Private Tour to Suzhou Museum, Master-of-Nets Garden and Cruise in Tongli Town

Suzhou , China

Private Tour to Suzhou Museum, Master-of-Nets Garden and Cruise in Tongli Town

Active

7h - 8h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Suzhou is a famous historical and cultural city with a blend of classical gardens and water ancient towns. With the assistance of professional guide, you will explore Suzhou with a history of 2,500 years. This tour provides a great opportunity to visit four of the most famous historical Suzhou Attractions. The itinerary includes the beautiful Master-of-Nets Garden, Suzhou Museum, Pingjiang Road and Tongli Water Town.

1. Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Master-of-Nets Garden
2. Walk along Pingjiang Road and enjoy local lifestyle
3. Visit Suzhou Museum to learn about Suzhou's history and culture
4. Take a boat to visit a typical water town - Tongli
5. Lunch at local restaurant
6. Pick-up and drop-off service

Available options

Private Tour to Suzhou Museum, Master-of-Nets Garden and Cruise in Tongli Town

Pickup included

What's included

Admission to the indicated attractions

Boat

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Professional tour guide

Hotel pick-up and drop-off service

Detailed itinerary

Your tour guide will be welcoming you at your hotel at 09:00 a.m. Then, we will transfer to Master-of-Nets Garden and start the one-day Suzhou tour. Master-of-Nets Garden is a typical masterwork among the mansion gardens in Suzhou as well as a typical dwelling place for officials in Suzhou in the Qing Dynasty. It is less than one sixth of the Humble Administrator’s Garden in terms of area, but fully illustrates the great gardening craftsmanship of creating magnificent scenery within a limited area by scattering bridges, brooks, pavilions and buildings in a smart layout.

Stop 2

After visiting Masters-of-Nets Garden, we will head over to the epitome of the ancient city of Suzhou - Pingjiang Road.
With the length of 1,606 meters, Pingjiang Road is a stone route with a river flowing across it. Here, bridges across the river, houses with white walls and black roofs built along the stone road, and the old walking leisurely, which presents the traditional Suzhou local life. Because of its nostalgic style, Pingjiang Road becomes the symbol of Suzhou ancient city.

Stop 3

The next stop is Suzhou Museum.
Suzhou Museum’s designer, I.M. Pei, an internationally recognized and award-winning architect, traveled back to his hometown to design and build one of Suzhou’s most popular attractions.
The museum exhibits a vast collection of ancient ceramics, cultural relics and woodcarvings, and the handsome lotus pool at the museum’s center is a highlight there.

Stop 4

This will be the last stop of the tour. Tongli water town is one of the six famous ancient water towns in the south of the Yangtze River Delta, which are famous for their rivers, ancient bridges and house complexes. Tongli is a wonderful travel destination where you can experience the original water town life in rural China. It is very rich in cultural heritage. Traditional residences including gardens, houses and temples, which are the highlight of the city.
We will take a boat to visit a typical water town.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN JA EN FR

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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