots, and must-see shows. Beyond just guiding, they provide enriching insights into the history, customs, and authentic daily life, making your experience truly immersive.

Premium Private Transportation
Travel in comfort and style with our premium private transportation. We offer a fleet of air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean, and meticulously maintained vehicles, all less than four years old. Our professional drivers, all locals with over a decade of driving experience, are friendly, courteous, and dedicated to your safety and comfort. Depending on your group's size, we provide a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, business vans (MPVs), and spacious buses, all with ample luggage space.

Authentic Dining Experiences
We prioritize genuine local culinary experiences over pre-arranged tourist restaurants. Our local guides will recommend the best local restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors. This approach ensures you enjoy the freshest, most authentic meals, tailored to your preferences, and experience the true essence of the local cuisine. Whether your dietary needs are vegetarian, Muslim, Chinese, Western, Jewish, or Indian, we have excellent options to make every meal a delightful part of your journey.

Questions & Answers or Review
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* Title of your review
* Your review
 
M
Mark A
Reviewed 24 December 2019
Visit Suzhou from Shanghai by train

My friend and I will be visiting China and we would like to see Suzhou on December 29th, 2019. We only have time for one day, but would like to make the most of it by visiting the spots listed below. We will purchase bullet train tickets and arrive around 08:30 a.m from Shanghai.

Here is what we would like to see:
1. Lingering Garden
2. Shantang Street
3. Tiger Hill
4. Tongli Water Town
5. Silk Factory

Is it possible to arrange a tour with these stops? May you please show me the options you would have? We can also arrive earlier than 8:30 a.m. if needed.

I kindly thank you and look forward to your response.

Thank you,
Mark

Replied:

Dear Mark,

Thanks for your inquiry for Suzhou Private Tour service. The tour is available on 29th Dec. This tour is customizable. One day Suzhou tour can includes these attractions. We recommend you cancel the Shantang street, because there are many antient streets in Tongli water town, they are quite similar. For the day tour to Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Tongli Water Town and Silk Factory, starting at 8:30am is find, no need earlier one. We have sent you the detailed itinerary and quotation by email. Feel free to let us know if you have any questios or need any help. Thanks!


Suzhou Private Tour Customer-Care Team

S
Stephen
Reviewed 12 October 2019
Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Day Tour

We are interested in Suzhou Half Day City Tour with Extention to Tongli Water Town. However, we see that the itinerary does not include a visit to the Humble Administrator's Garden. Would it be possible to add that to the itinerary as well?

Date is flexible between Oct 26-28, but Oct 27 is preferred. Please advise. Thank you very much in advance.

Replied:

Dear Stephen,

Thanks for your inquiry for our Suzhou tour service. This tour is daily available and can be customized based on your requirements, the Humble Administrator's Garden can be included as well. We will send you the detailed itinerary and quotation by email within 2 hours. Thanks!

Best Regards!
Suzhou Private Tour Customer-care Team

R
Rachel
Reviewed 12 August 2019
Perfect Shanghai to Suzhou Day Tour for Family!

Our family of 5 visited Shanghai in July and did a Shanghai side tour to Suzhou. We had a wonderful day and are so glad that we chose to go with this Suzhou Private Tour company. We considered the whole arrangement very good value for money because not only did we get to the attractions we wanted to see, but it also took the worry and the thinking away, Our guide, May is proud of what she does and this clearly shows in the way she conducts herself, the vehicle is clean and the comfortable with bottled water provided.

May is fantastic, she made the tour experience so much more interesting and meaningful than it would have been if we did it alone. She is very knowledgeable about the Suzhou gardens, Panmen Gate and the water town, but talked about the things that we were interested in rather than just providing standard information. She also took many photos for us and knew the best spots to take them.

Thank you May for such beautiful experience. Would recommend to anyone wanting to make the most of their time in Suzhou!

M
Megon
Reviewed 02 August 2019
Customized Suzhou Private Tour From Shanghai

Hi

I came across your Suzhou tours and am interested in both the “Half Day City Tour with extension to Tongli Water Town” as well as one with rickshaw ride and Grand Canal Ride.

Will I be able to customise it in the way that we do
1. Pick up at Shanghai at 11am
2. One garden (Humble Administrator’s Garden, Master of the Nets Garden or Lingering Garden)
2. Grand Canal with boat ride
3. Rickshaw ride
4. Tong Li water town
5. Drop us at Suzhou where we will stay a night at our own expense

How much will a tour like this cost for 2 of us?

Thanks!

Regards,
Megon

Replied:

Dear Megon,


Thanks for your inquiry for our Suzhou private tour service. We can customized the Suzhou tour cater to your needs. We highly recommend you visit Lingering Garden than Humble Administrator's garden, less crowded, and both of them are noted for the most four famous gardens in Suzhou. We will send you the detailed itinerary and quotation by email within 1 hour. Thanks!


