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Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

From $90 per person
Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
  • Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
  • Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
  • Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
  • Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
  • Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
  • Refined Suzhou and Tongli Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Tour Style:
This private Suzhou and Tongli tour is perfect for travelers seeking a poetic escape into the heart of Jiangnan’s classical beauty. From Suzhou’s elegant Master of Nets Garden and charming Pingjiang Historic Street to the tranquil canals and ancient stone bridges of Tongli Water Town, this journey blends cultural depth, garden artistry, and slow-paced water town living. Enjoy a traditional Jiangnan lunch, explore UNESCO-listed sites, and linger in Tongli until sunset, when the golden light and glowing lanterns reveal the town at its most romantic. With private transfers, an English-speaking guide, and thoughtful pacing, this is a one-day experience rich in scenery, stories, and serenity — ideal for couples, culture lovers, and first-time visitors to the region.

Duration: 10+ Hours

Attractions(Cities):
Master of Nets Garden, Pingjiang Road, Tongli Water Town

Pick-up point:
Suzhou train station (based on your requirement)

Finishing point:
Suzhou train station (based on your requirement)

Tour Customizable:
Absolutely!(Tell us your requirements in your inquiry)

Payment Types:
Cash,Wire,Paypal,WesternUnion, Wechat, Alipay

Available: Daily

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Tour Itinerary
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Tour Itinerary

  • Place&Transport: Suzhou
  • Today's Activities: The Master of Nets Garden, Pingjiang Road, Tongli Water Town
  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meal: To avoid touristy pre-made meals, our guides will recommend top local restaurants, help you choose dishes, and explain their cultural significance for an authentic taste of local cuisine.

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.

Your Way Holiday in Suzhou

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.

the-Master-of-Nets-Gardenthe-Master-of-Nets-Garden-Suzhou

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.

Pingjiang-RoadPingjiang-Road-Suzhou

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.

squirrel-shaped-mandarin-fishsuzhou-style-sweet-and-sour-spare-ribs

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.

Tongli-Water-TownTuisi-Garden-Tongli

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.

Three-BridgesGengle-Hall

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.

Peal-Tower-TongliPearl-Tower-Tongli

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.

From $90 per person
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Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes

1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views.
2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs.
3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees.
4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service.
5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time.
6. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
7. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.


Price Excludes

1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary.
2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD)
3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip.
4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included.
5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.

How Our Teams Serve you at Your Way Holiday

Personalized Travel Consultant
Experience the best of China with our expert travel consultants by your side. With years of local tourism experience, they are not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to making your trip unforgettable. Your dedicated consultant will craft a bespoke tour plan tailored to your unique interests, schedule, and budget, offering you the utmost flexibility. From the moment you start planning until the end of your journey, they will be in touch, ensuring every detail is perfect and that your trip runs smoothly.

China-tour-Personalized-Travel-Consultant-Your-Way-holidayTour-Personalized-Travel-Consultant

Exceptional Local Guides
Discover it through the eyes of our exceptional local guides. All certified and experienced, they are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of attractions, history, and culture. Whether you're interested in hidden gems or popular sites, they know the best places to visit. They can recommend top local restaurants, unique shopping spots, and must-see shows. Beyond just guiding, they provide enriching insights into the history, customs, and authentic daily life, making your experience truly immersive.

Exceptional-Local-Guides-China-tourExceptional-Local-Guides-china-tour-Your-way-holiday

Premium Private Transportation
Travel in comfort and style with our premium private transportation. We offer a fleet of air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean, and meticulously maintained vehicles, all less than four years old. Our professional drivers, all locals with over a decade of driving experience, are friendly, courteous, and dedicated to your safety and comfort. Depending on your group's size, we provide a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, business vans (MPVs), and spacious buses, all with ample luggage space.

Premium-Private-Transportation-China-tourYour-Way-holiday-Premium-Private-Transportation

Authentic Dining Experiences
We prioritize genuine local culinary experiences over pre-arranged tourist restaurants. Our local guides will recommend the best local restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors. This approach ensures you enjoy the freshest, most authentic meals, tailored to your preferences, and experience the true essence of the local cuisine. Whether your dietary needs are vegetarian, Muslim, Chinese, Western, Jewish, or Indian, we have excellent options to make every meal a delightful part of your journey.

Authentic-Dining-Experiences-china-tourChina-Tour-Authentic-Dining-Experiences


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