1-Day Suzhou Highlights Tour
Suzhou is one of the best ambassadors for Chinese classical gardens. On this day trip, you will have the chance to explore the most famous Suzhou gardens, venture into alleyways to observe local life, and taste the most authentic Suzhou food.
Highlights
- Stroll around the biggest classical garden in Suzhou—the Humble Administrator's Garden
- Visit the most ingenious garden, the Garden of the Master of Nets, and search for the smallest stone bridge
- Take a rickshaw ride in Suzhou’s alleys and catch a glimpse of local people’s lives
- Experience the history of more than 2,500 years on Tiger Hill
Schedule for Reference
Price Per Person in US Dollars
| Price in 2016 |
|
|---|---|
| 2-5 People | $175 |
| 6-9 People | $112 |
Note: Price is the same all the year round. The price may vary according to your pick up point, especially if not in Suzhou city center.
What's Included
- Entrance to scenic spots listed in the itinerary
- Lunch mentioned in itinerary
- Private English-speaking guide and driver service throughout the tour
Suggested Itinerary
We’ll pick you up in the morning from the train station or from your hotel in Suzhou, and you will start your tour at the biggest classical garden in Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden.
As one of China’s top four gardens, the Humble Administrator's Garden enjoys a great reputation, and it is a must-see garden in Suzhou. You will explore its leisure area and residential area, which include gardens, bridges, kiosks and exquisite halls.
The Garden of the Master of Nets is only 1/6 of the size of the Humble Administrator's Garden, but it is the most ingenious classical garden in Suzhou. The smallest stone bridge in the city, Yinjing Bridge, is found in this garden. People only need 3 steps to cross it, so it is also called “Three Steps Bridge”.
Have lunch at a local Suzhou restaurant, and your tour guide will recommend popular local food for you. The most famous Suzhou food is squirrel-shaped mandarin fish; sweet and sour fish cooked in the shape of a squirrel.
The best way to see authentic Suzhou local life is to take a rickshaw ride. The rickshaw driver will bring you through small alleys along the Suzhou canyon, and you’ll pass by primary schools, food markets, ancient wells and stone pagodas…
Different from classical gardens, Tiger Hill is not only a garden, but a combination of kiosks, pagodas, temples, pools, springs and bonsai garden. The hill has over 2,500 years of history, and has many interesting stories associated with it.
After the trip, we’ll take you back to the train station or to your hotel in Suzhou.
Good to know:
- This trip will start and end at the train station or at your hotel in Suzhou. If you are not in Suzhou, please tell us your departure city, and we can arrange the round-trip bullet train for you.
Trip Notes
What’s the Best Time to Visit Suzhou?
You can visit Suzhou at any time. Every season has its own peculiar beauty. Beautiful flowers in spring and colorful leaves in autumn make spring and autumn most popular. Avoid Chinese national holidays like May 1st, or the China National Day holiday (Oct. 1st-7th).
Suzhou & Neighbors
| Destination | Train Schedule | Duration | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai |
5:00–23:00 146 trains per day |
26m–1hour | Add Shanghai before or after the Suzhou tour, and see the essence of Shanghai: Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Bund. |
| Hangzhou |
8:00–19:00 13 trains per day |
1hour 26m– 2hours 6m | Extend to Hangzhou to see the beautiful West Lake, experience Grand Canyon culture, and taste Dragon Well (Longjing) tea. |
Guiding Service
Your personal tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing guidance and local knowledge. He/she will be ready and willing to help you solve any problems that may arise while on the tour.
Payment Methods
We now offer three payment methods: PayPal, credit card authorization via fax, and wire transfer. PayPal is recommended for its safety and efficiency. If you do not have a PayPal account, you can pay directly with your credit card or debit card using USA dollars, Australian dollars, Euros, or British pounds.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of cancellation, we will refund any payment made to China Highlights (unless any cancellation fee is applicable) within 14 days of receipt of your written cancellation request. Visit here for more details.
