Tongli Ancient Town Day Tour from Suzhou
This fully guided private tour of Tongli Ancient Town will transport you to the Ming and Qing Dynasties and offer a glimpse into local life as it was centuries ago.
Price Per Person in US Dollars
1. Book now and benefit from a free cancellation policy: full refund if canceled up to 3 days before the experience starts (local time).
2. You will receive your booking confirmation email within 24 hours once we receive your payment.
What to Expect
- Savor a leisurely boat ride along its serene canals.
- Indulge in authentic local delicacies and traditional treats.
- Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Tongli.
Tour Itinerary
Your local guide will greet you in the lobby of your Suzhou hotel and escort you to Tongli Ancient Water Town, a journey of about an hour. Prepare to explore this tranquil water town, with its bluestone pavements and antique structures from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Upon arriving in Tongli, begin your exploration with the renowned Tuisi Garden. This World Heritage-listed gem is a masterpiece of classical gardening south of the Yangtze River, showcasing a design that employs borrowed scenery and unique arrangements, offering deep insights into traditional Chinese garden philosophy.
Relish a Chinese lunch at a nearby eatery before navigating through Chuanxin Alley, a narrow passage linking streets and lanes.
Next, visit Jiayin Hall, which overlooks the crystalline river. Enjoy the elegant design of the ancient Ming and Qing houses. Glide along Tongli’s canals in a traditional wooden gondola (shui hu chuan). As the boatman poles through narrow waterways. flanked by historic stone bridges, ancient buildings, and lush greenery that epitomize the town’s timeless beauty.
Once you finish your trip in this charming water town, a private car will take you back to your hotel.
What's Included
- Private pick-up and drop-off from your Suzhou hotel.
- Meals are listed in the itinerary.
- Private transfers.
- Private English-speaking guide and driver.
- Service Charge & Taxes included.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation received 3 or more days before departure: Full refund, excluding any penalties from hotels, airlines, and rail services, if applicable.
- Cancellation received 2 days before departure: 50% refund, excluding any penalties from hotels, airlines, and rail services, if applicable.
- Cancellation received 1 to 0 days before departure: No refund will be issued.
- No-show travelers will be charged 100% of the tour price. Additionally, we are unable to provide refunds for any unused services once the trip has commenced, whether due to non-participation, early departure, late arrival, or missed tour days.
Difference Between Each Water Town
The water towns in the Jiangnan area are mostly in the Yangtze River Delta, and each town has its charm. Wuzhen is full of ancient charm, Xitang has small bridges and flowing water, Zhouzhuang is peaceful like a painting, and Tongli has a long-lasting flavor.
| Watertown | Location | Feature | Crowded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhujiajiao | Qingpu District, Shanghai City | A charming water town near Shanghai, with busy shops and many ancient bridges. | Crowded |
| Wuzhen | Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province | A mix of art and tech, with white walls and black tiles. | Crowded |
| Zhouzhuang | Kunshan City, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province | Known as China's No.1 Water Town, famous for its Twin Bridges and beautiful night views. | Most crowded |
| Tongli | Wujang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province | Old buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, a quiet place to enjoy a slow life. | Less Crowded |
| Xitang | Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province | Long covered walkways, beautiful in misty mornings and sunsets. | Less Crowded |
| Nanxun | Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province | A rich and elegant town with a mix of Chinese and Western styles. | Least Crowded |
Important Info
- Operates: Daily
- Departure Point: Hotel in Suzhou
- Return Details: Returns to the original departure point
- Languages: English (The price is based on an English-speaking guide; additional fees apply for guides in other languages)
- The price of this tour will increase during the China National Day holiday (September 30th to October 7th) and the Chinese New Year holiday.