5 Day Shanghai + Suzhou + Tongli Treasures Tour

Shanghai is truly an international city and you’ll understand why when you start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum, which is home to over 140,000 artifacts. You’re welcome to wander on your own or walk with your local guide as they share the Shanghai’s history and culture.

From the Shanghai Museum, you’ll move on to The Bund. Without question, there are few places that capture the intersection of commerce and culture quite like this iconic streetscape. Famous for its location in proximity to the trading centre of Shanghai, the Bund is an outstanding example of colonial Shanghai . Classically beautiful buildings that overlook the Huangpu River add to the old world feel. While shopping may not be your priority, it’s hard to miss the busiest shopping precinct in China, Nanjing Road. A wander through this seemingly endless shopping precinct will open your eyes to shopping China-style. A place where big is better, you’ll find international brands and high street fashion stores pitched alongside quirky silk traders and tiny hole-in-the-wall shops selling every imaginable thing.

For a total change of pace, you’ll welcome a visit to the Yuyuan Garden. Once the residence of a prestigious local merchant, Yuyuan Garden is thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained. Here it is a quiet and tranquil and the ideal place to wander in contemplation and perhaps capture some beautiful images.

From here you’ll face the bustle of Shanghai again as you stroll around the nearby Yu Garden Bazaar that offers an eclectic cross-section of goods, from souvenirs, antiques, crafts, fresh produce, and food. Be transported back to Shanghai of the 1920’s and gain an insight into the daily life of people involved in trade and commerce during the period of the Former French Concession.

Make the most of your afternoon by wandering the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road in the Former French Concession, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai captured in this historical retail and residential precinct. Wander past the former residences of famous Chinese politicians and artists and appreciate the architecture and gardens, the style of which date from the 1920s. Your day’s explorations concludes when you are returned to the hotel. Feel free to consult with your guide about options for dinner or and evening show.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: As the Shanghai Museum is closed to public on Mondays, a visit to the Shanghai History Museum is arranged as an alternative.

Looking for iconic Shanghai mementos to remember your travel adventure? Talk to your local guide. With personal knowledge of where to find silk, porcelain, and other treasures, your guide can save you time and ensure your purchase is authentic.

Some of China’s most beautiful historical sights are in close proximity to Shanghai, making it a wonderful launch pad for today’s exploreation. After checking out from the hotel, you’ll be transported to catch the high speed train to Suzhou, located approximately 100 kilometres away. On arrival in Suzhou, the city of gardens, you’ll commence the tour with a visit to the renowned and spectacular Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its location in the heart of Suzhou, you’ll find a peaceful, contemplative environment reflected in the classically designed private garden. It is a photographer’s delight that offers a picturesque landscape of traditional architecture, hills, lawns, flowers and meandering streams that harmonize the natural and build environment in poetic elegance.

Savor the artistic features and cultural values of the Master of the Nets Garden, a dainty, classical garden of exquisitely laid out pavilions, rockeries, corridors, bridges and ponds, all in breathtaking harmony. Traditional dwellings here date back to the Southern Song Dynasty of 1174. With awe-inspiring scenery like this, you’ll gather a trove of beautiful travel memories.

Spend the afternoon exploring 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 how the beauty and tranquility of the park belie its history.

At the conclusion of today’s activities, you’ll be transferred to your Suzhou hotel to relax for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and then enjoy the drive to Tongli Water Town. It has become renowned for its well preserved old buildings, private gardens, temples and traditional dwellings. The town’s location, surrounded by five lakes, makes for charming water scenes and tranquil atmosphere. Feel free to wander the flagstone streets, or stop in at a simple teahouse for a traditional tea as you enjoy local melodies.
At the end of the tour you will be transferred back to Suzhou and take high speed train to Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai, your guide will escort you to your hotel. Enjoy a final free night, either by relaxing or taking advantage of the many unique cultural experiences on offer in Shanghai.

Meals included: Breakfast

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 airport for travel to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast