Private Day Tour to Tongli Water Town with Boat Ride & Lunch from Suzhou

Suzhou , China

Private Day Tour to Tongli Water Town with Boat Ride & Lunch from Suzhou

Active

7h - 8h

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Voyage to one of China’s famous ancient water towns, Tongli, during this tour from Suzhou, including round-trip transport. First, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Retreat and Reflection Garden, and then take a cruise along the nearby lake in a wooden boat. Visit Chongben Hall and Jiayin Hall before catching sight of three of the most popular bridges out of the more than the 50 found in town.

Available options

Private Day Tour to Tongli Water Town with Boat Ride & Lunch from Suzhou

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

English or Chinese speaking tour guide

Hotel or train station pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide at Suzhou train station or Suzhou downtown hotel. Set out on a full day of sightseeing in the comfort of an air-conditioned private vehicle, and talk with your guide about any particular interests you have so the commentary and itinerary can be customized. Upon arrival, your experienced guide will accompany you wander in this ancient town along the way, introducing the varied and unique feature. Tongli Water Town retains its village charm. It is a small and largely pedestrianized town, and while it receives a lot of tourists, its quaint, authentic atmosphere has not been compromised. Tongli Water Town is home to peaceful classical gardens, bucolic canals littered with traditional rowboats and ancient bridges, and numerous historic buildings. One of its most famous attractions is Tuisi Garden, also known as the Retreat and Reflections Garden. As its name suggests, this elegant garden is a pretty place to stroll and appreciate some traditional architecture, including pavilions, pagodas and bridges. Also you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant along the canals. Simply strolling along the banks of Tongli Water Town's canals and exploring its winding lanes will give you a sense of the town's history and allow you to appreciate its scenery. And you will enjoy take a boat cruise down the scenic waterways in a traditional boat. Free on your own fo a while for you to exploring this ancient town or take photos. Drive you back to your Suzhou hotel or Suzhou train station and your tour ends.

What's not included

Gratuities

accomodation

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

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