Suzhou and Tongli Essence Tour
Highlights: Tongli Ancient Water Town is close to Suzhou City: about 30 km or around 40 minutes driving time. Therefore a combined visit to these two beautiful places in one day will give you an authentic experience of southern China, both city and small town. A fully guided private day trip makes this tour enjoyable possible!
Your guide will pick you up from your Suzhou hotel lobby and take you to your first stop: Humble Administrators Garden, the most famous and typical southern garden in Suzhou. Walk along the quaint paths surrounded by huge ancient trees and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery created by the corridors, rockeries, ponds and antique pavilions dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Then take a rickshaw ride to see old Suzhou, traveling through old alleys and some local markets.
You will move on to Tongli Water Town by a private van after lunch. Tongli is well-known for its stunning little gardens, old stone bridges and several ancient halls. Tuisi Garden is a must-see because of its clever use of a narrow space to show various aspects of a classic garden. Cross over the most famous bridges: Taiping Brige, Chang'an Bridge and Jili Bridge. The river lies between Chongben Hall and Jiayin Hall. Look inside these two houses for a glimpse of the typical design of local residences and culture of these southern water towns. With 15 small rivers that divide the ancient town into seven different parts, a boat ride for about 20 minutes will provide you with an unforgettable experience of our ancient water town folklore and culture as you glide along the pretty, winding canals.
End this delightful day trip with your transfer back to your hotel in Suzhou.