Private Tongli Water Town Tour from Suzhou with All Inclusive Option

Suzhou , China

Private Tongli Water Town Tour from Suzhou with All Inclusive Option

Active

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This exclusive private tour will take you to the beautiful “oriental Venice” Tongli Ancient water town. Explore the beauty of the typical southeast canal town and gain a great insight to the local area and culture. In addition, visit Tuisi Garden inside of Tongli. This tour offers flexible departure time and convenient round-trip transportation from your downtown Suzhou hotel or Suzhou Railway Station.

Available options

All Inclusive Private Tour

Great local guide,driver with air-conditioned car,entrance fee ,local tasty lunch ,boat ride are all included<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour Only

Great local guide, driver with air-conditioned car, entrance fee are all included<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Boat ride(Only if " All Inclusive Tour" is booked)

Local tasty lunch ( Only if " All Inclusive Private Tour" is booked)

Bottled water

Professional guide

Suzhou Railway Station Pickup or drop off

Entrance fee to Tongli

Local private car and driver

Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Suzhou

Detailed itinerary

Your professional guide and the driver will pick up you at your prefered time( Your local tour operator will confirm with you the pickup time after booking). After meeting , you will be transferred to Tongli in a nice, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival, you will start strolling and exploring along the town which include the old Ming & Qing Dynasty street, immerse yourself with the local flavors in the stone paved alley lane streets and then visit one of the elegant garden house -“Tuisi Garden” (also know as Garden of Retreat and Meditation) which was listed in the UNESCO and see some of the famous local folks-paper cutting.

Stop 2

Continue the walking through canal areas with little bridges, trees, old residential houses along the town. Learn the story of the local “three famous ring bridges” while appreciate the picturesque view of the town.

During this private tour you will also enjoy the delightful local lunch in one of the water and also the relaxing gondola ride along the ancient canal.

After the tour you will be dropped off at the Suzhou downtown hotel or Suzhou Railway station.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch( If All inclusive tour is not booked)

Boat ride ( If All inclusive tour is not booked)

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Important notes

• Please wear comfortable shoes
• Note: The tour is between 6 to 8hours, if you wish to extend more than 8hours, additional hour is USD 25.00 per hour , please pay this to the guide on the tour day if any addtional charges applied

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