Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai
Day 1: Fisher Master Garden, Santang street, Tongli village
8:00 - 9:00 Hotel Pick-up
Start from Shanghai and enjoy your one-day time in Suzhou! In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Shanghai at the appointed time, and then drive to Suzhou. 100 kilometers away from Shanghai, Suzhou is one of the most beautiful cities in China, with its blue network and classical gardens as well as its famous silk industry.
9:00 - 12:00 Drive to Suzhou & Visit Master of the Nets Garden
It takes two hours to drive from Shanghai to Suzhou. Your Suzhou tour will start with the Master of Nets Garden. Built in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD), the Master of Nets Garden is the smallest classical garden in Suzhou. Yet it is a most impressive one due to its use of space. From halls, pavilions to gateways and windows, its clever layout extends the visual space of the garden. The garden is divided into three parts: east for the residential, center for the main garden and west for the inner garden. You will take a close look at this beautiful garden and learn the story behind it.
12:00 - 13:30 Sightsee Shantang Street & Free Time for Lunch
Next, we will drive about 20 minutes to Shantang Street. Firstly built in Tang Dynasty by the famous poet Bai Juyi, Shantang Street has a history of more than 1000 years and has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. The traditional architectures lie along the 3,600 meters long street, reproducing the good old days’ scene of Suzhou. During the one hour free time, you can sample local food, such as osmanthus cake, crabapple cake, dumplings, wontons and noodles, or have lunch at a restaurant of your choice.
13:30 - 16:30 Drive to Visit Tongli Water Town
Afterwards, drive 30 minutes towards Tongli Town. Built in the Song Dynasty, the ancient town has beautiful gardens and traditional bridges, and the locals still live there. It’s a great combination of bridges, flowing water, and homes. You will also see many traditional ways of life, such as locals are knitting and chatting on the street, washing clothes in the river, and preparing meals for their families, which are all fresh to you. A local featured sculling boat is arranged for you to visit around the town. It’s a great way to enjoy the picturesque scenery and relax yourself.
You can also visit a garden named the Retreat Garden in the town. No matter where you walk around the garden, you will be surprised by its beautiful scenery and exquisite design. Your guide will accompany you and tell you about the history.
16:30 - 18:00 Back to Shanghai
After visiting Tongli Town, it’s time to put an end to today’s trip. Your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Shanghai. Hope you had a nice day with us.