2 Days Suzhou Essence Tour with Water Town
Relaxing Suzhou Vacation
Relaxing Suzhou Vacation
How to spend 2 relaxing days in Suzhou? Here is the best way!
Suzhou is a charming city as his history, a laid-back place where you can explore in a laid-back way too. It is definitely worth spending 2 days there to admire the spectacular architecture, experience the laid-back atmosphere of local living and discover heritage sites.
Soak up all the best highlights of Suzhou – water town, silk and classic garden with a comfortable and valuable private tour package instead of wasting hours squeezing into crazy public transportation and long line of tickets window. Traveling with us, we sort out for you the best ones of Suzhou’s water towns, silk sites and gardens, which costs a lot of time and energy for independent travelers to finish the same homework. At the same time, we try our best to make your Suzhou trip unique by designing some interesting activities into your itinerary, including boat cruise, folk opera, silk culture experience, etc. This tour can be started either from Suzhou, or nearby Shanghai and Hangzhou. Tell us your plan, and we will take care of the rest.
Day 1 Suzhou Tour
Today's highlights: Lingering Garden, Shantang Ancient Street, Tiger Hill, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory
In the early morning of today, you will be picked up from the train station or your hotel lobby by your private tour guide and driver, then set out for today's exciting things to do.
Start with an interesting visit to Lingering Garden, one of the Four Greatest Gardens in China as well as the perfect representative of traditional Suzhou Gardens. The Lingering Garden has synthesized almost all the classic features of Suzhou gardens. It is composed of residential areas, shrines, family temple and garden, making fully use of the changings between big and small, bend and straight, bright and dark, tall and low, tight and disperse, with the surrounding landscapes, such as trees, flowers, lake, sky, as backgrounds to create an ingenious system of space. Stepping into the garden, you will find the buildings, rockeries, corridors, pavilions, ponds and trees in Lingering Garden are all standing in the best place, neither too crowded nor too sporadic. The most incredible thing is that, in the same place, looking from different angles, you can enjoy different scenery. Making a step, you will get another feeling of another kind of scenery. After visiting Lingering Garden, move on to next site Shantang Ancient Street, a wonderful place for a relaxing walking. It used to be an important trade and culture center during Ming and Qing Dynasties, and now is famous as “the miniature of old Suzhou and the window of Wu culture”. Enjoy the ornate water-town style architectures, marvel at the bustling streets and savor at local snacks.
In the afternoon, you will go to explore the most historical site in Suzhou Tiger Hill. The famous Chinese poet in Song Dynasty (960-1279), Su Shi, once said, “It is a lifelong pity if having visited Suzhou you did not visit Tiger Hill.” He was definitely right. The hill is only 36 meters in height, but covers about 3.5 acres areas with a number of historical sites some of which have history over 2,500 years. The most famous sites include the Yunyan Pagoda which is an over-1000-year-old pagoda with seven stories in height and famously leans much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sword Pool where the King of Wu, He Lu, tested and buried his treasured swords about 2500 years ago. Apart from the history, the Tiger Hill is also an amazing place to go for a walk, enjoy natural scenery and experience local custom. Next, transfer from Tiger Hill to Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory where you could not only see how the silk is processed from worm to the final product, but also learn some history and culture of silk in China.
Note: All attractions can be customized according to your arrival and departure arrangements, the lowest price & best-value guaranteed. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Lingering Garden Spring
Day 2 Suzhou - Tongli - Departure (B, L)
Today's highlights: Suzhou Museum, Tongli Water Town
Today after breakfast, you guide and driver will pick you at your hotel to visit the most outstanding museum in Suzhou - Suzhou Museum which is the masterpiece of the world-famous architect I. M. Pei who has built Louvre's pyramids in Paris, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, the Miho Museum in Japan and many extraordinary buildings all over the world. While he was designing the Suzhou Museum, he combined the features of classical Suzhou Gardens with modern and fashionable characteristics. The museum has collected more than 40,000 decent items of ancient Chinese art, ancient Chinese paintings, calligraphy, porcelains, jade wares, handmade crafts, etc., from bronze ages to Ming and Qing Dynasties.
After about 2 hours' Suzhou Museum visit, you will be transferred to explore Tongli Water Town, 25 kilometers away from Suzhou downtown (40 minutes). This charming typical water town in China is very ancient of over 1,000 years old and well keeps its authentic old buildings, antique bridges and pure folk customs. Visit Retreat & Reflection Garden (World Cultural Heritage Site), Gengle Hall, the Three Bridges, the Pearl Tower, and other featured sights that are the highlights of Tongli Water Town. Afterwards, wander on the old lanes and walk on the stone bridges to get numerous wonderful sceneries of the ancient Tongli, also ride a scenic boat through the zigzag water canals of the water town.
