Suzhou Private Tour: Suzhou Silk Museum, Lingering Garden Tiger Hill and More

Suzhou , China

Suzhou Private Tour: Suzhou Silk Museum, Lingering Garden Tiger Hill and More

Active

7h - 8h

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

Suzhou is not only a famous cultural city and a city of gardens, but also the silk capital of China. This tour includes Suzhou Silk Museum, Suzhou's classical gardens, Shan Tang Street and Tiger Hill. The original allure of these sites have been preserved, and they represent Suzhou's antiquity and appreciation for art!

1. Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Lingering Garden.
2. Walk along Shang Tang Street and enjoy local lifestyle
3. Visit Tiger Hill and its leaning pagoda
4. Visit Suzhou Silk Museum and learn about the history and culture of Chinese silk
5. Public transport travel as a local.

Available options

Suzhou Private Tour: Suzhou Silk Museum, Lingering Garden Tiger Hill and More

Pickup included

What's included

Admission to the indicated attractions

Professional tour guide.

Lunch

Public transport fee

Hotel pick-up and drop-off service.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour guide will be welcoming you at your hotel at 08:30 a.m. Then, we will transfer to Suzhou Silk Museum and start the one-day Suzhou tour.
Suzhou is the silk capital of China. We will visit Suzhou Silk Museum and learn about the history and culture of Chinese silk.
The entire museum design is dignified and elegant - yet unconventional - combining a sense of ancient civilization with modern style. It is divided into eight parts: the Introductory Hall, the Ancient Exhibit Hall, the Silkworm-Rearing Room, the Silk Weaving Workshop, the Vegetable Garden, the Central Hall, the Neoteric Exhibit Hall and the Modern Exhibit Hall.

Stop 2

After visiting Suzhou Silk Museum, you will head over to Tiger Hill. Known also as Surging Sea Hill, covers over 14,100 square meters (over three acres) and is 36 meters (118 feet) in height. Climbing it, you will find a number of historical sites, some of which can be traced back over 2500 years ago, the founding year of Suzhou. Although the hill is relatively small, it has rich history.
There are thousands of magnificent bonsai trees on display in the Tiger Hill. Many of the specimens you can see have been recognized in prestigious bonsai competitions. The miniature replicas of full sized gardens will surely amaze you and will give an insight into the skill and the artistry of Chinese master gardeners that has been handed down long ago.

Stop 3

After exploring Tiger Hill, the next stop of your trip is The Lingering Garden.
With a history of more than 400 years, the Lingering Garden has changed several times. Each owner did his best to perfect it. The garden was first built in 1593 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) by a retired official named Xu Tai. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), it was bought by Liu Shu. As a calligraphy lover, he carved masterpieces on both sides of the corridors of the buildings. Almost demolished in the 1930s, the garden was repaired by the government and then opened to the public.

This will be the last stop of the tour - Shantang Street. It is an ancient street with more than one thousand years’ history, lined with old buildings like memorial archways, ancestral temples, guild halls and modern buildings such as souvenir shops, tea houses and restaurants. The street reflects prosperity of both the present and the past Suzhou. Especially the southeast part of the street, also called old Shangtang Street, extends 360 meters (395 yards) long. There assembles various artifacts stores and local snacks. In addition, you can see a large ancient architectural complex, Yuhan Hall, which is the former residence of the official in Ming Dynasty (1644 - 1911).

What's not included

Private transportation

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Suzhou Silk Museum

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