Suzhou 2-Day Ancient Elegance Tour: Water Towns & Timeless Gardens

Overview

Step into the poetic charm of Suzhou, China’s "Venice of the East," with this exclusive 2-day private tour. Wander through ancient water towns, explore UNESCO-listed classical gardens, and immerse yourself in the spiritual serenity of historic temples. Designed for intimate groups of 2–6 guests, this journey blends cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and VIP comforts—including private transfers and 5-diamond accommodations. Where canals whisper tales of dynasties past, and gardens bloom with timeless artistry.

Highlights

• Exclusive Small-Group Experience: Enjoy a private tour for 2–6 guests with dedicated vehicle service, ensuring a flexible and intimate journey.
• Cultural Immersion: Wander through the historic streets of Zhouzhuang—an ancient water town immortalized in art. Explore A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Ming Dynasty garden artistry.
• Nighttime Enchantment: Delight in a magical night tour of Zhouzhuang with illuminated bridges, traditional boat rides, and a variety of local nighttime spectacles.
•  Luxury Stay: Rest in a selection of handpicked, high‑rated hotels in Suzhou.

Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival in Suzhou & Zhouzhuang Exploration

Breakfast ㄨ Lunch ㄨ Dinner ㄨ

2:00 PM Meeting & Pickup

• Suzhou North Station (2:00 PM) 
• Suzhou Station (2:30 PM).
  

NOTE: Please be punctual as the tour departs on time without waiting; However, early arrivals can explore freely before the tour starts.

3:30 PM: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town

Explore the 900‑year‑old water town that captured the world’s imagination through the paintings of Chen Yifei. Stroll along stone lanes lined with classic black‑brick and white‑wall houses, ancient bridges, and quiet canals—away from the usual commercial hustle.

5:00 PM Dinner

Enjoy local Suzhou snacks at your leisure in the garden area: Oil-Fried Meat Stuffed Dumplings, crystal shrimp, Fuan sesame cakes, and a variety of regional snacks at selected local restaurants.

Evening highlights

Enjoy a self-guided nighttime stroll through the illuminated ancient town. Discover enchanting scenes—from serene canal views and softly lit bridges to cultural highlights like “Night Fishing,” “Night Wedding,” “Evening Performances,” and captivating art installations.

9:00 PM: Hotel Check-in

Stay at a selected 5-diamond hotel, such as:

• Suzhou Baodai Bridge International Hotel
• Doubletree By Hilton Suzhou Wujiang
• Lakeside Hotel Suzhou
• Suyuan Hotel
• Taimei Xiangguli Hotel
• Or other equivalent hotels

Day 2: Cultural Treasures & Classical Gardens

Breakfast ✓ Lunch ㄨ Dinner ㄨ

7:30 AM

Enjoy a buffet-style Chinese and Western breakfast provided at your hotel.

9:30 AM: Hanshan Temple

Explore the ancient Hanshan Temple in Suzhou’s western suburbs, famed for its 1,400‑year history and immortalized in the Tang poem “Night Mooring by Maple Bridge.”

11:30 AM Fengqiao (Maple Bridge)

Stroll along this historic bridge celebrated in Chinese poetry and known for its poetic ambiance as dusk falls.

12:30 PM Lunch 

Lunch is self‑arranged, allowing you to sample Suzhou’s local culinary delights at your leisure.

2:00 PM Humble Administrator’s Garden

Visit one of China’s four classical gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that epitomizes the elegance and artistry of traditional Jiangnan landscaping.

NOTE: During peak seasons or holidays, if reservations for Zhuozheng Garden are full, an alternative visit to Liuyuan or Shizilin may be arranged.

4:00 PM Departure

The tour concludes with coordinated drop‑off services. We will be at: 

• Suzhou Station around 5:30 PM
• Suzhou North Station around 6:00 PM

Please book your return trip according to your arrival time. It is recommended to book your return trip 1 hour after arrival.

Include

• Entrance Tickets: Admission to all main attractions.
• One-night stay in luxury hotel.
• Daily buffet breakfast for two per room.
• Private Transportation: 1–4 persons: 5-seat sedan; 5–6 persons: 7-seat business vehicle; 7–14 persons: Minibus.
• Children under 1.2 meters Free transport (no bed/tickets).
  

Exclude

• Gratuities
  
• lunches or dinners
• Personal expenses (laundry, hotel minibar, etc.)
• Guided Tour Services
• Optional Activities: Zhouzhuang boat ride (¥80/person)
• Single supplement (solo travelers).

Additional Information

1. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Seniors (70+ years old), at least one companion aged 18–69 is required.
3. Pregnant women are not accepted on this tour.
   
4. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, or force majeure. If an attraction is unavailable, a suitable alternative will be arranged.
5. Comfortable walking shoes is recommended.
   
6. Please carry your valid identification (passport) as required for travel, check-in, and entry into attractions.
7. Single room supplement applies for solo travelers or odd-numbered groups – payable at booking.
   

Confirmation Detail

1. Please fill your pick up address in the delivery address, and your train number in other info blank, so that we can confirm it.
2. You'll get confirmation within 24 hours. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please reach out to our customer support. (support@realchinatrip.com)

Cancellation policy

You'll get a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the activity starts.