Location: Suzhou
Top Things to do in Suzhou
What to do and see in Suzhou, Jiangsu: The Best Day Trips from
Suzhou is a major city on the lower Yangtze known for its canals, bridges, pagodas, and beautiful gardens. These gardens were built and owned by wealthy families and emperors hundreds of years ago, and make for a pleasant place to wander during nice weather. Suzhou is also a major center for silk production and manufacturing, and a tour of a silk factory here provides an interesting and educational glimpse of this Chinese textile industry. Suzhou is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Restaurants in Suzhou
1. Private Day Tour to Suzhou and Water Town Zhouzhuang from Shanghai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Our professional English-speaking guide and experienced driver will meet you at 8:30am in the lobby of your Shanghai hotel . Then you will be transferred to Suzhou to visit one of the most famous gardens in China -Master of Nets Garden; Then visit the landmark of Suzhou- Tiger Hill, and visit Suzhou No 1 Silk factory ( optional) . Then drive to No 1 China Water Town - Zhouzhuang which we call China Venice. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your Shanghai hotel around 7pm.
Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By TudorTrini
This was my first trip to China, I had to take three of our company's VIP guests for a week to Shanghai. I reached out to QinQin to assist. She coordinated everything from the airport pickup, tours of Shanghai, shopping and restaurants booking. Myself and my guests had an amazing experience. QinQin was also able to accommodate last minute requests from our guests like shopping at the discount market. Most memorable were the Circus. If you are new to China like myself, look no further QinQin is the best.
2. Private Hidden and Historical Suzhou Exploration from Shanghai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
As a city nearby modern Shanghai but with a history of 2000 years, Suzhou has become more and more popular for visitors from all over the world. This tour is not only designed for you to catch the top highlights of Suzhou but allow you to slow down your pace, walk into the deep alley to see the real life of local people. You will visit a classical garden, ancient alleys along the canals, the Buddhist pagoda over 1000 years old and take a boat ride to see the oldest part of Suzhou from the water as well. Your knowledgeable local guide will explain you all the stories behind it and still find the best way to avoid the crowds. If you have some special tour requests, please feel free to suggest at the time of booking.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private vehicle, Lunch and entrance fees (if All Inclusive Package is selected)
Exclusions: All entrance fees (if Guide and Transfer Service option is selected), Lunch (if Guide and Transfer Service option is selected), Gratuities
Reviewed By Menepois
The tour was great. I learned a lot of interesting things about the Bund. Penny was great and friendly. She was also well informed.
3. Private Day Tour: Suzhou Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy private Suzhou hotel or Railway Station pickup and drop-off services and escorted by professional local tour guide on this one day trip to explore attraction highlights in Suzhou. You will visit picturesque Tiger Hill, wander along Shantang Street (Seven-Li Shantang), take a boat ride along the river to enjoy fascinating scenery of this ancient town, visit typical Qing style garden of Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan), and Buddhist Hanshan Temple.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Professional tour guide, Bottled water, Chinese Lunch, Fuel surcharge and tax, Hotel pickup & drop-off, Entrance ticket fees
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Sightseer790338
We visited Suzhou in September 2018 as a day trip from Shanghai. Our guide Celia picked us up at the train station and led us through the Humble Administrator's Garden, pointing out the structure of the garden and sharing the history and delightful anecdotes associated with it. The bonsai here impressed me most. Next we visited the Silk Museum. Celia (a native of Suzhou) is very knowledgeable about making silk, and she demonstrated some of the steps in the fascinating process herself, explaining other steps in detail. This was really the highlight of the day. Next Celia took us to a favorite local restaurant for a delicious lunch (the lotus root fritters were outstanding), where we were the only westerners. Lastly we went to ZhouZhuang water town, exploring the beautiful canals and shops. It's a lovely place, but perhaps a little too commercial. Finally Celia insisted on securing our return train tickets to Shanghai when she learned that we had not yet done so. Overall, Celia was an excellent guide. She did not push us to buy anything but when I expressed interest she was very helpful with information and advice, especially about silk products but also other items. The only reason for a 4 instead of 5 rating was that we didn't find the actual sites to be all that compelling given their UNESCO status - perhaps we were travel-weary after 2-1/2 weeks in China.
