Suzhou City Break, Private Tour

Visit Suzhou, famed for the most UNESCO-recognized gardens in the world with the Lingering Garden and Humble Administrator’s Garden being the most spectacular. Join our four-day city break and enjoy the beauty of this ancient Chinese gardens, charming water towns and its canals of this ‘Venice of the East’ city.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Humble Administrator’s Garden: The largest and most renowned with its unique design was originally built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty.

Lingering Garden: Originally a classical private garden, Lingering Garden is one of the four most famous gardens in China. Possessing a typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colours of the buildings.

Panmen City Gate: A 2500-year-old historical landmark is the only well-preserved water-and-land city gate in the world now.

Day 1: ARRIVAL SUZHOU

Upon your arrival at Suzhou railway station, you will be met by an English speaking guide who will accompany you to your transfer to the city. The half-hour private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in Suzhou. If you feel tired after the journey, you can relax and make use of all available services at the hotel. But if you are anxious to explore this awesome city, stroll down its charming streets and indulge into its unique vibe. 

Overnight in Suzhou.

Day 2: SUZHOU

After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up at about 9:00 at hotel´s lobby for our full-day Suzhou sightseeing tour. We will start with a visit to Humble Administrator’s Garden which was originally built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was initially a private garden of a former government servant named Wang Xianchen for his life after retirement. He thought that was a simple life led by a humble man like him, hence the name of the garden. Next, we will drive to Lingering Garden. Originally a classical private garden, Lingering Garden is one of the four most famous gardens in China. Possessing a typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colours of the buildings. After lunch at local restaurant visit Panmen City Gate, which was first built during the Wu Kingdom of Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC) and it is the only well-preserved water-and-land city gate in the world now. Next, drive to Xinshiqiao Wharf to take a 45-minute cruise of the Suzhou Grand Canal. You will be back at the hotel in the late afternoon at approx. 17:00.

Overnight in Suzhou.

Day 3: SUZHOU

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the full day at leisure in the city. You can set out to explore this ‘Oriental Venice’ charming city or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy the available services. 

Alternatively, you can book one of our optional tours (not included): 

Tongli Water Town excursion: pick up at 8:30 at your hotel. Visit Tongli Water Town. Originally named Futu (meaning a rich land), Tongli is an age-old but very well preserved water town with a history of more than 1,000 years. On the eastern shore of Taihu Lake, about 18 kilometres from Suzhou City. It is a really wonderful travel destination for its profound cultural background and achievement. After lunch at a local restaurant continue with a 30 minute cruise by featured sculling wooden boat. Tour ends at approx. 17:30.

Suzhou Walking Tour: starting at 9:00 with the pick-up at your hotel to take 5 hours walking tour to retrace Pingjiang Map. Suzhou City was called Pingjiang Prefecture in Song Dynasty some 800 years ago. According to the old map of Pingjiang, the urban pattern of Suzhou is generally consistent with that shown in the map. Though seriously damaged in the 1960s and 70s, some areas still preserved the frame structure of the ancient city, not only the original style but also the continuation of life function and cultural heritage. Pingjiang Road is one of the few survivors. rt from the Master of Nets Garden (visit exclusive), en route passing Shuangta Market, Weidaoguan Qian (once a Taoist Temple there), Nanxianzi Alley, Xuanqiao Alley, Lujia Alley, Humble Administrator’s Garden (visit exclusive) and etc. And the walking tour ends at North Pagoda (visit exclusive). Lunch in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Suzhou.

Day 4: DEPARTURE SUZHOU

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and at the agreed time you will be transferred to Suzhou railway station to continue with your travel arrangements.

Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.