4 Days Shanghai & Suzhou Tour

This morning after breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and accompany you to visit Yu Garden, a 400-year-old classical Chinese garden. Perhaps for many tourists, visiting a garden is similar to visiting a park. But actually, all these old gardens were once the dream homes that ancient Chinese scholars, officials, or merchants created for themselves throughout their entire lives. Starting from the Sansui Hall with two dignified stone lions standing in front, we’ll see the 12-meter-tall (40 ft.) Grand Rockery, which was made of a thousand tons of grotesque stone. Admire the naturally-formed Exquisite Jade Rock with 72 holes on it, and don’t forget to look up at the lifelike dragon carvings on top of the white walls while walking among the pavilions and halls, which are used to separate different areas of the garden. Then, let’s continue to visit the Bund, a 1.5-kilometer-long (0.9 mi.) promenade located on the west bank of the Huangpu River, which boasts not only magnificent river views but also over 50 historical buildings praised as the “Gallery of International Architecture”. These buildings, constructed during the century-long period when Shanghai was a foreign concession, are in diverse styles from Baroque to Neoclassical, witnessing Shanghai’s transformation from an insignificant commercial port into China’s most dynamic economic center.After that, let’s head to Nanjing Road to visit the world’s largest Huawei Flagship Store, which was converted from the three-story Art Deco-style Nanjing Building built in 1935 AD. As a technology leader, Huawei uses this space not just for retail, but to offer visitors an immersive experience of their high-tech products from smartphones to smart cars. Please rest assured that you have no obligation to make a purchase as all our tours feature zero-shopping commitments. This stop is simply a chance for you to experience cutting-edge Chinese technology. You can just relax and enjoy your time here exploring the futuristic devices in the Seamless AI Life Zone, or take a break on the second floor to enjoy the street view.

Next, we’ll visit Shanghai Tower, the third tallest building in the world, standing 632 meters tall (2,073 ft.). Take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the 118th floor of the tower to get to the “Top of Shanghai” observation deck, from which you could enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the Bund and the skyscrapers from an astonishing height of 546 meters (1,791 ft.). You will also see the huge 1,000-ton damper called “Shanghai Eye” on the 126th floor, which is constructed to minimize the impact of strong winds. After all the visit today, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, your guide and driver will greet you at your hotel. Let’s embark on a 2-hour private car ride to Suzhou, the elegant and historic “Venice of China”. Your Suzhou exploration starts from the tranquil Tongli Water Town, one of the most picturesque rural water towns in China. Leave the busy cities behind and step into the slow-paced life of the 1,500-year-old ancient town. Time seems to slow down in the old waterways, stone bridges, and grey-roofed residences. Admire the elaborate buildings of Chongben Mansion and Retreat and Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden), and go across the “Three Bridges” for good blessings. Walk among the narrow alleys to experience the charm of the town, and maybe try some local snacks like smoked fish and glutinous rice cakes at your own expense. 

Later, let’s continue to downtown Suzhou to visit Suzhou Old Town where tradition and modernity blend together. The old town houses well-preserved canal systems and bluestone-paved streets, evoking a nostalgic feeling about the old times. You’ll enjoy a 30-minute vintage rickshaw ride to explore the town while learning about its long history and details. If interested, you could also rent a Chinese traditional costume at your own expense to better immerse in the local culture and charming atmosphere. Thereafter, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Suzhou. 

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, your guide and driver will wait for you at the hotel lobby and accompany you to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Suzhou. We’ll start from the Humble Administrator’s Garden, which was built in 1509 AD and is one of the most representative classical gardens in China. Dramatic rockeries, delicate pavilions and ponds are placed harmoniously in the garden. The Listening to Rain Pavilion, a graceful building with a small pond in front, is where literati would compose poems and paint, watching raindrops falling on the banana leaves through the latticed windows hundreds of years ago. In addition, Pavilion of the Leaning against Rainbow is a popular photo spot for the borrowed view of the Beisi Pagoda 900 meters (0.6 mi.) away.

Next, we’ll proceed to visit the Master of Nets Garden, which was first built in 1174 AD and indicates a “Fisherman’s Retreat”. Although small in size, its beauty is in no way inferior to that of the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Approaching the Wanjuan Hall, your eyes could be fascinated by the intricately-carved brick gate, which depicts fancy figures, lions, bats, creeping grass, etc. showcasing multiple carving techniques including relief and engraving. Go through the round moon doors of the garden to see rich and diverse views unfold before you, and indulge into the poetic artistic conception.

Later, your guide and driver will escort you back to Shanghai Airport and see you off there. We hope you have spent an enjoyable Shanghai Suzhou tour with us! If you want to extend your tour to other cities, don’t hesitate to contact our travel consultants.

Meals: Breakfast