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Suzhou Incredible Highlights from Shanghai

Catch the highlights of historic Suzhou, a famous summer retreat of Chinese emperors just 90 minutes from Shanghai. A truly historic and cultural Chinese experience.

  • Private tour
  • 1 Day
  • Starts ~9:00 AM, flexible
  • English-speaking guide
As low as $79 per personCheck availability ↓
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Overview

Catch the highlights of historic Suzhou, a famous summer retreat of Chinese emperors including the Master of Net Garden or visit the 14th-century Lion Grove Garden, on this 9-hour private day tour from Shanghai. Visit the striking Panmen Gate, surrounded by historic buildings, and learn the art of silk making, famous in the region and stroll an historic Song Dynasty street. A truly historic and cultural Chinese experience. Highlights of this tour include:
  • The historic city of Suzhou with site-filled walks along water canal-streets, amazing architecture along waterway,
  • Master of Net Garden or visit the 14th-century Lion Grove Garden
  • Panmen Gate
  • Shantang Street 
  • No. 1 Silk Factory so much more.

Your day with us

A typical day. It's your private tour, so we can change stops, timing and pace.

  1. Start

    Your guide meets you at your hotel or starting point, typically at 9:00 AM.

  2. Panmen Ancient Amphibious Gate

    Panmen Gate is the oldest city gate in Suzhou with a history of over 2500 years, which dates back to Warring States Period in Wu State.

    About Panmen Ancient Amphibious Gate

  3. Master of Nets Garden

    This exquisite classic Chinese garden was first constructed in 1140 by Shi Zhengzhi the Deputy Civil Service Minister of the Southern Song Dynasty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the finest gardens in China. Its buildings, rippling waters, tranquil bridges and immaculate grounds are a feast for your senses.

    About Master of Nets Garden

  4. Lion Grove Garden

    The garden is famous for the large and labyrinthine grotto of taihu rocks at its center. The name of the garden is derived from the shape of these rocks, which are said to resemble lions. The garden is recognized with other classical gardens in Suzhou as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    About Lion Grove Garden

  5. Shantang Street

    This historic street highlights the past state of Suzhou as an ancient water town before becoming a first tier city and encapsulates the leisured relaxation of southern Chinese life beside the water.

    About Shantang Street

  6. No.1 Silk Factory of China

    You'll discover the history, culture, and art of silk, and learn how silk is made from the mulberry to the loom.

    About No.1 Silk Factory of China

  7. End

    Your guide drops you back at your starting point, with time for other interests along the way if you want it.

The full day, in detail
Because this is a private tour, your departure time is flexible: most guests find 9:30am works best. It's around a 1 and 1/2 hour drive to Suzhou from downtown Shanghai, and your first stop will be the Panmen Gate and its surrounding scenic area.
  • Suzhou has over 2,500 years of history, and much of it is encapsulated in this gate beside the moat that encircled the old city, with buildings that date back to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. A local saying goes that 'You should visit the Great Wall in Beijing and you must see Panmen in Suzhou'.
  • From here, it's a short drive to Shantang Street a historic street that encapsulates the leisured relaxation of southern Chinese life beside the water.
  • Discover Suzhou's unique cuisine and choose lunch options based on your interests and budget, complete with fantastic views over the canals if desired.
  • Suzhou has long been famous for silk, so after lunch you'll visit one of the best silk factories in China. Discover the history, culture, and art of silk, and learn how silk is made from the mulberry to the loom.
  • Suzhou's classical gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so your final stop on this tour will be one of these stunning formal gardens. Built in 1342 by a Buddhist monk, its sculptural rock forms make this arguably the finest of the four UNESCO-listed gardens in Suzhou.
You'll then drive back to Shanghai to arrive back at your hotel.

What's included

Included

The price for this tour includes:
  • Personal tour guide
  • Premium car and driver with toll and parking fees
  • All entrance fees
  • Bottled water
  • Guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel or other designated city center location and return you same location
NOTE: Drop off and pickup outside of central Shanghai, such as the airport, cruise terminals, railway station, Shanghai Disney Area, Qinpu, Jiading, Chuansha, or Songjiang will incur extra fees.

Photos

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Suzhou beach temple
Suzhou summer palace
suzhou special lunch
Water temple Suzhou
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The Jenny's China Tours team

Meet our guides

Professional local guides who love sharing authentic China. Every one of us follows a code of conduct that puts you first: your interests, your pace, and no touristy shopping stops.

Meet the team

Questions guests ask

Can we customize the tour?

Yes. Sites, start time, pickup location: just tell us what you'd like.

What if our plans change?

Cancel any time up to one day before your tour.

Will you take us shopping?

Only if you want to. Our guides follow a code of conduct: no touristy shopping stops.

Can children come?

Of course. Ask us about prices for children.