24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Tour Style:
This private day trip from Shanghai goes to Tongli, a water town near Suzhou, by high-speed train and a short car ride, with first-class train seating available on request. The day stays within Tongli: Tuisi Garden, a UNESCO classical garden; the Three Bridges at the old centre; a cup of tea and a short Pingtan performance at the Nanyuan Teahouse; a local lunch; free time on the canals; and a slow boat ride to close. A guide travels with you and your driver takes you back to Suzhou station and on to your hotel in Shanghai. The tour is private, so the order and pace can be changed to suit you.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Attractions(Cities):
Tongli Ancient Town (Tuisi Garden, Three Bridges, Nanyuan Teahouse, Canal Boat Ride)
Pick-up point:
Your hotel in Shanghai (based on your requirement)
Finishing point:
Your hotel in Shanghai (based on your requirement)
Tour Customizable:
Absolutely!(Tell us your requirements in your inquiry)
Payment Types:
Cash, Wire, Paypal, Western Union, Wechat, Alipay
Available: Daily
Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel in Shanghai in the morning. You take the high-speed train to Suzhou, where a car carries you on to Tongli, a water town of canals and old lanes a short ride further. First-class train seats can be arranged on request. The day stays within Tongli, and at the end your guide brings you back to Suzhou station for the train to Shanghai, with a driver to your hotel.
Start at Tuisi Garden, also known as the Retreat and Reflection Garden, a classical garden in Tongli laid out in the Qing dynasty and part of the UNESCO listing for the gardens of Suzhou. Ponds, pavilions and covered walkways are set close together and meant to be walked in a slow circle. Your guide explains how the garden was designed and what the builders were trying to do with so little space.
Walk on to the Three Bridges, where the Changqing, Taiping and Jili bridges meet over the canals at the old centre of town. Each bridge differs in shape and each carries its own local story, and together they have long been where Tongli residents crossed, met and traded. Your guide tells you how the bridges were built and why the junction mattered.
Then a stop at the Nanyuan Teahouse for a cup of tea and a short Pingtan performance, the Suzhou art of storytelling sung to a plucked instrument. It is a quiet half hour and a good way to see the town at its local pace. The teahouse sits in old buildings, and your guide explains what Pingtan is and what the performers are telling.
Lunch is at a local restaurant for Tongli and Suzhou cooking. Two plates to look for are squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, a whole fish fried crisp and dressed sweet-and-sour, and, in season, hairy crab. Ask your guide about the dishes and how the town eats them. Hairy crab is autumn-only, so out of season the menu turns to other local plates.
After lunch there is free time in Tongli to walk the lanes, look in the small shops, or step into a house museum you did not visit with the guide. This is the unhurried part of the day, and by the canals the town is at its quietest. Your guide is nearby if you want a recommendation.
End the sightseeing with a boat along the canals of Tongli, a slow ride past houses, banks and low stone bridges seen from the water. Your guide points out the old landing steps and how the waterways were used for goods. When you are ready, your driver takes you back to Suzhou station for the high-speed train to Shanghai, and the day closes at your hotel.
Both, in stages. You take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou, then a private car carries you the rest of the way to Tongli, and the same is done in reverse at the end of the day.
Yes. First-class train seating can be arranged on request; standard class is the default on this itinerary.
The Nanyuan Teahouse stop is built around a cup of tea and a short Pingtan performance. Tell us in advance if you would rather use that time to walk the town instead.
Tongli has small shops, a few house museums and garden entries beyond the ones on the tour, and much of it is simply walking the canals. Your guide can point you toward whatever suits the pace you want.
Hairy crab is an autumn dish, best around October and November. Outside those months lunch focuses on other Tongli and Suzhou plates.
At Your Way Holiday, we strive to enhance the depth and flexibility of your travel experience by offering a range of optional additions to our core tour itineraries. Our itineraries are designed to provide exceptional flexibility, allowing you to tailor your journey according to your preferences. Select from a variety of activities and experiences to enrich your itinerary, ensuring a personalized adventure that perfectly aligns with your interests. With Your Way Holiday, you have the freedom to create a memorable travel experience that is uniquely yours.
Dive into the Brilliant Culture of Suzhou Embroidery
Discover the intricate art of Suzhou embroidery, a tradition dating back over 2,000 years. Marvel at the delicate craftsmanship as skilled artisans bring to life stunningly detailed patterns on silk. Learn about the history, techniques, and cultural significance of this exquisite art form. Try your hand at creating your own piece of Suzhou embroidery, guided by master embroiderers.
Enjoy a Traditional Chinese Rickshaw Ride in Suzhou Old Town
Step back in time with a charming rickshaw ride through the ancient streets of Suzhou Old Town. Experience the city from a unique perspective as you glide past historic buildings, scenic canals, and bustling markets. Our knowledgeable rickshaw pullers will share captivating stories and historical tidbits, providing an enriching and entertaining journey through Suzhou’s vibrant past.
