Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town Day Tour From Shanghai by Bullet Train

Tour Itinerary

Your day begins as you take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou on your own. Upon arrival, your professional English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the Suzhou train station, holding a welcome sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.”

Upon arrival in Suzhou, your first stop is the Master of the Nets Garden, a UNESCO-listed gem and one of the most refined examples of classical Chinese landscaping. Though modest in size, the garden embodies the essence of traditional Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) garden design. Wander through tranquil pavilions, moon gates, and winding rockeries surrounding a shimmering central pond. You’ll pass intricate lattice windows that frame “borrowed views,” poetic corridors, and miniature courtyards that reveal the philosophy of harmony between man and nature. Originally built during the Song Dynasty and later restored in the Qing Dynasty, the garden was designed not just for beauty, but for deep reflection and literary inspiration. Your guide will help interpret the cultural symbols and architectural tricks that make this compact space feel like a boundless landscape painting.

Next, enjoy a leisurely walk along Pingjiang Road, one of the best-preserved ancient streets in Suzhou. This cobbled pedestrian lane runs beside a peaceful canal and is lined with traditional whitewashed houses, stone bridges, and teahouses. Historically a bustling cultural center during the Song and Yuan dynasties, Pingjiang Road still carries the charm of old Suzhou. You’ll spot locals sipping tea, calligraphy studios, and quaint shops selling handmade crafts, silk items, and Suzhou-style snacks. It’s the perfect place to experience the city’s quieter rhythms and take postcard-worthy photos against a backdrop of arching willow trees and canal reflections.

After immersing yourself in the poetic charm of Pingjiang Road’s canal-side alleys, enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant nearby. The menu features traditional Suzhou-style cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients and the light, fresh flavors of the Jiangnan region. Typical dishes may include sweet-and-sour Mandarin fish, sautéed river shrimp, and fragrant osmanthus cakes. As you dine in a peaceful courtyard setting or riverside eatery, you'll experience the perfect pairing of cultural exploration and regional gastronomy—an ideal way to recharge before your journey to Zhouzhuang Water Town.

After enjoying your time in Suzhou, continue your adventure with a scenic one-hour drive to Zhouzhuang Water Town, one of China's most celebrated ancient towns. With a history that stretches back over nine centuries, Zhouzhuang offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and well-preserved traditional architecture. Interwoven with a lattice of clear canals and bordered by serene lakes, the town is affectionately known as “The Venice of the East.” Visitors are greeted by peaceful waterways, whitewashed houses, and stone bridges, all embodying the charm of Jiangnan’s water-town lifestyle.

Begin your discovery of Zhouzhuang at its most photographed location—the Twin Bridges, formed by Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge. These two structures intersect over the Yinzi Creek and Nabeishi River, forming a striking shape that resembles a traditional Chinese key, which locals often call the "Key Bridge." Shide Bridge stretches east to west with a graceful circular arch, while Yongan Bridge runs north to south with a square design.
In the 1980s, the global spotlight turned to Zhouzhuang when artist Chen Yifei portrayed this very scene in his famous painting Memory of Hometown, later featured on a United Nations postage stamp. The story behind these bridges adds layers of meaning to the tranquil setting, making them more than just a scenic view—they’re a symbol of cultural pride.

Next, step into the world of traditional performance at the Old Drama Stage, an impressive wooden structure built for regional operatic art, especially the elegant Kunqu Opera. Covering over 4,600 square meters, this theater showcases detailed craftsmanship with its vaulted ceiling adorned by hundreds of intricate wood carvings depicting folk tales, mythic creatures, and classic scenes from local life.
Even when no live performance is on, the stage itself is a feast for the eyes, and the adjoining exhibition hall offers insight into Zhouzhuang's rich operatic traditions, displaying authentic costumes, musical instruments, and artifacts from past performances.

Next, we will visit the Shen House, a magnificent residence built in 1742 that once belonged to the descendants of Shen Wansan, one of the wealthiest merchants of the Ming Dynasty. This estate stands as a remarkable example of classical Jiangnan architecture.

Covering over 2,000 square meters, the mansion features more than 100 rooms connected by winding corridors, graceful archways, and beautifully landscaped courtyards. Highlights include a private dock that opens onto the canal, intricately brick-carved gate towers depicting ancient legends, and tastefully furnished tea rooms and reception halls where the Shen family once welcomed esteemed guests. As you explore the estate, every corner echoes the elegance, power, and prosperity of Jiangnan’s golden age.

Nearby lies the more intimate yet equally refined Zhang House, a traditional riverside dwelling built during the Ming dynasty. This 1,800-square-meter compound boasts six courtyards, serene garden ponds, and a flowing stream that weaves through the estate.
The structure is a perfect study in symmetry and serenity—curved roofs, vine-covered eaves, and carefully arranged interiors give the sense of walking through a painting. As you explore, your guide will reveal how the architectural layout mirrors the Confucian values and artistic pursuits of the Jiangnan elite.

After your full day of exploration, your guide will escort you to the Suzhou train station, where you will take the high-speed train back to Shanghai on your own.

Price Per Person in US Dollars