4 Day Classic Suzhou Tour

On arrival at Suzhou train station, enjoy the welcome from your local guide who will escort you to the hotel for check in. Make the most of it on your first night here by stepping out. Your hotel is centrally located, allowing you to explore the surroundings, including the grand canal and other highlights in the area with ease.

Meals included: None

After breakfast at the hotel start your exploring at Tiger Hill, a large hill park steeped in legend and incredibly beautiful scenery. A particular feature is the leaning Tiger Hill Pagoda set in extensive gardens, trees and lawns scattered with antiquated pavilions and stoneware. Learn from your guide about how the beauty and tranquility of the park belie its history. Afterward continue to Lingering Garden, a large private garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1593). The garden is famous for its ingenious layout in four distinct sections and the numerous grotesque stones. Mountains, water and antique buildings form an enchanting landscape exhibiting traditional Chinese garden arts and architecture that invite interest. Later afternoon a rickshaw ride around Pingjiang Road, a well preserved historical block stretching along Pingjiang River, which will take you back in time to its origin during the Tang and Song dynasties. Reflect on the lifestyle of locals as you wander through the small alleys, ancient residences, rivers and bridges of this pocket of history.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Fancy a little Chinese operatic drama? We can help. Consider booking tickets for the famous Kunqu Opera, first performed in the 1600s, and now preserved as an intangible UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity. For a deep dive into the ‘mother of all Chinese drama’, ask us to arrange tickets for a performance at Zhenqu Garden of Shantang Ancient Street.

Today’s adventure begins with a morning departure when your guide collects you from the hotel lobby. After breakfast today explore Suzhou with your guide who will collect you from the hotel lobby. The first stop is one of the most renowned and spectacular gardens in China, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in downtown Suzhou. Allow yourself time to reflect and feel at peace in this classically designed private garden. Wander through the picturesque landscape in which traditional architecture, hills, lawns, flowers and meandering streams harmonize the natural and build environment in poetic elegance. A contrast in style and history, enjoy the artistic features and architectural values of the Suzhou Museum, which houses the new building designed by world famous architect I. M. Pei, responsible for designing the Louvre Pyramid. It’s here that you will also find the historic site of Prince Zhong’s Mansion of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The relics found here are reflective of the ancient collections, in particular of the Ming and Qing Dynasties’ paintings and aircraft. Wander around the garden style museum, enjoying the opportunity to gain a sense of the historic and cultural significance of Su style gardens. Awe-inspiring scenery will have you reaching for your camera. Make your way to Jiangnan water town by visiting Tongli Water Town. Renowned for its well preserved old buildings, private gardens, temples and traditional dwellings, Tongli is a delight. The town’s location, surrounded by five lakes, makes for charming water scenes and a tranquil atmosphere. Feel free to wander the flagstone streets or stop in at a simple teahouse to savor the experience over a cup of Chinese tea. At the end of the day’s activities, you will be returned to the hotel in Suzhou.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Due to the closure of the Suzhou Museum on Mondays, your guide may make some adjustments of your itinerary if your travel falls on this day.

Start your day at a leisurely pace until check out, at which time you’ll be collected by your guide and driven you to the train station for travel to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Transfer service between Shanghai airport and Suzhou can be arranged in advance on request. Additional fees apply.

If you would like to continue making beautiful travel memories in China, please let us know. Our expert travel consultants can assist with travel bookings and arrangements, including the purchase of train tickets and other tours. We offer custom, private and small group tours, with opt in and out flexibility. And we take care of every detail, so there’s no need to worry about a thing.