Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer

Suzhou , China

Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer

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About this experience

Lingering in the exquisite classical gardens and wandering along wonderful ancient streets, you will truly appreciate the charm of Suzhou. On this private day trip, you will visit two of Suzhou's gardens, Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin), to enjoy classical Chinese landscaping style, discover rare cultural relics and unique architectures at Suzhou Museum, and stroll along Pingjiang Old Street.

Available options

Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Chinese Lunch

Hotel pickup & drop-off

Fuel surcharge and tax

Professional tour guide

Entrance ticket fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your professional tour guide will pick you up from your downtown Suzhou hotel or Suzhou Railway Station (No.27, Suzhan Road, Pingjiang District) at 9am. Private comfortable transfer will takes you to start this Suzhou trip of beautiful gardens and Ancient Street.

You will firstly come to the Lion Grove Garden, an ideal site as it has richly ornamental pavilions and towers in many different styles. Follow your guide to explore the pavilions and towers and learn its history.

Later, head to Humble Administrator's Garden. Among all the elegant classical gardens in Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden is the largest and most renowned. Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has garnered many special honors. Walk around to discover Ming Dynasty building style and enjoy the man-made landscape of small forests, hills and rock formations. Suzhou is considered as the silk capital of China. You will visit Suzhou Silk Museum and learn the traditional silk spinning.

Stop 2

Next, enjoy a delicious lunch with tasty local food at a selected restaurant. Then, visit rare cultural relics and unique architectural style in Suzhou Museum. The new exhibition hall was designed by world-famous Chinese-American architect, I.M. Pei. Suzhou Museum follows the theme of “Design for China,” combining modern exhibition halls and classical garden on one site.

Continue to walk around Pingjiang Old Street to have a better look of Suzhou. The typical style of ancient structures in Suzhou has white walls and black tiles that are erected along the street, simple but sophisticated. Walk on stone paved route with a river flowing alongside of it to experience Suzhou local life.

Your guide and driver will drop you off at your downtown Suzhou hotel or Suzhou Railway Station at the end of the tour where the service concludes.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please provide Suzhou hotel information or detailed train information at time of booking

Transfer is available Only for Hotel or Suzhou Railway Station (No.27, Suzhan Road, Pingjiang District)

Important notes

Voucher is for booking confirmation only, local tour guide will help you to get the entrance ticket on site

About Suzhou

Suzhou, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East,' is renowned for its classical gardens, silk production, and intricate waterways. This historic city offers a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern amenities, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Humble Administrator's Garden

One of the most famous classical gardens in China, the Humble Administrator's Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features beautiful pavilions, ponds, and intricate rockery work.

Historical/Garden 2-3 hours ¥100 (Moderate)

Suzhou Museum

Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Suzhou Museum houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts, including ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.

Museum 1-2 hours Free (Entry is free, but advance booking may be required)

Pingjiang Road

A well-preserved ancient street in Suzhou, Pingjiang Road offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. It features traditional architecture, shops, and teahouses.

Historical/Shopping 1-2 hours Free (Shopping and dining costs vary)

Tiger Hill (Huqiu Mountain)

A historic site and scenic area, Tiger Hill is known for its ancient pagoda, caves, and beautiful views. It's a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.

Historical/Nature 2-3 hours ¥50 (Moderate)

Suzhou Silk Museum

Dedicated to the history and art of silk production, the Suzhou Silk Museum offers insights into the city's renowned silk industry. Visitors can learn about the silk-making process and see beautiful silk products.

Museum/Cultural 1-2 hours ¥30 (Budget)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish

A signature dish of Suzhou cuisine, this dish features mandarin fish cooked in a sweet and sour sauce, arranged to resemble a squirrel.

Main dish Contains seafood

Suzhou Style Braised Pork

A tender and flavorful dish made with pork belly braised in a savory sauce, often served with rice or noodles.

Main dish Contains pork

Sweet and Sour Yangzhou Fried Rice

A popular fried rice dish featuring a balance of sweet and sour flavors, often made with shrimp, ham, and vegetables.

Main dish Contains seafood and pork

Bilayer Cake (Double-Skin Milk)

A traditional Suzhou dessert made with milk, sugar, and eggs, creating a creamy and smooth texture with a slightly crispy top layer.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Tiger Hill (Huqiu Mountain) Boat tours in ancient water towns Tea ceremonies in Suzhou tea houses Strolling along Pingjiang Road Visiting classical gardens and historical sites Exploring local markets and street food Fishing in local lakes and rivers Visiting historical sites and museums

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city's gardens and waterways are particularly beautiful during these times.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Wu Chinese (local dialect), English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Suzhou is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a safe environment for tourists. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Sunan Shuofang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Suzhou Railway Station, Suzhou North Railway Station

By bus

Suzhou Long-Distance Bus Station, Suzhou North Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of multiple lines connecting key areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Pingjiang Road Shiquan Street Surging Wave Bridge (Langshan) Area Xuanmiao Temple Area

Day trips

Tongli Ancient Town

30 km from Suzhou • Half day to full day

A well-preserved ancient water town featuring traditional architecture, canals, and bridges. It offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.

Zhouzhuang Water Town

40 km from Suzhou • Full day

One of the most famous water towns in China, Zhouzhuang features ancient architecture, canals, and bridges. It's a popular destination for tourists seeking a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.

Huzhou

100 km from Suzhou • Full day to overnight

A city known for its beautiful lakes, mountains, and tea plantations. Huzhou offers a variety of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and scenic views.

Festivals

Suzhou Lantern Festival • Mid-February (Lunar New Year) Suzhou Culture and Arts Festival • September to October Suzhou International Comedy Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Suzhou Museum early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Explore the city's canals and waterways by taking a boat tour, which offers a unique perspective on Suzhou's ancient architecture and scenic landscapes
Try local snacks and street food at the Shiquan Street Night Market, a bustling and vibrant destination for food lovers
Experience Suzhou's rich tea culture by visiting a traditional tea house, such as Louisa Tea House or Yun Xian Lou Tea House, and participating in a tea ceremony
Purchase high-quality silk products at the Suzhou Silk Market, where you can find a wide variety of fabrics, garments, and accessories at competitive prices