Suzhou Private Tour Team

F
Frederic M
Reviewed 28 June 2018
Private Suzhou Day Tour

Hi.

Could you please make me an offer for 1 day in Suzhou-Tongli on August 24, 2018 ?

My arrival time in Suzhou (Jiangsu) Railway Station is scheduled at 7:25. If feasible, I wish to visit Tongli on the morning:
- Tuisi Garden
- Canal cruise
- Pearl Tower Scenic Spot
- Chinese Sex Museum

and Suzhou on the afernoon:
- The Master of Nets Garden
- Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan)
- Classical Gardens of Suzhou
- Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan)
- Beisi Pagoda

My departure time from Suzhou (Jiangsu) Railway Station is scheduled at approximately 18:30 (6:30 PM).

Is it possible to visit all the gardens above in Suzhou ? What are the most interesting gardens ? I'm opened to your suggestions.

Have a nice day.

Replied:

Dear 

Thanks for your inquiry for our service. The 1 day Suzhou & Tongli water town tour is available on 24th, Aug. However, it will be too rush to visit all gardens you listed in one day, we recommend you visit The Master of Nets Garden, Lingering Garden & Tongli water town for your Suzhou day tour, which is more leisure and less crowded. Plz advise. And for more information, we will sent you by email. Thanks!

C
Carla I
Reviewed 28 June 2018
Suzhou Day Tour

Hello,

My husband and I will be in Shanghai on Monday, October 15th. We were wondering if you are available as a driver to help us see some sights in Suzhou and Tongli. Specifically, we would like to see the Humble Administrators Garden, the Master of Nets Garden and then visit Tongli water town.

Can you please let us know if you are available for that tour and the cost for 2 people? We are staying in Shanghai.

Thanks

Replied:

Dear 

Thanks for your inquiry for our service. The tour is available. We provide car rental service as well. But we highly recommend you do Suzhou tour package including driver & guide (2 people). It may easy for you to make your own way to visit gardens and walk around the Tongli water town...but you can't really understand the history, garden design, culture... Book a Suzhou tour package, our Suzhou local tour guide will take you tour Suzhou in-depth and give you detailed explanation of Suzhou and attractions. Plz advise. By the way, visit Suzhou by bullet train from Shanghai is the best option, very convenient and cheap.

We will quote you accordingly by email once you make a decision. Plz feel free to let us know if you have any questions or need any help. Thanks!

A
Ali B
Reviewed 13 June 2018
An excellent Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Tour

We booked the Suzhou half day city tour with Tong water town from Suzhou Private Tours. We are very thankful to the great team work for arranging such a wonderful tour experience in Suzhou. Sam and Bonnie planned a trip that exceeded our expectations. Through their planning, we experienced the detailed aspects of Suzhou, making our tour very in depth about Suzhou. Bonnie checked up on us frequently during the tour to make sure everything is perfect for us, making us felt very safe and well took care of. She became not only our travel planner but a trusted friends!

We took the boat cruise to see the old buildings on both sides of Tongli, saw the classic Net Master Garden, ate the finest food, we toured a silk factory and learned how silk is manufactured. In addition, we visited the most historically and culturally important sites in Suzhou.

Our guide Ruby spoke great English and well educated. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Suzhou and each site we visited. She answered all our questions with all the details and wanted to make sure the tour was exactly what we wanted it to be. She was the best guide we have had in China. We do highly recommend Suzhou Private Tours and Ruby to anyone who want to visit Suzhou.

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Tour Style:Embark on a memorable Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic city. Begin your journey in style with business class comfort, arriving refreshed and ready to explore. Experience the serene beauty of the Lingering Garden, marvel at the ancient Panmen Gate, and find tranquility at Hanshan Temple. Stroll along the charming Shantang Street, where traditional architecture and local flavors await. This carefully curated itinerary ensures an enriching experience, combining cultural insights with exceptional service for an unforgettable day in Suzhou.

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Tour Style:Embark on a captivating one-day Suzhou food tour that combines the city's rich cultural heritage with its delectable culinary scene. Begin your journey at the Humble Administrator's Garden, a stunning example of classical Chinese landscape design where you can appreciate the harmony of nature and architecture. Next, explore Tiger Hill, renowned for its ancient pagoda and lush gardens, offering insights into Suzhou's storied past. Visit Hanshan Temple, a serene retreat known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings. Finally, stroll along Pingjiang Road, where traditional Suzhou architecture and vibrant street life come alive. Throughout the day, indulge in a taste of Suzhou's famous dishes, expertly selected to give you a true flavor of the city's culinary traditions. Enjoy personalized service from our expert guide, who will ensure you experience the best of Suzhou’s historic sights and food culture, making this tour a memorable journey into the heart of Suzhou.

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