3 Day Suzhou-Tongli Water Town Tour

Highlights Itinerary Accommodation Inclusions/Exclusions Important Info

Highlights

Experience history at first hand from a rickshaw as you take in the quaint villages of ancient dynasties, or wander the alley ways and houses to see local lifestyle. Reflect on how leisure and gardens have always been an important part of Chinese culture, as shown in the moving designs in the gardens that have inspired poets, philosophers and legends down the ages.

Vehicle	Air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver
Guide Service & Language	Professional English-speaking guide

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Suzhou

Upon arrival at Suzhou train station, you will be met by your local guide and taken for a rickshaw ride around Pingjiang Road, a well preserved historical block stretching along Pingjiang River, which will take you back in time to its origin during the Tang and Song dynasties. Reflect on the lifestyle of locals as you wander through the small alleys, ancient residences, rivers and bridges of this pocket of history. At the end of the day you will check in to the pre-booked hotel.

Meals included: None

Day 2 - Suzhou

Following breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in downtown Suzhou, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest classical garden in Suzhou and one of the top four gardens in China. Be at peace in this classically designed private garden as you wander through the picturesque landscape in which traditional architecture, hills, lawns, flowers and meandering streams harmonize the natural and build environment in poetic elegance.

Awe-inspiring scenery will have you reaching for your camera.
Lunch is excluded but your guide is always happy to offer suggestions.
Savor the artistic features and cultural values of the Master of the Nets Garden, a dainty, classical garden of exquisitely laid out pavilions, rockeries, corridors, bridges and ponds, all in breathtaking harmony. Traditional dwellings date back to the Southern Song Dynasty in 1174.

Spend the afternoon exploring Tiger Hill, a large hill park steeped in legend and incredibly beautiful scenery. A particular feature is the leaning Tiger Hill Pagoda set in extensive gardens, trees and lawns scattered with antiquated pavilions and stoneware. Learn from your guide how the beauty and tranquility of the park belie its history.You will then be returned to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Depart from Suzhou

After the breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to Tongli Water Town. It has become renowned for its well preserved old buildings, private gardens, temples and traditional dwellings. The town’s location, surrounded by five lakes, makes for charming water scenes and tranquil atmosphere. Feel free to wander the flagstone streets, or stop in at a simple teahouse for a cup of tea as you enjoy local melodies.
At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Suzhou for your departure to the next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Transfer service between Shanghai airport and Suzhou can be arranged upon request in advance for an additional fee.

Accommodation

Inclusions / Exclusions

Inclusions

Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified.
Activities specified in the itinerary.
Excellent professional English speaking guide.
Ground transport in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified.
4-Star or 5-Star hotel accommodation with breakfast, based on double/twin occupancy as specified.
Rickshaw ride at Pingjiang Road.
Travel agency liability insurance during the tour.
Government taxes and fees.

Exclusions

International/domestic flights and trains to/from Suzhou.
China visa.
Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature.
Meals: Lunches and dinners are excluded allowing you flexibility around meal choices. Your guide is able to make recommendations and order for you, if required.
Boat ride at Tongli Water Town.
Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.

Important Information

This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It’s always available for your schedule!
Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Prices based on twin occupancy.
The prices shown above are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).

Prices Start From

$413+PP
USD

Select Tour Options

Private Tour

Luxury

Superior

Adults

123455+

Children

0123455+

Infants

0123455+

Younga P wrote a review 15 July 2024

Fabulous 3 city tour (Hong Kong/Xi’an/Beijing) planned and executed by China Tours!