After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Suzhou City or directly to take your train/flight to the next destination. Our service ends.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Thank you Rita.
We are very sad that our trip is coming to an end. So far we have had a fantastic time and seen and done some amazing things.
I had a bit of spare time on the high-speed train so came up with this to help your customers. Up to you if you want to use it or make any adjustments (but I think it would be most helpful once people have booked) it reads as follows...
As part of your journey around fascinating and spectacular China, you will most likely take one or more of China Railways High Speed Trains.
These trains are both fast and efficient, enabling you to cover great distances quickly and in comfort.
You may be required to board the train without the assistance of a guide. This may occur depending on station regulations.
The following is suggested as information for travelers. Please note that this is not a definitive guide, as there may be differences depending on station and location, and may be subject to change.
First and most importantly, there are plenty of clean toilets at the stations, and the trains also have Western toilets in each carriage.
Whether you travel First or Second Class is up to you, but there is plenty of leg room in both classes. All trains are non smoking.
AT THE STATION.
Once at the station you will be required to go through security. You will need your passport for this. Your passport is linked to your ticket. We recommend wheeled suitcases or suchlike as luggage trolleys are not provided. Please note that your main bag will travel with you on the train. Unlike a plane where certain items can travel in the hold, prohibited items will be confiscated. Eg. Knives or souvenir swords.Check ahead for prohibited items to avoid disappointment.
You will need your passport, the train number, carriage number and seat allocation for your journey. This will be provided by your guide or on your itinerary. It will also pay to know your departure time.
There are departure boards in multiple places in the stations. These will link your train number with a boarding gate.
Your trains details will be in one of 3 colours.
Yellow: information stage
Green: boarding stage
Red: departure stage.
In order to run efficiently the trains do not wait. Please be in the correct place ready to board. Depending on the number of train carriages, there may be 2 boarding gates. Eg. 4A and 4B. These will correspond to the carriage number. Don't panic if you get it wrong, but it may result in having to walk a little further on the platform to get to your carriage.
You will need your passport to leave the station to go to the platform. There are lines for self check-in and another for passports/ assisted check-in. This may be detailed overhead, or look for the person manning the assisted check-in line. Use this line to proceed to the platform.
PLATFORM / TRAIN
If no train in platform: There are markings on the ground showing the approximate carriage location. You should wait there. If in doubt you can ask for help.
If train is at platform: Check the train number on the side of carriage.(in case two trains either side of platform)
Find your carriage number and board. Seat numbers are clearly labeled. Place your big luggage overhead. Some trains have additional storage at carriage end. Do not store drink bottles overhead as they may leak, due to cabin pressure.
Depending on the length of your journey some basic food may be available (cashless transactions.) You can take your own food if you wish. Hot water is also available on board.
Enjoy your safe and comfortable journey. Be sure to take in the scenery as you travel.
ARRIVAL
Not all train services may terminate at your destination. The next station is shown on a display at both carriage ends (in English also) . Knowing your arrival time will further assist you in getting off at the correct station.
If you are being met at the station your previous guide should give you directions where to meet, as the stations are normally large with multiple exits. You can also have your next guides name and phone number if you wish. You will need your passport again to exit the station terminal, at the manned checkout line.
Depending on the station layout you will be met at the terminal exit, or the arranged location. Your happy, smiling guide will have your name on a signboard to welcome you, and be ready to assist as required.
Dave
Hi Ariel,
It was really great! Thank you for organising!
Fritz
Hello Jack,
Good Morning!
Just a note to say thank you for organizing our Xinjiang tour from 9 April 24 to 24 April 24. We are now in Perth Australia.
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
We will recommend you and your company to my family and friends.
Best regards
Alan and Lily
Dear Leo
I am writing this letter to express our thanks and gratitude to you for making our recent trip an unforgettable one.
The guides provided (David,Gila & Sally) were very professional and exhibited excellent attitude in providing a great service to us taking into consideration our needs and preferences. The group had a wonderful time thanks to your organisation and arrangement of the efficient team for us in this trip,
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
On behalf of our group of 11 pax, we sincerely thank you for organising this wonderful trip for us.
Looking forward to more trips to China in the future with your company.
Best regards
Chan
Dear Rita,
Thank you for organising our tour.
We are satisfied with the service, especially day 1 tour in Beijing.
The guide was very professional and we enjoined the tour.
Wish you many more successful tours.
Best regards
Katarina
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
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After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
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Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Lingering Garden Spring
Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory
Suzhou Tiger Hill
Shantang Street
Tongli Water Town
Suzhou Museum Architecture
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