Immerse in Tongli's Charm: Shanghai Day Escape to Ancient Waterways with First Class Option

Tour Itinerary

Your adventure begins as our professional guide and experienced driver greet you warmly at your Shanghai hotel, holding a prominent "Your Way Holiday" sign. After a friendly and personalized welcome, you will be escorted to your comfortable and well-appointed vehicle. From there, you’ll embark on a delightful journey through the picturesque countryside to Suzhou's renowned Tongli Water Town. During the scenic drive, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you travel. Once you arrive, prepare to immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning beauty of this historic destination, where charming canals, ancient architecture, and traditional culture await your exploration.

Upon arrival, your exploration begins with a visit to the Master of Nets Garden, celebrated as the smallest but most captivating of Suzhou's residential gardens. Known for its ingenious use of space, the garden cleverly creates the illusion of expansiveness within its compact size. Divided into three distinct sections—the residential area, the central main garden, and an intimate inner garden—the Master of Nets Garden offers a glimpse into classical Chinese garden design. Your knowledgeable Your Way Holiday guide enhances your visit with in-depth explanations of the garden's historical significance and architectural features. They'll illuminate the intricate layout, the symbolic elements embedded in the landscaping, and the cultural context that shaped its creation. With personalized insights and anecdotes, your guide ensures you fully appreciate the garden's beauty and its place in Suzhou's esteemed garden heritage.

Explore Pingjiang Road with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide to fully immerse yourself in the authentic charm of old Suzhou. This historic street offers a tranquil escape into the city's past, with its leafy lanes lined by traditional Chinese houses, quaint restaurants, and teahouses. Your guide will enrich your experience by providing insights into local culture and history as you stroll along the ancient cobblestone paths. Along Pingjiang Road, you'll encounter cultural gems such as the Pingtang Museum and Kunqu Opera Museum and School. Your guide can offer detailed explanations and anecdotes about these landmarks, deepening your understanding of Suzhou's rich heritage. As you walk beside the canal, your guide will point out boatmen and women guiding punt-style boats. These boats navigate the serene waters while the boatmen serenade passengers with traditional Chinese songs. With your guide's commentary, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this age-old tradition and its significance to Suzhou's cultural identity. Whether you're admiring the picturesque scenery or savoring the peaceful ambiance, walking along Pingjiang Road with a guide ensures a memorable and insightful experience, where every corner tells a story of Suzhou's timeless beauty.

For lunch in Suzhou, indulge in local delicacies that showcase the city's rich culinary heritage. Start with the iconic Squirrel Mandarin Fish, featuring crispy and tender fish cooked in a delightful sweet and sour sauce, known for its delicate balance of flavors. Pair this with a comforting bowl of Tangzhou, a sweet rice porridge that complements the tangy notes of the squirrel dish perfectly. Together, these dishes offer a glimpse into Suzhou's traditional cuisine, where fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation techniques create unforgettable dining experiences.

After lunch, your next stop is the Suzhou Silk Museum. Suzhou is renowned not only as a garden city but also as a historical hub of silk culture. During the Tang and Song Dynasties, Suzhou was the center of silk production, and in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, its weavers crafted silk fabrics for the royal court. To preserve and promote China's rich silk heritage to visitors from both home and abroad, the Suzhou Silk Museum and Silk Factory were established. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the evolution of Suzhou's silk industry, offering a deeper understanding of its historical significance and current contributions to China's silk legacy.

Then, we'll take you to Tongli Water Town, nestled in the Yangtze River Delta and celebrated for its picturesque canals, ancient bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. A standout attraction is Retreat Garden, also known as Tuisi Garden, centrally located in Tongli. Built during the Qing Dynasty, this garden exemplifies classical Chinese design, typical of Suzhou-style gardens. Wander through winding corridors, cross bridges over serene ponds, and marvel at intricately carved pavilions. The garden's layout embodies Confucian and Taoist philosophies, reflecting the owner's retreat from political life through meticulously landscaped elements. Our knowledgeable tour guides will offer insights into the garden's historical significance and architectural features, enriching your exploration.

As a testament to Tongli's cultural richness and architectural finesse, Chongben Hall, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, stands as a memorial to the town's scholarly heritage. Its traditional courtyard layout includes a main hall flanked by auxiliary buildings adorned with delicate wood carvings and vibrant paintings. Visitors can admire the hall's ornate detailing and gain profound insight into Tongli's deep-rooted reverence for education and ancestral worship practices. Our tour guides provide detailed explanations of the hall's cultural importance and its role in local ceremonies and festivals, offering a deeper understanding of Tongli's heritage.

Situated amidst Tongli's interconnected waterways, Luoxingzhou Island provides a serene escape into nature's embrace. Named after Luoxing, the Taoist deity of the Pole Star symbolizing guidance and luck, this scenic spot offers leisurely boat rides around the island. Enjoy picturesque views of ancient bridges, waterfront residences, and flourishing lotus ponds. Luoxingzhou's tranquil ambiance and lush greenery make it an ideal destination for contemplation, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate Tongli's charm as a water-town. Our tour guides share the island's folklore and natural history, enhancing your peaceful exploration of its scenic beauty.

After a fulfilling and enchanting day exploring the charming streets and tranquil waterways of Tongli, our dedicated guide and driver will ensure your journey back to your Shanghai hotel is both seamless and comfortable. They will handle all the details of the return trip with the utmost care, ensuring a smooth and relaxing ride. Throughout the journey, you can unwind and reflect on the day's experiences, knowing that every aspect of your return has been thoughtfully managed. 

Price Per Person in US Dollars