Master the Art of Suzhou Kunqu Opera
Step into the world of Suzhou Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest and most refined forms of Chinese opera. Participate in an engaging workshop where you’ll learn about the history, music, and performance techniques of this elegant art form. Try on traditional costumes, practice iconic gestures, and sing alongside professional Kunqu artists. This immersive experience offers a deep appreciation of Suzhou’s cultural heritage and a rare opportunity to perform this exquisite opera.
Price Per Person in US Dollars
Personalized Travel Consultant
Experience the best of China with our expert travel consultants by your side. With years of local tourism experience, they are not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to making your trip unforgettable. Your dedicated consultant will craft a bespoke tour plan tailored to your unique interests, schedule, and budget, offering you the utmost flexibility. From the moment you start planning until the end of your journey, they will be in touch, ensuring every detail is perfect and that your trip runs smoothly.
Exceptional Local Guides
Discover it through the eyes of our exceptional local guides. All certified and experienced, they are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of attractions, history, and culture. Whether you're interested in hidden gems or popular sites, they know the best places to visit. They can recommend top local restaurants, unique shopping spots, and must-see shows. Beyond just guiding, they provide enriching insights into the history, customs, and authentic daily life, making your experience truly immersive.
Premium Private Transportation
Travel in comfort and style with our premium private transportation. We offer a fleet of air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean, and meticulously maintained vehicles, all less than four years old. Our professional drivers, all locals with over a decade of driving experience, are friendly, courteous, and dedicated to your safety and comfort. Depending on your group's size, we provide a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, business vans (MPVs), and spacious buses, all with ample luggage space.
Authentic Dining Experiences
We prioritize genuine local culinary experiences over pre-arranged tourist restaurants. Our local guides will recommend the best local restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors. This approach ensures you enjoy the freshest, most authentic meals, tailored to your preferences, and experience the true essence of the local cuisine. Whether your dietary needs are vegetarian, Muslim, Chinese, Western, Jewish, or Indian, we have excellent options to make every meal a delightful part of your journey.
Duration：10 hours
Attractions(Cities)：Master of Nets Garden, Shantang Street, Tongli Water Town
Tour Style：This one-day tour from Shanghai reaches Suzhou and Tongli by first-class high-speed train, with private car transfers to and from the Shanghai station and a local guide meeting you in Suzhou. The morning takes in the Master of the Nets Garden and Shantang Street in Suzhou, with lunch on local cooking. The afternoon moves to the water town of Tongli, for Tuisi Garden, the old merchant houses and a walk across the canals and stone bridges. In the evening you return by train and are driven back to your hotel in Shanghai. The tour is private, and the order and pace of the stops can be changed to suit you.
Duration： 9 - 10 hours
Attractions(Cities)：The hangzhou Westlake(including hand-rowed boat ride), Lingyin Temple, Amanfayun Village, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Longjing Village, Hefang Street
Tour Style：A premium take on the Hangzhou day trip from Shanghai. Your guide collects you at your Shanghai hotel and you ride the high-speed train to Hangzhou in business class, with round-trip tickets arranged and the station transfers included. Once there everything stays private: a car, a licensed English-speaking guide, a hand-rowed boat on West Lake instead of a crowded ferry, and the temples and tea villages at an unhurried pace. You see Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, wander the quiet lanes of Amanfayun, pick and pan-fry Longjing tea with a local tea master at Longjing Village, and finish on Hefang Street. We reserve a lunch table for you (the meal is on you) and have you back at your hotel by evening.
Duration：2 Days, 1 Night
Attractions(Cities)：Westlake(including Westlake Boat Ride), Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Guo's Garden, Hefang Street, Chenghuang Pavilion (City God Pavilion), Morning Market, China National Tea Museum, Meijiawu Plantation, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmony Pagoda.
Tour Style：This two-day Hangzhou tour from Shanghai by high-speed train pairs the city's classic sights with its tea culture. Day one covers West Lake by boat, Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Guo Garden, Hefang Street and a sunset view from Chenghuang Pavilion. Day two starts with a local breakfast market, then the China National Tea Museum, the tea village of Meijiawu, Lingyin Temple and the Six Harmonies Pagoda before you take the train back to Shanghai. A private car, an English-speaking guide, train tickets and hotel transfers are arranged for both days, and the plan can be adjusted to your pace.