My family and I loved our recent private tour with China Tours! We started by working with Lora to plan our itinerary first. We let her know which cities we wanted to visit and what we wanted to see in each city. She was so responsive to my many questions and requests from providing information necessary to get our visas to making recommendations of when we should see the Terra Cotta soldiers based on our travel schedule to letting me know we were able to get entry tickets to see the Forbidden City. I felt very comfortable in a country where I didn't speak the language because Lora was always available to provide assistance. When we arrived in each location, the guides and drivers were fantastic. I was able to connect with each guide prior to reaching the destination and they were always waiting for us. The guides, Chas in Hong Kong, Helen in Xi'an and William in Beijing were fabulous!!! They were all so accommodating and helpful. They knew their cities well and made great food recommendations! Since we were on a private tour, they were very willing to make adjustments based on what we wanted to do or see when prior reservations were not required. My husband, daughter and I are very grateful to Lora, Chas, Helen and William for providing us with such a wonderful experience in China! Thank you!

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
Mara wrote a review 7 July 2024

Great Experience with China Tours!

We had a great experience with China Tours. We traveled to the cities Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai. The organization was impeccable, the guides and drivers very professional. We would recommend the agency to others!

Date of experience: June 2024 • Friends
Cruiser61335187814 wrote a review 6 July 2024

Great experience

We had a great time in Beijing and surroundings. Guide Maggie was very knowledgeable and speaks English really well. She was flexible and proactive as we had some last minute requests and some sites were crowded and she did a good job navigating that. During our preparations, office person Martha responded fast and accurately. We stayed at the Novotel which we liked as it has a good location for an evening stroll and mall.

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
hilaryt714 wrote a review 2 July 2024

Book without a second thought

Our trip was delayed from 2020 with no problems. Martha responded to changes in our itinerary brilliantly.
There were two of us on our small group tour and the service was exceptional. Hotels were of a high standard and we were happy with them. All guides were enthusiastic and helpful, we only had to ask.
In the end we took high speed trains within China which we enjoyed as we got to see more of the country.
Highly recommend this tour group

Date of experience: May 2024 • Couples
WingF wrote a review 23 June 2024

Perfect China Trip

The small group tour of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai organised by China Tours was a great way to see these 3 fantastic cities of China. Each of the local guides Nancy (Beijing), Elysha (Xi’an) and Lucy (Shanghai) were very friendly, knowledgeable and interesting and had a passion for their jobs. They were all super helpful answering any questions and offering advice and tips for navigating each city in our own free time, including recommendations for places to eat and other attractions to see not covered by the tour. All the main attractions and sites were visited with plenty of time spent at each. The main highlights for me were the Forbidden City and Great Wall (Nancy took us to a great part of the wall that was not overcrowded) in Beijing and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an (including meeting the farmer who made the discovery in the 1970’s). It was not a rushed tour and was also flexible. In Xi’an because of the weather the itinerary order was changed to suit the group. Being a small escorted tour meant that you were not just one of many in the usual large group tours which made it more personal and enjoyable. A special mention for Nancy and Elysha who made suggestions, with no hidden agenda, in Beijing and Xi’an respectively to see live shows as add-ons which turned out to be unexpected delights. Martha of China Tours was very easy to deal with and was patient with all my requests and queries when booking the tour. Overall I can highly recommend China Tours if you plan to visit China and wish to arrange a tour. From start to finish everyone was extremely helpful and communicated in very good English.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo
TravelerToo wrote a review 20 June 2024

Fantastic Tour Itinerary, Guide, and Hotels

I can’t imagine a better way to see and experience Taiwan than this 9-day tour. Starting in Taipei and driving counterclockwise we went from the top to the farthest southern tip of the country and back. Hotels were much nicer than expected as were all of the locals we met along the way. As most travelers know, a few words in the local language are much appreciated so set your Google translate app to Traditional Chinese and say hello! Our tour leader Cathy was funny, smiley, organized, and felt like my 2nd mother as she constantly made sure I was all right and happy. The trip itinerary was varied and extensive (maybe a few too many temples but that’s my problem). Perhaps the most impressive was the coordination between our tour leader and the travel company when an issue arose as when an indigenous cultural site unexpectedly closed. Cathy arranged for us to attend a special performance of another group which turned out to be one of the many highlights of the tour.
This tour was excellent, a great introduction to an interesting country, a great value for the price. I highly recommend it. Oh, and try to get Cathy Lin as your guide; you won’t regret it.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo