Taste and Tradition: Discover Suzhou’s Historic Sights and Culinary Alleyways

Tour Itinerary

In the morning, make your way to the lobby of your Suzhou hotel, where you'll be greeted by your guide holding a sign that reads "Your Way Holiday."Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Suzhou right from the start!

With your personal tour guide leading the way, your adventure begins at The Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest private garden in Suzhou, spanning an impressive 51,950 square meters (5.2 hectares) in the northeastern part of the city. This garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, is one of the four most renowned national classic gardens, alongside the Summer Palace, the Mountain Resort in Chengde, and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou.The Humble Administrator's Garden is divided into Eastern, Central, and Western sections, along with the former residences of its owners. Its design and artistry hold a significant place in the history of Chinese garden creation, showcasing the historical characteristics and achievements of southeastern China's private gardens.As you explore, your guide will share fascinating insights into the garden's history and design, ensuring you don't miss any of the intricate details that make this garden a national treasure. 

Next, your tour takes you to Tiger Hill, one of Suzhou’s most celebrated historical landmarks. Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, Tiger Hill is renowned for the Tiger Hill Pagoda, which is the most famous leaning tower in China. This iconic site offers a glimpse into the ancient city's heritage.Tiger Hill is home to several notable cultural treasures, including the ancient Huqiu Temple, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and the serene Sword Pool, steeped in local legend. The area is adorned with picturesque pavilions, elegant corridors, and tranquil gardens, all meticulously designed to complement the natural landscape and reflect the area's historical significance.As you explore Tiger Hill, your guide will provide insightful commentary on the historical context and cultural importance of each feature, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation for this historical gem. 

Later, you’ll visit Hanshan Temple, one of Suzhou's most revered historical and cultural sites. Nestled along the picturesque Han River, Hanshan Temple is renowned for its rich history and significant contributions to Chinese Buddhist culture. The temple dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and ancient architectural beauty.Hanshan Temple is famous for its elegant pagoda, traditional bell tower, and tranquil gardens. The temple's architecture reflects classical Chinese design principles, with its sweeping eaves, intricate wooden carvings, and tranquil courtyards. The temple is also known for its poetic connections, famously referenced in the Tang Dynasty poem by the poet Zhang Ji, which has immortalized the temple in Chinese literary history.As you explore Hanshan Temple, your guide will share captivating stories about its historical significance, architectural features, and cultural heritage. From the symbolism behind the temple's layout to the historical anecdotes that make Hanshan Temple a treasured part of Suzhou’s history, your guide will offer a rich and immersive experience at this timeless site.

Continue your tour to Pingjiang Road, a charming historical street in Suzhou that captures the essence of the city's traditional culture. Pingjiang Road is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and picturesque waterways, offering a glimpse into Suzhou’s vibrant past.Dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pingjiang Road was once a bustling center of trade and culture. Today, it is celebrated as a living museum of Suzhou’s heritage, showcasing classic Suzhou architecture with its traditional whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, and elegant courtyards.As you explore Pingjiang Road, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the history of the area, the architectural details of the buildings, and the significance of the local culture. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Suzhou's historical ambiance and the enduring charm of its traditional streetscapes.

As you wander through the charming alleyways of Pingjiang Road, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of Suzhou's most delightful street foods and traditional snacks. This area is renowned for its vibrant food scene, offering a variety of local delicacies that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Street Food Highlights:

• Suzhou-style Mooncakes: These delicate pastries, often filled with sweet red bean paste or savory fillings like pork and ham, are a local favorite. Their light, flaky crust and rich filling make them a must-try treat.

• Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish: This signature dish of Suzhou features deep-fried fish shaped like a squirrel and served with a tangy, sweet-and-sour sauce. It's both visually striking and deliciously flavorful.

• Yang's Dumplings: These pan-fried dumplings, filled with a savory mix of pork and vegetables, are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are a popular snack that perfectly captures the essence of local flavors.

• Sweet Osmanthus Cake: Made from sweet osmanthus flowers and glutinous rice, this fragrant and slightly chewy cake is a beloved dessert in Suzhou, offering a floral aroma and subtle sweetness.

As you explore the alleyways, your guide will help you navigate through the best street food stalls and eateries, ensuring you experience the authentic tastes of Suzhou. You’ll not only enjoy the diverse flavors but also gain insights into the cultural significance of these culinary delights, enhancing your overall immersion in the local food culture.

After the tour ends, drive you back to Suzhou train station and you return to Shanghai. You will be taken back to your hotel once you arrived.

Optional Activities
We provide off the beaten track Suzhou activities as below to enhance your tour experience. You can choose some of them to customize the above tour. Or if time permits, you can add one or two of them in the above itinerary (Only additional entrance fee required. And some are free charge of entrance fee).

Getting into Suzhou Tiger Hill Wedding Gown Street   
If you want to look gogorgeous on your wedding day but don't want to splurge your entire life savings on your wedding, then Suzhou Tiger Wedding Gown Street is a paradise for you. It is a street after street of endless shops selling nothing but wedding stuff with affordable price but good design & quality. Think of it as a one stop solution to all your wedding day needs.

Delvo into the brillant culture of Su Embroidery    
Gian a comprehensive cultural introduction of Su Embroidery with your guide by visiting the Su Embroidery Research Institute. Su Embroidery is one of the four major styles of Chinese embroidery. Here you'll be able to learn the process of how to make the most exquisite silk hand embroidery - Su Embroidery.

Act as A Local - Enjoy A Cup of Tea at Local Teahouse   
Drink tea and enjoy the Suzhou opera in an old-world ambience is a prat of local's life. The local teahousw is famous for its tea and "Ping Tan" (a Chinese form of storytelling accompanied with music played by stagers.) You'll definitely be attracted by the architecture and the Ping Tan nice sound from inside. It is a good way of appreciating the Suzhou culture by drinking tea and listening to the traditional Ping Tan. 

Learn How to Perform Suzhou Kunqu Opera    
Kunqu Opera in Suzhou is one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera. Under the guidance of your teache, get your own way to know how to use Kunqu style body language to show your emossion.  you'll wear the Kunqu dress and learn how to act the Kunqu Opera. Also, you could have chance to learn how to do Kunqu Opera style make-up.

Price Per Person in US Dollars