Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Tour Itinerary

In the morning, you will take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou on your own. Upon your arrival at Suzhou Railway Station, your guide will be waiting for you at the station exit, holding a welcome sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” The pick-up service can be arranged directly from the train station or, if you are already in Suzhou, from your hotel. Your guide will greet you warmly and ensure a smooth start to your day’s journey.

You will begin your tour with a visit to the Master of Nets Garden, the smallest of Suzhou’s classical residential gardens, yet one of the most admired for its ingenious use of space. Through clever design, the garden creates the illusion of a much larger area, seamlessly blending architecture, rockeries, water features, and greenery into a harmonious whole. The layout is divided into three main sections: the residential quarters, the central main garden, and the more secluded inner garden. Originally built in the 12th century and later restored during the 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated not only for its beauty but also for its exquisite architectural detail. Though it occasionally hosts evening Kunqu opera performances, the garden is best known for its refined design and preservation, making it a favorite among international visitors.
Your guide will accompany you throughout the visit, sharing stories, historical context, and architectural insights to enrich your experience.

For an authentic glimpse into everyday life in old Suzhou, take a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Historic Street. This charming, tree-lined lane offers a peaceful retreat from the modern city, with its cobblestone paths, flowing canal, and traditional Chinese houses that reflect the timeless elegance of Suzhou’s past. The street is dotted with local teahouses and eateries serving traditional snacks and delicacies, inviting you to pause and savor the flavors of Jiangnan. At the same time, you’ll notice a touch of modern flair, with stylish boutique cafes nestled among the old buildings, popular with a younger, trendier crowd. As you walk, your guide will introduce you to the history and stories behind this ancient street, recommend signature local treats to sample, and help you discover hidden corners that reveal Suzhou’s cultural soul.

After the morning visits, take a break and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a well-reviewed local restaurant, where you’ll get to experience the delicate flavors of authentic Suzhou cuisine. Known for its light, slightly sweet taste and beautiful presentation, Jiangnan-style dishes highlight seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. Popular local specialties may include squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, braised pork belly, steamed river shrimps, and noodles with fried scallions.

After lunch, you will set off on a comfortable drive to Tongli Water Town, located about 30 minutes from central Suzhou. As you leave the modern cityscape behind, the scenery gradually shifts to a serene patchwork of rice paddies, meandering waterways, and sleepy villages — a perfect prelude to the ancient beauty that awaits. During the journey, your guide will share stories about Tongli’s over 1,000-year history and its role as one of the best-preserved and most atmospheric water towns in the Jiangnan region.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration at Tuisi Garden (Retreat and Reflection Garden), a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Built in the late Qing dynasty by a retired government official, the garden was intended as a place of solitude and contemplation. Winding corridors, moon gates, lotus-filled ponds, and scholar’s rocks are thoughtfully arranged to create a peaceful retreat where architecture and nature merge. Your guide will walk you through the symbolism and philosophy behind the design, explaining how each view was intentionally framed like a traditional Chinese painting.

Next, stroll to the Three Bridges Area, the heart of the town’s traditional layout. The trio of arched stone bridges — Taiping (Peace), Jili (Good Fortune), and Changqing (Long Life) — form a triangle over the intersection of Tongli’s main canals. Locals still walk across all three bridges during major life events, such as weddings and birthdays, to bring blessings and good luck. Here, the reflections of old houses, red lanterns, and graceful willows create a picture-perfect moment — a favorite for both photographers and romantics.

Continue your visit to Gengle Hall, a stately private residence built during the Ming dynasty. The name “Gengle” means “Joy in Farming,” reflecting Confucian values of modesty and industry. The home features typical Jiangnan architectural elements, such as intricately carved wooden panels, deep courtyards, and ancestral halls. As you walk through its peaceful corridors, your guide will explain the lifestyle and social customs of upper-class families in traditional Chinese society.

If time allows, stop by the Pearl Tower Courtyard, inspired by a beloved Chinese opera tale. Though not an actual tower, this courtyard tells the romantic story of a noblewoman who secretly gave her lover a tower-shaped box of pearls to help him succeed in his exams. The site includes small exhibits on Suzhou opera and local folk art, with your guide sharing the legend that has captivated generations of visitors.

As evening falls and Tongli’s lanterns begin to shimmer on the water, your day of timeless discovery comes to a gentle close. After a final stroll through the peaceful canals or a quiet moment on one of the ancient bridges, your guide and driver will escort you back to Suzhou Railway Station in comfort. There, your guide will assist you with directions to the correct platform and ensure you are ready for your high-speed train back to Shanghai, which you will take on your own. As you board the train, you’ll carry with you not only beautiful photos, but also unforgettable memories of Suzhou’s cultural grace and Tongli’s sunset serenity — a perfect day in the heart of Jiangnan.

Price Per Person in US Dollars