Suzhou Private Tour with Tongli Town Boat Tour, Paper-cutting & Vegetarian Lunch

Suzhou , China

Suzhou Private Tour with Tongli Town Boat Tour, Paper-cutting & Vegetarian Lunch

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

Tongli is a peaceful, tranquil and beautiful water town in Suzhou, which is known as the “Venice of the east” due to its bridges, water towns and small villages. Despite its popularity with tourists, Tongli is still a semi-residential village and the historical canalside hums with activity in the mornings before the crowds arrive. Famous places of historical interest, incredible architecture, private gardens, small bridges and running water as well as old streets and long alleys are everywhere in Tongli Town, and will light up your imagination from the moment you arrive here.

1. Enjoy beautiful view of Tongli Town by taking the boat
2. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Tuisi Garden
3. Learn paper-cutting to experience Chinese art and classical culture
4. Enjoy a special vegetarian lunch

Available options

Suzhou Private Tour with Tongli Town Boat Tour, Paper-cutting & Vegetarian Lunch

Pickup included

What's included

Admission to the indicated attractions

Pick up and drop off service

Air-conditioned vehicle

Professional tour leader and driver

Vegetarian diet

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour leader will be welcoming you at your hotel lobby or Suzhou Railway Station at 08:30 a.m.
Tongli is a semi-residential village and the historical canalside hums with activity in the mornings before the crowds arrive. A boat tour can take you through narrow rivers, straight stretches, winding turns and under beautiful bridges. The oarsman of your boat will go slowly so that you can take in all the sights and beauty.

Stop 2

Paper-cutting is a very distinctive visual art of Chinese handicrafts. It originated from the 6th century. Today, paper-cuttings are chiefly decorative. They are pasted on the walls, windows, doors, columns and lanterns to express people’s hopes, gratitude and other emotions. It is easy to learn about cutting a piece of paper but very difficult to master it with perfection. Let's experience traditional Chinese handicrafts by learning paper-cutting.

After lunch, we will visit Tuisi Garden. This Chinese classical garden, built in 19th-century, delightfully translates as the ‘Withdraw and Reflect Garden’, so named because it was the retirement home of a demoted Qing government official. The 'Tower of Fanning Delight' served as the living quarters, while the garden itself is a meditative portrait of a shimmering pond, rockeries and pavilions.

After visiting Tuisi Garden, we will head over to Pearl Tower.
In the north of town, quiet Pearl Tower dates from the Qing dynasty and contains a spacious residential complex decorated with Qing-era antiques, an ancestral hall, a garden and an opera stage. It gets its name from a tiny model pagoda draped in pearls.

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

We can also pick you up from any central location in Suzhou.

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