Two Days Essence of Suzhou & Nanjing Tour by Bullet Train

Day 1

In the morning, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby or Suzhou train station with a welcome signage "Your Way Holiday".  And your tour start directly:

Your day tour begins at the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Suzhou’s most celebrated classical gardens. Known for its intricate landscape design, the garden is ranked among China’s four most famous classical gardens, alongside the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Summer Palace, and the Mountain Summer Resort. It stands out for its exceptional use of space, combining traditional Chinese architecture with natural elements in a way that creates a unique and harmonious atmosphere. As you stroll through the garden’s winding trails, serene courtyards, and charming pavilions, you’ll discover how every element is carefully crafted to offer a balance of aesthetic beauty and tranquility. This garden is not only a place of natural wonder but also an artistic masterpiece that demonstrates the deep cultural heritage of China. With your guide's expert commentary, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the garden’s architectural brilliance, historical significance, and its role in Chinese garden design. Your guide will ensure you don’t miss the key highlights, making this visit a truly enriching experience.

Next, we’ll visit Panmen Gate, a historic landmark with a fascinating story that dates back to 514 BC. Built by the Wu State during the Spring and Autumn Period, it is the only remaining ancient city gate of its kind in Suzhou. Originally constructed as part of the city’s fortifications, Panmen Gate has witnessed centuries of history, serving as a strategic military defense point. The gate’s impressive design features a combination of ancient defensive architecture and beautiful natural surroundings, with the canal running through it, adding to its charm. As one of the oldest structures in Suzhou, Panmen Gate is not just a symbol of the city’s rich past, but also a testament to the advanced architectural techniques used in ancient China. Take a leisurely walk around the site, where you’ll encounter the well-preserved city walls, towers, and scenic views that have remained unchanged for over two millennia. Your guide will provide expert insights into the gate’s history, its significance to Suzhou’s defense system, and the fascinating stories behind its construction, helping you fully appreciate its cultural and historical importance.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, where you’ll experience the authentic flavors of Suzhou cuisine, known for its delicate taste and emphasis on fresh ingredients. Suzhou is famous for its sweet and savory dishes, with highlights like Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, Dongpo Pork, and the classic Suzhou-style wontons. You can also savor a variety of seasonal vegetables, soups, and local specialties that reflect the city's rich culinary heritage. As you dine, take in the serene atmosphere of the restaurant, many of which are set along canals or in traditional settings that capture the essence of Suzhou’s charm. Your guide will offer recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring you enjoy a true taste of Suzhou’s exquisite cuisine.

After lunch, we’ll visit Hanshan Temple (Cold Mountain Temple), located near the picturesque town of Fengqiao. This ancient Buddhist temple became famous in the Tang Dynasty through the poem "A Night Mooring by the Maple Bridge" by poet Zhang Ji, which vividly describes the temple's surroundings. Known for its large, resonating bells that ring out across the peaceful landscape, Hanshan Temple also stands out for its striking black-tiled roof and the elegant domed bridge that connects its structures. Wander through the temple’s peaceful grounds, exploring its halls, pavilions, corridors, and beautifully landscaped gardens, where the calming atmosphere invites relaxation and reflection. The serene environment, combined with the temple’s rich history, offers a perfect opportunity to rest both body and mind. As you explore the temple, your guide will share insights into its historical significance, the cultural importance of its bells, and the story behind Zhang Ji’s famous poem, providing a deeper understanding of the site’s spiritual and literary legacy.

For an authentic taste of city life in old Suzhou, take a leisurely stroll down Pingjiang Historic Street, a charming and peaceful area that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Suzhou. Quiet, leafy, and slow-paced, the street is lined with ancient Chinese houses, some dating back centuries, offering a glimpse into the life of past generations. As you walk along, you’ll pass by a variety of restaurants and teahouses, where you can savor traditional Suzhou delicacies and refreshing teas. The street also features an eclectic mix of upscale cafes that cater to the modern crowd, making it a great blend of old and new. Whether you're sampling local snacks such as fried dumplings or sweet rice cakes, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, Pingjiang Street offers an experience that’s both relaxing and rich in cultural heritage. As you explore, your guide will share fascinating stories about the street’s history, its significance in Suzhou’s cultural development, and the unique traditions that have been preserved here over time, deepening your understanding of the city’s vibrant past.

The last stop is the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Mill, a historic site with a rich legacy in silk culture that spans centuries. The mill provides a fascinating insight into the intricate process of silk production, from the cultivation of mulberry trees to the nurturing of silkworms and the delicate transformation of raw silk into exquisite fabric. Suzhou's unique climate and fertile soil have made it an ideal location for silk production, and the city has long been a hub for China’s silk trade. The Suzhou No. 1 Silk Mill has proudly preserved this heritage for over 80 years, offering visitors a chance to witness the entire process firsthand. As you walk through the mill, you’ll be guided through the various stages of silk-making, from the harvesting of silkworm cocoons to the weaving of beautiful fabrics, with many demonstrations that reveal the craftsmanship involved. It’s an educational and immersive experience, allowing you to understand why Suzhou is often considered the birthplace of China’s silk industry. Your guide will explain the history of silk in Suzhou, the significance of the mill in preserving traditional techniques, and the cultural importance of silk in Chinese society, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for this timeless craft.

After the tour ends, drive you back to your hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast, our driver will take you to train station for your train to Nanjing. Upon arrival, our local Nanjing tour guide will meet you at the exit of train station with a welcome signage "Your Way Holiday". And your tour in Nanjing start as below:

You will start your tour with a visit to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a solemn and historically significant site dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China and a key figure in the Chinese Revolution. The mausoleum, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Purple Mountain, is a tribute to his legacy and vision for China. Built along the central axis, the structure rises gradually, allowing you to take in its grandeur step by step. As you ascend the stone steps, you will first encounter the marble dolmen, a grand gateway that leads you toward the pavilion, followed by the sacrificial hall and finally the coffin chamber. Each of these elements showcases traditional Chinese architectural styles, with intricate carvings, detailed artwork, and a harmonious blend of design principles that reflect China’s cultural heritage. The mausoleum’s serene atmosphere and monumental scale underscore Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s profound influence on China’s modernization. Your guide will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of Dr. Sun’s life, the history of the mausoleum’s construction, and its significance in Chinese history, enriching your experience as you explore this remarkable site.

Next, you will visit Linggu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple built in 514 AD during the Southern Dynasty. Originally established as the burial site of the revered monk Baozhi, the temple has earned a reputation as one of the most significant and beautiful Buddhist sites in China, once being described as "the best Buddhist temple in the world." Over the centuries, Linggu Temple has undergone several renovations, preserving its ancient charm while adapting to modern needs. The temple is renowned for its serene surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and architectural beauty. The temple is set within a large park, where towering trees, tranquil paths, and peaceful ponds create a perfect environment for reflection and contemplation. The temple’s pavilions, pagodas, and statues embody the profound spiritual history of Chinese Buddhism. Visitors can stroll through the temple's courtyards, admire the majestic bell tower, and enjoy the expansive views of the park. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the temple's rich history, its cultural significance, and the spiritual importance of the monk Baozhi, ensuring a deeper understanding of this sacred place.

For lunch, enjoy a traditional Nanjing-style meal at a local restaurant, where you’ll experience the authentic flavors of the city’s famous cuisine. Known for its rich culinary traditions, Nanjing offers a delightful selection of dishes that combine savory, fresh ingredients with subtle, aromatic seasonings. One of the city’s signature dishes is Nanjing salted duck, a flavorful and tender dish that showcases the local love for duck in various preparations. You may also try duck blood soup or pigeon soup, both of which are considered specialties in the region. Don’t miss out on sweet osmanthus-flavored rice cakes for dessert, a treat that captures the essence of local flavors. During lunch, your guide will explain the history and cultural significance behind these dishes, enriching your experience of Nanjing’s culinary heritage.

Next, head to the Presidential Palace, an important historical site that once served as the backbone of Chinese military and politics. Located in the heart of Nanjing, this grand palace complex has a rich history, having been the residence and office of several key leaders of the Republic of China, including Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. The Presidential Palace is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of China’s modern history. It was the headquarters for the Nanjing Government during the Republic era, playing a central role during significant events such as the 1911 Revolution. Today, the Presidential Palace has been transformed into a museum dedicated to showcasing China’s modern history, particularly the early years of the Republic. It houses numerous exhibits and artifacts, highlighting the nation's political, military, and cultural developments throughout the 20th century. As you explore the beautifully preserved rooms, government halls, and historic gardens, your guide will provide insightful explanations about the historical events that took place here and the significant role the palace played in shaping China’s modern identity.

The last stop is the Confucius Temple, originally constructed in 1034 during the Song Dynasty as a place of worship and to honor Confucius, the great philosopher and educator. This historical site, also known as Fuzimiao, has been a center of Confucian thought and a place of learning for centuries. The temple itself features traditional Chinese architecture, with intricately carved wooden beams and stone inscriptions. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple contrasts beautifully with the vibrant surroundings. The area around the temple, known as the Confucius Temple Area, is a bustling market district filled with tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants, and tea cafes that are all designed in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As you explore the area, you can find a wide variety of traditional Chinese snacks, including dishes that represent the eight most famous flavors of Nanjing. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a savory bite, the area offers a delightful culinary experience. Your guide will share interesting stories about the significance of the temple and how it became a hub for Confucian culture, offering a deep dive into the region’s rich educational history.

After tour ends, drive you to Nanjing train station and you return to Suzhou. Our Suzhou driver will drive you back to your hotel once you arrived in Suzhou.

Price Per Person in US Dollars