Duration：8-9 hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrator's Garden, Pingjiang Road, Panmen Scenic Area, Hanshan Temple
Tour Style：A one-day classic Suzhou trip from Shanghai by high-speed train. You meet your guide at Suzhou station - take your own bullet train from Shanghai, about half an hour, and we can help you reserve seats with a first-class option if you prefer - then spend the day with a private car and a licensed guide. The route is Suzhou's essential quartet: the Humble Administrator's Garden, the city's largest and finest classical garden and a UNESCO site; a canal-side walk on old Pingjiang Road; a proper Suzhou lunch; the ancient land-and-water gate at Panmen; and Hanshan (Cold Mountain) Temple, famous from a Tang poem. Garden and temple entrance fees are included; you pay your own train ticket and lunch. Back at Suzhou station for the evening train to Shanghai.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Magical Brushwork, Bright Summit, Flying Over Rock, West Sea Grand Canyon
Tour Style：Booking a Huangshan tour from Shanghai is the perfect weekend escape from the city's hustle and bustle. This 1-day Shanghai Huangshan tour package offers a unique opportunity to experience breathtaking natural beauty and traditional charm. Huangshan, famous for its dramatic peaks and ancient pine trees, has inspired countless artists and poets over the centuries. The tour provides a chance to immerse yourself in this stunning landscape, far removed from Shanghai’s metropolitan environment. You'll witness the awe-inspiring views and serene atmosphere that define Huangshan, giving you a glimpse into the traditional side of life in China. This Shanghai Huangshan tour package is carefully designed to maximize your experience, offering both convenience and immersion. It’s the ultimate way to escape the city and explore the natural splendor and cultural richness of Huangshan, all within a single, memorable day.
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The Tongli ancient town day tour fit us well since we were staying in Shanghai. The time on the stone bridges and Ming-Qing houses was the real draw and the driver was calm and the transfers ran right on time. The midday heat was real on the open stretches, bring water. A few rough edges but the substance was there.
We came off the Tongli ancient town day tour genuinely relaxed, which says a lot. Getting there by train was painless and set the tone. The time on the stone bridges and Ming-Qing houses was the real draw and the whole thing felt organised without being rigid. We also liked that the route was easy to follow and nobody got lost between sites. Glad we picked this over the DIY train option.
Tongli Ancient Town is a hidden gem, and this day trip was a fantastic way to explore it. The Tuisi Garden was our first stop, where the peaceful landscape and traditional garden design were simply stunning. After exploring the garden, we walked through the famous Three Bridges, soaking in the beauty of the old architecture and canals. The Nanyuan Teahouse was a cozy stop where we enjoyed some local tea, and the boat ride along the canal gave us a lovely view of the town. Our guide was informative and friendly, ensuring we had a great time while sharing fascinating facts about the history of the area. The day was perfectly organized, and the driver made the whole trip seamless. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to experience the charm of Tongli!
Replied:28 October 2026
Hi Donovan, Tongli really is a hidden gem and Tuisi Garden is the perfect first stop for its design and calm. Glad the day trip let you explore it. Appreciate it!
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
Explore more with us:
www.chinahangzhoutour.com --- Hangzhou, Fujian, Xiamen, Jiangxi and Nearbywww.tripstoshanghai.com --- Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nearbywww.suzhouprivatetour.com --- Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, Yangzhou and Nearbywww.xianprivatetour.com --- Xi'an, Gansu, Xinjiang, Silk Road and Nearbywww.chinabeijingprivatetour.com --- Beijing, Harbin, Snow Town, Inner mongolia, Luoyang and Nearbywww.chengduprivatetour.com --- Chengdu, Tibet, Guilin, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, Zhangjiajie and Nearby
Visiting Tongli Ancient Town was a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. The day started with a visit to Tuisi Garden, one of the highlights of the town. Its traditional design and tranquil ponds created a peaceful atmosphere, allowing us to step back in time and experience the elegance of classical Chinese gardens. Our guide was fantastic, providing detailed insights into the history and significance of the garden, which made the visit even more enriching.
Next, we strolled through the Three Bridges area, where the ancient stone bridges and canals formed a picture-perfect scene that felt like stepping into a postcard. The Nanyuan Teahouse was a lovely stop to sample some local tea and enjoy the charming setting. A boat ride along the canal was the perfect way to experience the town’s scenic beauty from the water, giving us a unique perspective of the ancient architecture and lush surroundings. Our guide ensured we had a well-paced day, offering insightful commentary at each stop and answering all of our questions. The driver was also top-notch, making the transportation smooth and comfortable. Overall, this was an unforgettable day filled with history, beauty, and tranquility.
Replied:28 October 2026
Hi Josephine, escaping Shanghai's bustle to Tuisi Garden's traditional serenity is exactly why Tongli day trips so often delight. Glad it was a beautiful escape. Thank you!
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
Explore more with us:
www.chinahangzhoutour.com --- Hangzhou, Fujian, Xiamen, Jiangxi and Nearbywww.tripstoshanghai.com --- Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nearbywww.suzhouprivatetour.com --- Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, Yangzhou and Nearbywww.xianprivatetour.com --- Xi'an, Gansu, Xinjiang, Silk Road and Nearbywww.chinabeijingprivatetour.com --- Beijing, Harbin, Snow Town, Inner mongolia, Luoyang and Nearbywww.chengduprivatetour.com --- Chengdu, Tibet, Guilin, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, Zhangjiajie and Nearby