Suzhou Private Tour featuring Kun Opera Museum, the No.1 Silk Factory and More
Active
8h - 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
Suzhou is not only a famous historical and cultural city with a blend of classical gardens and tiny canal-side streets, but also the silk capital of China. The itinerary includes Suzhou Museum, Pingjiang Road, Kunqu Opera Museum, Xiangmen Gate, Master-of-Nets Garden and the No.1 Silk Factory. Let Five Star Tours be your guide in this amazing trip!
1. Visit Suzhou Museum and learn about Suzhou's history and culture
2. Take a boat along canal to Pingjiang Road and enjoy local lifestyle
3. Stroll on Ancient City Gate - Xiangmen Gate
4. Visit Master-of-Nets Garden
5. Visit the No.1 Silk Factory, learn about silk history and the whole process of silk production
6. Get local tips and insights from your guide
7. Enjoy delicious local food for lunch
Available options
Suzhou Private Tour featuring Kun Opera Museum, the No.1 Silk Factory and More
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Admission to the indicated attractions
Vegetarian, Western and Local Speciality options are available, please advise at time of booking.
Professional guide
Pick up and drop off service
Boat
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your tour guide will be welcoming you at your hotel or Suzhou Railway Station at 09:00 a.m. Then, transfer to Suzhou Museum and start the one-day Suzhou tour.
Suzhou Museum is an attractive place famous for its rare cultural relics and unique architectural style. 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.
2
Stop 2
Take a boat along along canal to Pingjiang Road and enjoy local lifestyle.
The epitome of the ancient city of Suzhou. 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.
3
Kun Opera considered as “ancestor of Chinese operas” is one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera and it evolved from the Kunshan melody has been listed as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2001.
4
Xiangmen Gate is located in the east of Suzhou, near the city moat.It is one of eight gates of Suzhou Ancient City.This area was once a gathering place for various kinds of craftsmen. Strolling on Xiangmen Gate is a fantastic experience as the Gate has a beautiful sceneryl and is a window of knowing ancient Suzhou.
5
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.
6
This will be the last stop of the tour - No.1 Silk Factory of Suzhou.
The silk is always a famed representative of the ancient city of Suzhou, while the No.1 Silk Factory is just shinning card of the Suzhou silk. Built in 1926, the present No.1 Silk Factory of Suzhou is not only a workshop for silk reeling, weaving and products manufacture, but also a site for factory tour of silk knowledge and silk shopping.
In No.1 Silk Factory, the tourist project is a comprehensive one with knowledge, culture and participation, in which visitors can watch the overall process of silk products from the manual peeling of the cocoons to the drawing producing, and even take part in the process.
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
JA
EN
FR
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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
Vegetarian, Western and Local Speciality options are available, please advise at time of booking.
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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