Private Suzhou Custom Day Tour with Pingtan Show From Shanghai

Tour Itinerary

In the morning, you will take the high-speed train to Suzhou on your own. Our local tour guide will be waiting for you at the exit with a "Your Way Holiday" sign, and your Suzhou day tour will begin.

Your first destination is the Master of Nets Garden, the smallest yet most impressive of Suzhou’s classical gardens. Renowned for its masterful use of space, the garden creates the illusion of vastness despite its compact size. Divided into three sections—residential, central, and inner—the garden seamlessly blends natural beauty with architectural elegance. This 12th-century treasure, later refurbished in the 18th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its exquisite design and nightly Kunqu opera performances. Revered by visitors worldwide, it is often regarded as the most ornate and well-preserved private garden in Suzhou. Your guide will provide detailed insights into the garden's history and unique features, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

For an authentic glimpse of traditional Suzhou life, a stroll down Pingjiang Historic Street is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. This charming street, with its quiet, tree-lined paths and leisurely pace, is a living testament to the city’s rich heritage. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Chinese houses that have stood the test of time, alongside inviting restaurants, teahouses, and local shops offering a taste of authentic Suzhou cuisine. From savory dumplings to delicate pastries, you can indulge in classic Chinese snacks as you explore the area. The street is also home to several trendy cafes that cater to a more modern crowd, creating an interesting fusion of old-world charm and contemporary style. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the street’s history and significance, making this leisurely walk a memorable cultural experience.

Later, our tour guide will escort you to a local tea house, where you can enjoy a cup of tea while watching a Pingtan performance. Pingtan and Kunqu Opera are considered treasures of traditional Chinese culture and art, with a rich repertoire dating back to ancient times. Pingtan, also known as Storytelling and Ballad Singing, has a history of over 400 years. It originated in Suzhou and is closely tied to the Wu dialect, which is renowned for being the sweetest tone in China. Pingtan is both profound in artistic tradition and intricate in technique, encompassing four key elements: "storytelling," "joke cracking," "music playing," and "aria singing." "Storytelling" involves narrating captivating tales, while "joke cracking" brings humor to the performance. "Music playing" features the soothing sounds of a three-stringed plucked instrument and the Pipa (Chinese lute), and "aria singing" combines performance and song. Among these elements, "storytelling" is especially engaging, as it weaves narration, endorsement, illustration, and commentary. The rhythmic cadence, slow and melodic Pipa playing, make Pingtan a truly delightful experience for the ears.

Next, you will visit the Canglang Pavilion, also known as the Great Wave Pavilion, Surging Wave Pavilion, or Blue Wave Pavilion. As one of Suzhou’s Classical Gardens, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The Canglang Pavilion is the oldest of the existing classical gardens in Suzhou and is considered one of the four most famous gardens in the city, alongside the Shizilin (Lion Grove), Zhuozhengyuan (Humble Administrator's Garden), and Liuyuan (Lingering Garden). Located in the southwest of the city, it lies directly west of the Confucian Temple. While the garden has undergone several renovations over the centuries, it has preserved its original design. Your guide will share detailed insights into the garden’s history and its unique architectural features, enriching your experience during the visit.

The final stop on your tour is the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Mill, a site that highlights Suzhou’s rich silk heritage. The city has long been renowned for its silk production, including the cultivation of mulberry trees and silkworms, as well as the transformation of raw silk into exquisite fabric. Thanks to its favorable climate and soil, Suzhou has been a hub for silk trade in China for centuries. With over 80 years of history, the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Mill serves as both a museum and a working mill, offering a fascinating look into the entire silk-making process, from cocoon to finished fabric. This is an experience not to be missed.

After the tour ends,  you will be transferred back to Suzhou train station.

Price Per Person in US Dollars