Top-Rated Shanghai Day Trip to Suzhou – Classical Gardens, Boat Ride & Local Cuisine

Tour Itinerary

Pick up service can be arranged at your hotel lobby in Shanghai downtown and drive you to Suzhou directly. You will find a welcome signage "Your Way Holiday". One day tour in Suzhou includes the following attractions:

Upon your arrival, your tour begins with a visit to Ouyuan Garden, a fine representation of classical Suzhou gardens. What sets Ouyuan apart is its unique design, deeply rooted in traditional Chinese aesthetics and cultural symbolism. The garden’s layout is harmonious and thoughtfully arranged, with the striking yellowstone rockery as its central feature. This impressive structure, naturally stacked and dramatically steep, stands as one of the finest examples of yellowstone rockeries in Suzhou. The garden is renowned for its elegant scenery, and its buildings are artfully positioned to create a sense of balance and serenity. Notably, the main hall features a rare double-eaved roof facing south—an unusual and significant architectural detail among Suzhou gardens. Ouyuan is a tranquil retreat and a must-see for those interested in Chinese garden artistry.

Next, you’ll visit the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most celebrated classical gardens in Suzhou. Renowned for its masterful use of space and refined design, the garden exemplifies the artistic heights of traditional Chinese landscape architecture. Through the clever arrangement of halls, corridors, rockeries, and water features, it creates a seamless flow that offers new views at every turn. As you stroll along winding pathways and pass through elegant pavilions, you’ll experience the garden’s harmonious blend of man-made structures and natural elements. It’s a perfect place to slow down, relax, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Chinese garden art.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local Suzhou restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic Jiangnan cuisine. Known for its delicate flavors and artistic presentation, Suzhou’s food emphasizes freshness and balance. Signature dishes may include Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, Braised Pork with Soy Sauce, and seasonal vegetable stir-fries. The peaceful setting and traditional décor of the restaurant add to the charm, offering a pleasant break before continuing your exploration of Suzhou’s cultural treasures.

For an authentic taste of old Suzhou’s charm, a stroll along Shantang Street is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. With its ancient stone-paved paths running alongside narrow canals, the street offers a quiet, poetic escape from the modern city. Lined with traditional white-walled, black-tiled houses, Shantang Street is home to teahouses, local snack stalls, time-honored shops, and small museums that reflect Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage. On a rainy day, the glistening tiles and misty canal views resemble a live Chinese ink painting. As you wander through this historic area, you might pass by a quiet guesthouse tucked into an old courtyard, a boutique showcasing Suzhou-style embroidery or fan-making, or even a stage where Kunqu Opera is softly echoing through the alleys. Locals and visitors alike stroll leisurely, sip tea by the windows, or simply lose themselves in the timeless rhythm of this riverside street — unsure whether they’re viewing a painting or walking within one.

You’ll also see boatmen skillfully guiding traditional punt-style wooden boats along the canal that runs beside Shantang Street — a scene that captures the essence of old Suzhou. Today, you’ll have the special opportunity to enjoy a private boat cruise on the Grand Canal, one of the oldest and longest man-made waterways in the world. As the boat glides gently through the calm waters, you can sit back and admire the historic architecture along the banks, the reflections of arched stone bridges, and the rhythm of daily life unfolding around you. To make the experience even more memorable, the boatman may sing traditional Suzhou folk tunes, their soft melodies echoing through the canal — a beautiful, timeless moment that brings the city’s heritage to life.

Your final stop for today is the Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, a historic state-owned enterprise founded in 1926 in Suzhou — China’s renowned silk city. As one of the oldest and most respected silk factories in the region, it has earned a strong reputation for preserving traditional silk-making techniques and showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of silk in China. The factory operates as a complete silk manufacturing facility, handling every step of production from raising silkworms and boiling cocoons to reeling and weaving silk into exquisite fabric. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the entire process firsthand, enjoy informative exhibitions, and gain a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old craft that remains an important part of Suzhou’s identity today.

After the tour ends, you will be transferred back to Shanghai.

Price Per Person in US Dollars