8 or 10 Hours Tongli Water Village Private Tour from Shanghai (or Layover)
Active
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
If you want to visit a peaceful village while you are in hustle and bustle modern Shanghai, Tongli water village one day tour will be a great choice. Less commercial and crowded than other water villages.
Known as the “Venice of the East”: Tongli, an ancient water town complete with canals and gondolas. There are numerous rivers and canals, 49 stone arch bridges and countless buildings date back Ming & Qing dynasties.
Hold a cup of tea, seat next to window with serenity canal view, enjoy Suzhou Pingtan performance, a traditional singing with music instrument, you will start to like the local people’s leisure lifestyle.
• Visit Tuisi Garden;
• Take a gondola boat ride;
• Lunch break with water village flavor;
• Enjoy Suzhou Pingtan, local singing and music performance with a cup of tea;
• Wondering in village, discover the local lifestyle and find souvenirs you like.
• Gengle Hall (Happy Farming Hall) garden. Optional.
• Pearl Pagoda Garden. Optional
Available options
8~10 Hr Airport Layover Guests
Duration: 10 hours: For guests of Airport layover, Train Station, Baoyang Rd Cruise Port, Disneyland etc, which is at outskirt of Shanghai,<br/>Pickup included
8-Hr Shanghai Central Guests
Duration: 8 hours: For guests' hotel centrally located in Shanghai city.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Tea & snacks included with traditional Suzhou Pingtan,a local singing performance.
Hotel pick up and drop off
Entrance Ticket
Tea & snacks included with traditional Suzhou Pingtan,a local singing performance.
Excellent Private Tour Guide
Additional option of airports, cruise port, train station pick up or drop off service
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your excellent tour guide will pick you up from your Shanghai centrally located hotel (or airport layover, port, Disneyland at guests' option) at your chosen time with your name sign in hand.
It’s about 1.5 hour driving from central Shanghai to Tongli.
We have carefully chosen several areas in Tongli water village we think you will enjoy… Tuisi Garden, gondola boat ride, lunch, Pingtan, tradition singing with music performence, wondering in village.
The tour is 100% flexible, designed to suite your interests. Discuss the proposed itinerary with your tour guide.
2
First visit Tuisi Garden. It’s an elegant classical garden, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for the near-the water style of building around a pond. It mixes Chinese cultures, lifestyles, philosophies, believes and traditions with landscape aesthetics.
3
Gondola boat trip
Take a gondola ride along the beautiful Tongli canals, seeing the local people going about their daily lives.
4
Stop 4
Take a lunch break. Try the water village flavor dishes. You may find they are simple but taste. (Lunch is at guests’ own expense.)
5
Stop 5
After lunch break, enjoy Suzhou Pingtian, a famous narrative musical tradition performance date back 400 years ago. It’s a joy to cradle a cup of tea and enjoy the story singing in time honored tea house to feel the traditional culture.
6
Stop 6
Walking around the stone paved street next to water, with various shops around. You may find some souvenirs you like in colorful small shops.
7
Optional. Gengle Hall (Happy Farming Hall), elegrent small garden centered with a fishpond. A traditional structure of residence in the front and garden in the back. It’s not hard to imagine the life style of Chinese rich family hundred years ago.
8
Optional. Pearl Pagoda Garden
A well build Chinese classical garden, contain an traditional love story, popularly performance in opera “Pearl Pagoda”.
9
At the end of the wonderful time in the village, driving back to Shanghai. Guests can choose to be dropped to hotel or any other place of central Shanghai City.
Guests of airports layover, Baoyang Rd cruise port or Disneyland area hotels etc, which is far from central Shanghai, we offer optional pick up/drop off service.
What's not included
Gratuities
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Shanghai
Shanghai is a global financial hub and a city of stunning contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside traditional shikumen houses. It's known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and historic landmarks, making it a must-visit destination in China.
Top Attractions
The Bund
The Bund is a famous waterfront area with a stunning skyline of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. It's a must-visit for its historic significance and breathtaking views.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Oriental Pearl Tower
This iconic tower is a symbol of modern Shanghai, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
Architecture
2-3 hours
¥150-200
Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with beautiful landscapes, pavilions, and historical buildings. It's a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.
Historical/Garden
2-3 hours
¥30
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, providing a deep dive into China's rich history and culture.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, offering a mix of international brands, local shops, and vibrant street life.
Shopping
2-3 hours
Varies by shop
Must-Try Local Dishes
Xiaolongbao
Small soup dumplings filled with meat and hot broth, typically pork. They are a staple of Shanghai cuisine and are often served with soy sauce and ginger.
Dumplings
Contains meat, gluten, and soy.
Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
A slow-cooked dish of pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It's tender, flavorful, and often served with steamed buns or rice.
Main dish
Contains pork and soy.
Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Shao Mai)
Open-topped dumplings filled with minced pork and shrimp, often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.
Dumplings
Contains pork, shrimp, and soy.
Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)
Fermented tofu with a strong odor, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage. It's an acquired taste but a popular street food.
Snack
Vegetarian, contains soy.
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby nature reserves
Biking along the Huangpu River
Tea house visits
Spa treatments
Visiting museums and historic sites
Attending traditional performances
Boat rides on the Huangpu River
Swimming at nearby beaches
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.
15°C to 35°C
59°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Widely spoken: Shanghainese, English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Shanghai is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi.
- • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport • 30 km from city center
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport • 13 km from city center
By train
Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station
By bus
Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Shanghai Metro is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It's the fastest and most convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi, Meituan
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
The Bund
Pudong
French Concession
Xintiandi
Tianzifang
Day trips
Hangzhou
180 km from Shanghai • Full day
Hangzhou is a beautiful city known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and the famous West Lake. It's a great day trip from Shanghai for those looking to escape the city and enjoy some nature.
Suzhou
100 km from Shanghai • Full day
Suzhou is a historic city known for its classical gardens, silk production, and canals. It's a great day trip for those interested in history, culture, and architecture.
Zhujiajiao
50 km from Shanghai • Half day
Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, canals, and bridges. It's a great day trip for those looking to experience traditional Chinese water town life.
Festivals
Shanghai Tourism Festival • September
Shanghai International Film Festival • June
Chinese New Year • January/February (varies)
Pro tips
- Use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenient and discounted travel on metro, buses, and ferries.
- Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook to help with language barriers.
- Try local street food, but be cautious of food safety and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider hiring a local guide or joining a tour to gain insights into Shanghai's history and culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
