Suzhou

Discover two picturesque Chinese towns, Suzhou and Zhouzhuang, each with its own unique characteristics. Founded in around 600 BC, Suzhou is one of the oldest settlements in the Yangtze basin. Its neighborhoods and interconnected waterways are truly a masterpiece. Suzhou was one of the few cities in China to escape the ravages of the Cultural Revolution, its celebrated gardens miraculously surviving largely intact. Visit the Master of Nets Garden, the Silk Embroidery Research Institute, the Grand Canal and a silk factory while in Suzhou. After a traditional Chinese lunch, you'll travel to Zhouzhuang. Well known for its beautiful natural environment and simple architecture, this city has remained remarkably well-preserved for over 900 years. The majority of the town's residences were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with nearly 100 classic courtyards and 60 carved-brick archways from those periods still in use. Travel by boat through the city’s waterways and past classic Zhouzhuang dwellings before returning to Shanghai. Immerse yourself in the history of Shanghai with the assistance of your own personal guide.

Suzhou was the capital of Wu culture 800 years ago and is one of China's leading historic cities. Developing around the Grand Canal that forged much of China's traditional north-south commerce Suzhou is built around a series of canals. Now a modern thriving city, Suzhou maintains a traditional core surrounded by a moat and is world-famous as a UNESCO world heritage site for its traditional Chinese gardens. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide in Suzhou and transferred to visit one of China's most exquisite gardens, The Humble Administrator's Garden, a Cultural Heritage site including both a residential quarter and a delicately landscaped garden. You will learn the beauty of the well-known Suzhou Garden while wandering around the pavilions, bridges, houses, etc. in the garden. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to Shantang Street which is a good example of a water town in Southern China with well-preserved traditional architecture. You can wander around the old street to view the Opera Stage, Boat Museum, etc. Then you will take a boat on the Grand Canal for about 40 minutes to view the scenery. Then you will be moved to the Suzhou Silk Museum which exhibits the history of Chinese Silk from ancient times to modern times. Afterward, you will be transferred to Suzhou Railway Station to catch a bullet train back to Shanghai.

At 08:00, your English-speaking guide will await you in your Shanghai hotel lobby while holding a sign with your name on it. Hop in the vehicle and embark on the 2-hour drive to Suzhou. Once you arrive, you will begin your tour with a visit to the incredible Humble Administrator's Garden. It is renowned as the largest classical garden in Suzhou and is typically referred to as on of the most impressive one in southern China. Head to the Liu Lingering Garden, yet another famously beautiful garden. Afterwards, take a much needed break for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Once you are satiated, go for a short visit at the Suzhou Silk Museum, where your guide will tell you the history of the traditional Chinese silks, including the techniques which are used to produce such a fine material. After your tour of the Silk Museum, begin your transport back to Shanghai for a 17:00 arrival. Your tour will end by dropping you off at your hotel.