4. 2-Day Unlimited Private Trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou by Bullet Train from Shanghai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
There is a Chinese saying, "Up in heaven, there is paradise; down on earth, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou". It means that the cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou have beautiful scenery that make them comparable to paradise on earth. This 2-day private tour leads you to the amazing sightseeing of the top attractions in both Suzhou and Hangzhou. Experience the speedy bullet train of China for your short excursion each day from Shanghai. The itinerary can be 100% customized based on your own interests. Accompany by your professional private guide each day to learn the local history and famous tea culture.
Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Private guide, Private transportation in Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou city, Daily lunch (if all inclusive package is selected), Boat ride in Suzhou (if all inclusive package is selected), Entrance fees of Humble Administrator's Garden, Linyin Temple (if all inclusive package is selected), 2 round trip bullet train tickets (Shanghai -Suzhou; Shanghai - Hangzhou)
Exclusions: Additional entrance tickets, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Lunch and entrance fees (if choose Guide and Transfer Service Package), Hotel accommodation
Reviewed By airyhillstudio
We are a group of Ex-pats who have been in Shanghai an average of 7 years. We can honestly share that this experience will be one of the high lights of our time here. It is one thing to view the Bund from either side looking over to the other. It exceeds your expectations to see it from the middle of the river. Alana was an outstanding host from start to finish. She checked in during the entire process making sure we had what we needed and even thought of extra ways to make this celebration better. The Champaign was Moet and the View was priceless. Thank you again for making our time in your beautiful city even more memorable. Cheers!!!!!
5. Private Day Tour: Suzhou Incredible Highlights from Shanghai by Car or Train
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 30 reviews
Catch the highlights of historic Suzhou, including the Master of Nets Garden, on this 9-hour private day tour from Shanghai. Visit the striking Panmen Gate, surrounded by historic buildings, enjoy an included lunch on Shantang Street, tour one of China's finest silk factories, and visit the delicate Master of Nets Garden.
Inclusions: Personal tour guide, Premium car and driver, Bottled water, Central Shanghai hotel pickup and drop-off, Su style noodle authentic lunch, Hi-speed train optional, Flexible start time: Choose when booking
Exclusions: Tips-recommended
Reviewed By Abr24601
Thanks to Cassie and Jenny’s China Tours, I recently enjoyed a live virtual tour of the Leshan Buddha, one of the oldest Buddha statues in the world. Cassie made the experience come alive, and is an absolutely incredible tour guide. She is so kind, welcoming and knowledgeable! I felt like I was there in person. Cassie provided an excellent historical background (including the Buddha’s construction), and bravely climbed the steps to the top. She made the experience personal, pausing as she climbed the steps, giving me the opportunity to marvel at the Leshan Buddha from different perspectives, and answering all of my questions. I also enjoyed the pavilion and exquisite Buddhist temple behind the Leshan Buddha (including breathtaking Buddha statues). What an exceptional experience! I can’t wait to tour with Cassie and Jenny’s China Tours again.
6. Private Suzhou Garden and Water Town Highlight Trip with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Spend full day to explore the top attractions in Suzhou with private travel service exclusively. On the private day trip, you will visit the largest garden in Suzhou - Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan) to explore the ingenious man-made landscape, Stroll around Zhouzhuang to enjoy the exquisite water town and charming natural scenery.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Professional tour guide, Bottled water, Chinese Lunch, Fuel surcharge and tax, Hotel pickup & drop-off, Entrance ticket fees
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Ravi Kiran N
If you are an English speaker and can afford it, the best way to hit up a city in China is with a private, guided tour. A group of us had a day off from work and we were able to use this company for a tour of Nanjing. We were picked up from the high speed station by our driver and guide (Maggie). Per our research (on Tripadvisor) we ended up going to a bunch of sights, at our own pace, finishing the included lunch, ending up at the markets for some shopping. Maggie was a great help throughout - regaling us with stories, both historical and personal and even helping us negotiate prices at various tourist traps. Do your research, create an itinerary, have your host negotiate with the company on the phone and you should have a good experience.
7. Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai
Overall Ratings
3.7 based on 401 reviews
Visit two picturesque Chinese towns, Suzhou and Zhouzhuang on a day trip from Shanghai. You'll see how daily life has remained unchanged over the centuries in these unique old towns. Visit the Suzhou's magnificent gardens, feast on a Chinese lunch and travel through Zhouzhuang's waterways on a Chinese-style gondola.
