What to do and see in Suzhou, Jiangsu: The Best Cultural Tours

October 13, 2021 Jacquiline Darosa

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

Shanghai VIP Tours
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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. 2-Day Amazing Shanghai and Suzhou Private Tour including Water Town

Amazing Shanghai Trip
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover amazing Shanghai city and Suzhou plus one famous water village (Tongli, Zhouzhuang or Zhujiajiao) in this 2-day private sightseeing tour. Accompanied by your profession private guide, and visit the top attractions based on your interests, such as Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Humble Administrator's Garden, historical Pingjiang Road, a relax boat ride in the water village and more! The itinerary can be 100% customized based on your interests. This tour offers a booking option to upgrade your package to see famous Shanghai acrobatic show.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Private guide, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown shanghai, Meals as per itinerary (L=lunch), First night dinner and acrobatic show if Deluxe Package is selected, Admissions of Yu Garden, Jade Budda, Humble Administrator's Garden, Hanshan Temple (or Tiger Hill), Tongli (or Zhouzhuang) Water Village Boat ride

Exclusions: Hotel accommodation, Hotel pick up and drop-off for locations outside of the downtown Shanghai areas, Additional attraction entrance fees, Gratuities

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!!!!!

3. Half Day Suzhou City Tour with Extension to Tongli Water Town

China Private Tours-Suzhou Private One-day Tour
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

8-hour tour in Suzhou is precious,accompanied by your guide over 5+ years experience, explore Suzhou gardens and one of the most impressive Tongli water town.. Wander through the trails and portals of Lingering garden that carefully combines traditional Chinese architecture with natural beauty, learn silk culture and how the silk was made into fabric in Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill, walk around the Tongli water town to experience the old lifestyle of ancient China and the tranquil beauty.

Inclusions: Suzhou downtown hotel or train station pickup & drop-off, Bottled water, Professional English & Chinese speaking tour guide, Entrance fees if you book the all inclusive tour option, Private Boat Ride if you book the all inclusive tour option, Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch if you book the all inclusive tour option

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Yen_Square

Have some issues in deciding on our itinerary for the trip initially. But we decided to book our tour with China Private Tours although their price was slightly higher than another tour agent as they have very patiently & professionally attended to all our enquiries. And they did not disappoint. There was just a slight hiccup with the first driver, Mr Cheng, who picked us up from Shanghai to Hangzhou as he most probably had missed the turn to the side lane to drive in to the parking area of the hotel. The second driver, Mr Lu, who drove us around on the tour in Suzhou is extremely patient, thoughtful & helpful. Along the way when we urgently require a local mobile SIM card, he very nicely attended to our request to drive us to the shop. When we had some problem finding our accommodation for the night due to the restricted area, despite the late hours & rain, he patiently assisted us by communicating with the owner of the lodge & drove us to another location where we didn't need to walk to far. Anita, our tour guide in Suzhou, was wonderful. She was patient, caring, funny and helpful throughout the tour. She was very informative & could provide answers to many of our questions. As it was raining during the tour and we didn't have enough umbrella, she constantly ensure that we are shielded by sharing hers. This is definitely highly recommended tour agent to book your tour with!

4. 2-Day Unlimited Private Trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou by Bullet Train from Shanghai

Amazing Shanghai Trip
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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 Suzhou Garden and Water Town Highlight Trip with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer

China Theme Tour Shanghai
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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.

6. Private Day Trip: Tongli Water Town from Shanghai with Lunch

Private Shanghai Trips

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.

7. Private 3-Night Tour of Suzhou with Accommodation

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Classical Gardens of Suzhou on a 3-night private tour that includes 5-star accommodations. Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Suzhou Museum, Shantang Street, Pingjiang Road, and other highlights as you explore the ‘Venice of the East.’ Includes private guide and vehicle, six meals, Kunqu Opera performance, and entrance fees.

Inclusions: 3 nights accommodations at a 5-star hotel, English-speaking professional guide, All private transfers during the tour, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Optional night garden show, Transportation to/from Pan Pacific Hotel on arrival and departure days

8. Suzhou Private Tour Including Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill with Bonsai Class

MoreFunAsia

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.

9. Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer

China Theme Tour Shanghai

Suzhou is a city famous for its abundant classical gardens, for China’s four most famous gardens, two of them are in Suzhou. This is a customized private day trip covering Suzhou fantastic gardens, you will visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, Master of Nets Garden and Lingering Garden, enjoy private travel experience with a professional tour guide’s commentary, and learn the splendid history and culture of this city.

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.

10. Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai including Tongli Water Town

Catherine Lu Tours Shanghai

This full-day tour takes you to visit one water town - Tongli Water Town in Suzhou, one of the most fabulous water town in China. You may heard of it or seen either for its history or photography. For this tour, you will be picked up and dropped off at your Shanghai hotel, its quite convenient to add one southern style garden - Lion Grove Garden and Shantang Street to complete the full day tour. All the tickets, lunch, transport and guide are included.

Inclusions: Professional English speaking tour guide, Private transportation service, Lunch

Exclusions: Dinner, Boat ride in Tongli Water Town, Gratitude (Recommended)

Reviewed By GerryGunawan

this private tour is very good. 2-3 months before I contact with jenna and make the itinerary. the response is so fast. when we arrive the driver is so polite and helpful since pick up us until drop us to flying back. Ruby, our guide is so nice. she can explain with fluently. she choose the route n place to lunch. also give us suggestion to choose dinner. overall 9/10 for the service.... ????

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