Exploring the charming Suzhou and Tongli Water Town on a private day trip from Shanghai can be a captivating experience. This nine-hour tour offers a chance to wander through UNESCO-listed gardens, glide along tranquil canals, and take in the local culture. With options to visit renowned sites like the Humble Administrator’s Garden, travelers can curate their itinerary to suit their interests. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, along with a knowledgeable guide, ensure a seamless experience. Whether seeking scenic beauty, architectural marvels, or cultural insights, this day trip promises an unforgettable journey. The opportunity to uncover the enchanting highlights of this region awaits.
Good To Know
- Offers a private day trip from Shanghai to explore the UNESCO-listed gardens and ancient water towns of Suzhou and Tongli.
- Includes transportation, guide, entrance tickets, and a boat ride, with an option to visit one of Suzhou’s renowned gardens.
- Allows visitors to experience the serene ponds, scholars’ pavilions, and culture of these iconic destinations.
- Provides flexible transportation arrangements, including hotel pickup and drop-off, and optional transfers to airports or Disneyland.
- Receives overall 5/5 star ratings from previous travelers, highlighting the beauty of the destinations and the knowledgeable, helpful guides.
Trip Overview
This private day trip from Shanghai offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient water towns of Suzhou and Tongli, often referred to as the "Venice of China."
Guests will embark on a 9-hour journey to discover the UNESCO-listed gardens, Ming and Qing Dynasty streets, and local traditions that make these destinations unique.
Priced from $241 per person, the trip includes a private guide, entrance tickets, and a boat ride, with the option to visit one of Suzhou’s renowned gardens.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, along with the flexibility to add on airport or Disneyland transfers at an additional cost.
Destinations Highlights
Visiting Suzhou and Tongli, two ancient water towns often likened to the "Venice of China," transports travelers back in time. In Suzhou, visitors can explore UNESCO-listed gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties, brimming with traditional architecture, serene ponds, and scholars’ pavilions. Tongli Water Town, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into local life, with lively markets and a network of charming canals that can be navigated by private boat. The itinerary also includes the option to visit one of Suzhou’s top gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Master of Nets Garden, or Lingering Garden, providing a deeper immersion into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
| Suzhou | Tongli Water Town | Garden Options |
|---|---|---|
| UNESCO-listed gardens | Lively water markets | Humble Administrator’s Garden |
| Ming and Qing dynasty architecture | Scenic canal boat rides | Master of Nets Garden |
| Serene ponds and scholars’ pavilions | Glimpse into local life | Lingering Garden |
Garden Options
Travelers have the option to visit one of Suzhou’s top gardens as part of this day trip. They can choose from the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Master of Nets Garden, or Lingering Garden.
Each garden offers a unique glimpse into the elegant and serene design of classical Chinese landscapes. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is known for its intricate layout and beautiful pavilions, while the Master of Nets Garden boasts a tranquil atmosphere.
The Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases exquisite rockeries and artistic structures. These garden visits provide a chance to take in Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage and appreciate the region’s renowned natural beauty.
Transportation Arrangements
The day trip conveniently provides pickup from downtown Shanghai hotels.
Travelers will travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle throughout the excursion. Upon request, additional pickup and drop-off options are available for the Pudong/Hongqiao airport or Disneyland area, with a surcharge of $45.00 per group.
At the end of the tour, guests can choose to be dropped off at their original hotel or any other downtown location.
The transportation arrangements include:
- Pickup from downtown Shanghai hotels
- Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Drop-off at the same hotel or other downtown locations
- Additional pickup/drop-off available for Pudong/Hongqiao airport or Disneyland area at a surcharge
Included Services
The day trip includes a private guide for a personalized experience, allowing guests to fully explore the ancient water towns of Suzhou and Tongli.
Entrance tickets to one of Suzhou’s top gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Master of Nets Garden, or Lingering Garden, are provided.
Plus, the fee for entering Tongli Water Town and taking a boat ride along its tranquil canals are included.
While lunch isn’t included, it can be arranged separately at the guest’s own cost.
The package excludes gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free experience focused on discovering the scenic beauty and cultural richness of these renowned Chinese water towns.
Pricing and Availability
This private day trip from Shanghai to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town is priced from $241.00 per person.
The 9-hour tour offers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour includes:
- Private guide for a personalized experience
- Entrance ticket to one selected garden in Suzhou
- Entrance fee to Tongli Water Town
- Boat ride ticket in Tongli
Lunch can be arranged at an additional cost, and gratuities are excluded.
Cancellation Policy
With the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book this trip with confidence. The cancellation policy offers a full refund if plans change, ensuring a stress-free experience.
| Cancellation Policy |
|---|
| Free Cancellation |
| Up to 24 hours |
| Full Refund |
This policy allows travelers to reserve their spot without upfront payment, further adding to the convenience. Regardless of last-minute changes, guests can explore the ancient water towns of Suzhou and Tongli worry-free.
Customer Feedback
Based on the positive customer feedback, travelers can expect a rewarding experience on this day trip to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town.
The overall 5/5 star rating from a previous traveler highlights the highlights of the tour, including:
- The stunning beauty and charm of Tongli Water Town and Suzhou’s famous gardens
- The knowledgeable and helpful guidance provided by the private tour
- The convenient transportation and logistics, with hotel pickup and drop-off
- The opportunity to immerse in the local traditions and culture through the water markets and canal boat ride
This highly rated experience is sure to leave a lasting impression and is recommended for any traveler visiting the Shanghai region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Extra Activities?
Yes, the tour can be customized. Travelers can add extra activities like visiting additional gardens in Suzhou or exploring other water towns near Tongli. The tour provider offers flexibility to personalize the itinerary based on your interests.
Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
The tour is suitable for families with young children. It offers a relaxed pace, scenic water towns, and optional garden visits, catering to different interests and ages. Private transportation and flexible logistics make it convenient for families.
Are There Any Dress Code or Other Requirements for This Tour?
There are no strict dress code requirements for this tour. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour involves exploring ancient streets and taking a boat ride. The experience is suitable for all ages.
Can I Purchase Additional Food or Beverages During the Trip?
Yes, travelers can purchase additional food and beverages during the trip. The tour includes lunch, but participants are free to buy snacks, drinks, or other local cuisine at their own expense throughout the day.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location During the Tour?
The tour typically spends 2-3 hours exploring Tongli Water Town’s canals and historic sites, and 2-3 hours visiting one of Suzhou’s top gardens. The remaining time is used for transportation and lunch.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- From Shanghai: Private Full-Day Suzhou Gardens
- Suzhou Day Tour Lingering Garden Lion Garden &Cannal Cruise
- Suzhou Flexible Guided Day Trip From Shanghai by Private Car
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour With Garden and Boat Ride Option
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour
- Suzhou Private Flexible City Tour With Lunch Option
- Private Flexible Suzhou City Tour With Tongli or Zhouzhuang Water Town Options
- Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Private Day Tour With Lunch
- Unveil Suzhous Essence: Ultimate Private Day Tour
The Sum Up
This private day trip from Shanghai lets you experience the enchanting Suzhou and Tongli Water Town. You’ll explore UNESCO-listed gardens, enjoy a scenic boat ride, and learn about local culture. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and a knowledgeable guide, this journey promises unforgettable memories and cultural insights.