Inclusions: English-speaking tour guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop off in the city center, Boat tour in the water village, Admission tickets
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By ceciliachink
None other than any other cruise as was thrilled over the many attractions of Shanghai's architecture and modern skyscrapers especially in the limelight of the night with the amazing sparkling neon lights while cruising along the bunks on the top deck of cruise enjoying the cooling breeze and the overwhelmed beauty.
8. Private Day Trip: Tongli Water Town from Shanghai with Lunch
Travel back in time from Shanghai on this private 9-hour trip to Tongli, one of China's prettiest and most celebrated water towns. Amble across picturesque bridges over ancient canals, capture shots of weather-beaten stone houses and flourishing gardens, and visit your choice of a pearl gallery or silk museum. Tour includes lunch.
Inclusions: Private English and Chinese speaking tour guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver/guide, Lunch, Entrance fees of sites
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Lynsie F
The whole experience was easy and enjoyable. We made a last minute booking for an evening tour in Shanghai and Terry met our requests where other companies couldn't. He provided a wonderful guide, Harris, who was polite and fun and knowledgeable. The tour included a night cruise on the river. It was winter, so Terry made it work that we could take the 5pm cruise, which still enabled us to see the lights and attend an acrobatics show after. Other companies simply told us it wasn't possible to do the cruise and show on the same night because of the conflicting start times. Both things are definitely worth doing in Shanghai. The downside of squeezing both activities in was we couldn't eat dinner until after the show. Harris recommended some restaurants near our hotel and even called them to check the kitchen and opening times for us. Between the cruise and the show, he pulled in to buy us a treat that has apparently been an overnight sensation in Shanghai - I can't remember what it was called, but it tasted like a sushi doughnut! It was actually nice. Booking was quick and easy. Deposit and payment was seamless. The tour was great. Highly recommended.
9. Suzhou Private Tour Including Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill with Bonsai Class
This is the only 1-day historic and cultural tour where you will experience the 2500-year-old Suzhou city. You have the opportunity to go by time-car back to the old days to feel the life style by visiting the beautiful garden which actually was the living house of the local riches back in that time. 1. Visit the No.1 site of Suzhou: Tiger Hill 2. Experience the interesting bonsai-making process 3. Take a boat cruise to try the traditional way of transportation 4. Enjoy the beauty of top famous garden in China
Inclusions: Professional tour guide, Bonsai-making process, Boat cruise, Local food, Hotel pickup and drop-off service, Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By susiening
Very impressive, especially the building, designed by I M Pei. Also the palace adjacent to the museum with historical significance, all in all, enjoyable visit if you are interested in Chinese ancient art and history.
10. Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer
Lingering in the exquisite classical gardens and wandering along wonderful ancient streets, you will truly appreciate the charm of Suzhou. On this private day trip, you will visit two of Suzhou's gardens, Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin), to enjoy classical Chinese landscaping style, discover rare cultural relics and unique architectures at Suzhou Museum, and stroll along Pingjiang Old Street.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Professional tour guide, Bottled water, Chinese Lunch, Fuel surcharge and tax, Hotel pickup & drop-off, Entrance ticket fees
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Sightseer790338
We visited Suzhou in September 2018 as a day trip from Shanghai. Our guide Celia picked us up at the train station and led us through the Humble Administrator's Garden, pointing out the structure of the garden and sharing the history and delightful anecdotes associated with it. The bonsai here impressed me most. Next we visited the Silk Museum. Celia (a native of Suzhou) is very knowledgeable about making silk, and she demonstrated some of the steps in the fascinating process herself, explaining other steps in detail. This was really the highlight of the day. Next Celia took us to a favorite local restaurant for a delicious lunch (the lotus root fritters were outstanding), where we were the only westerners. Lastly we went to ZhouZhuang water town, exploring the beautiful canals and shops. It's a lovely place, but perhaps a little too commercial. Finally Celia insisted on securing our return train tickets to Shanghai when she learned that we had not yet done so. Overall, Celia was an excellent guide. She did not push us to buy anything but when I expressed interest she was very helpful with information and advice, especially about silk products but also other items. The only reason for a 4 instead of 5 rating was that we didn't find the actual sites to be all that compelling given their UNESCO status - perhaps we were travel-weary after 2-1/2 weeks in China.
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