Shanghai to Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Full-Day Tour

Start your day with a private pick-up from your Shanghai hotel around 08:30, then relax in a comfortable 1.5-hour drive to Suzhou—known as the “Venice of the East” for its classical gardens and ancient water towns.

Your first stop is the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest of Suzhou’s classical gardens. Follow your guide through lotus ponds, pavilions, winding corridors, and traditional halls to appreciate its elegant 500-year-old design and poetic charm.

Continue into Suzhou Old Town with a nostalgic rickshaw ride through narrow lanes, stone bridges, and traditional residences preserved for over 2,500 years. Enjoy an optional local lunch—try famous dishes such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish or Suzhou-style soup dumplings.

In the afternoon, drive to Tongli Water Town, a serene 1,000-year-old canal town. Explore the iconic Ternate Bridges, stroll the Ming & Qing Ancient Street, browse local crafts, and soak in the slow-paced waterside life.

Your guide will also take you to the hidden gem Retreat & Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden), another UNESCO site known for its compact yet exquisite layout centered around a tranquil pond.

After the tour, sit back and enjoy a relaxing drive back to your Shanghai hotel. A perfect full-day escape into the timeless beauty of Suzhou’s gardens and water towns.