Private Day Tour of Suzhou Highlight
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the wonderful city Suzhou in a day. The attractions include The Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Shangtang street, Grand Canal boat riding, Tiger Hill, and Suzhou Silk Museum.
Available options
Tour
Tour package<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Local guide in Suzhou
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Private tour
Lunch
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
At 8.00 am, your guide will pick up you at the hotel lobby of the centrally located Suzhou hotels or Suzhou Railway Station, then start the day tour in Suzhou.
Suzhou was the capital of Wu culture 800 years ago and is one of China's leading historic cities. The city was developed around the Grand Canal that forged much of China's traditional north-south commerce. Suzhou is built around a series of canals inspiring Chinese to consider it the "Venice of the East". Now a modern thriving city, Suzhou maintains a traditional core surrounded by a moat and is world famous as a UNESCO world heritage site for their traditional Chinese gardens.
You will first visit one of China's most exquisite gardens, The Humble Administrator's Garden. This Cultural Heritage site includes both a residential quarter and a delicately landscaped garden. You will learn the beauty of this well-known Suzhou garden while wandering around the pavilions, bridges, houses, etc.
2
Stop 2
Afterwards you will visit Lion Grove Garden that is a smaller but well-known for its man-made hills.
3
After lunch at a local restaurant, you next visit Shantang Street, a good example of the water town in Southern China with well-preserved traditional architecture. You can wander around the old street to view the Opera Stage, Boat Museum etc.
4
Stop 4
Then you will take a boat on the Grand Canal for about 40 minutes to view the scenery.
5
Stop 5
After the boat ride, you will then travel to the Suzhou Silk Museum. This museum exhibits the history of Chinese silk from ancient time to modern time. It features demonstrations, samples of patterns, and explanations of how silk was important to both Chinese culture and trade.
6
Stop 6
After the museum, you will move to Tiger Hill where there are numerous relics to visit. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel or Suzhou Station where the trip concludes.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Adult pricing applies to all travelers over 3 years old
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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