Suzhou Private Day Tour of Gardens and Old Street
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
Enjoy flexible pickup service from Suzhou hotel or Suzhou Railway Station, follow a professional local tour guide, lingering in the exquisite classical gardens and wandering along the wonderful ancient street, you will truly know the charm of Suzhou.
Available options
Suzhou Private Day Tour of Gardens and Old Street
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Private tour
English-speaking guide
Hotel pickup & drop-off
Fuel surcharge and tax
Entrance ticket fees
Local lunch
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
With pickup from Suzhou downtown hotel lobby or Suzhou Railway Station(No.27, Suzhan Road, Pingjiang District) at 9:00 am, private guide will take you to start the Suzhou sightseeing of beautiful gardens and Ancient Street.
Firstly visit the Lion Grove Garden - an ideal sightseeing site as it has richly ornamental pavilions and towers in different styles.
Follow your guide to explore the pavilions and towers and learn the history. Head to the Humble Administrator's Garden - the largest and most renowned one in Suzhou. Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has garnered many special honors. Suzhou is considered as the silk capital in China, visit Suzhou Silk Museum and learn the traditional silk spinning.
2
Stop 2
Enjoy a delicious lunch and taste local food in a well-selected restaurant. Then visit the rare cultural relics and unique architectural style in Suzhou Museum designed by the world-famous Chinese-American architect named Leoh Ming Pei. Suzhou Museum obeys the theme of “Design for China”, it combines modern exhibition halls and classical gardens’ architecture together.
Then come to Pingjiang Old Street to have a better look of Suzhou. Walking along stone route with a river flowing along it to experience traditional Suzhou local life.
To conclude the day tour, your guide will drop you off at Suzhou downtown hotel or Suzhou Railway Station.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Important notes
Voucher is for booking confirmation, local tour guide will help you to get the entrance ticket
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
Instant confirmation
