Shanghai to Suzhou: Tongli Water Town and Panmen Gate Day Tour with Master of Nets Garden Visit
5.0
1 Rating
Suzhou
Experience the beauty of Tongli Water Town in Suzhou on this full-day tour from Shanghai. Explore the historic Panmen Gate and the exquisite Master of Nets Garden. All-inclusive package with transportation, guide, and lunch.
Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Tongli Town - Begin your journey at the renowned Tongli Water Town, celebrated for its picturesque bridges, waterways, and traditional residential complexes. The town is segmented into seven distinct islands, crisscrossed by a network of 15 canals. Owing to the unique terrain, the majority of the town’s structures are situated along the banks of the water. Each building features small steps at the front, descending to the canals, facilitating the washing of clothes and enabling residents to navigate the town by boat. It’s as if you’ve stepped into an old Chinese town. There’s also the opportunity to experience a boat ride on the river at your own cost.
  • Master-of-Nets Garden - Once you’ve taken in the sights of the water town, make your way to Suzhou city for a local lunch before continuing your adventure. Sample some regional treats or delicacies and take a moment to relax.
  • Panmen Gate - Proceed to explore Panmen Gate - the most ancient city gate in Suzhou and the sole surviving water and land gate in China. Dating back to the Warring States Period of the Wu state, it is believed to be approximately 2,500 years old. The gate offers a captivating panorama of Suzhou’s old town.
  • Tuisi Garden - Visit another example of a Suzhou-style garden, the Garden of Master of Nets. Despite being the smallest among Suzhou’s residential gardens, it stands out for its clever design that gives the illusion of a much larger space. The garden is a testament to the skill of Chinese garden designers in blending art, nature, and architecture into metaphysical masterpieces. It’s a must-see.

After your visit, you’ll be driven back to Shanghai and dropped off at a centrally located hotel, marking the end of your day trip to Suzhou.

What's Included
  • Private transportation service
  • Professional English speaking tour guide
  • Lunch
  • Lunch in local Chinese restaurant
  • Surcharges on fuel
What's Not Included
  • Dinner
  • Boat ride in Tongli Water Town
  • Gratitude (Recommended)
  • The 400RMB extra payment If you need Spanish/German/Italian/French guide.
Additional Information

Embark on a day-long journey to Tongli Water Town in Suzhou, one of China’s most exquisite water towns. Perhaps its history or photogenic landscape is already familiar to you. This tour ensures your comfort with pickup and drop-off in Shanghai, paired with a few notable city sights such as the Panmen Gate and the Garden of Master of Nets. The package takes care of all the essentials - tickets, a meal, transportation, and a guide.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Infant (1-3 years old) are free providing they do not occupy a seat
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Location
Tongli Town
Wujiang District,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Rachaelandrod
Oct 14, 2018
Private tour with Ruby - We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Tongli water village and Suzhou gardens. This was our groups second tour with Catherine Lu Tours. Our first was a 3 day private tour in beijing with Peter was tour guide. Ruby our guide and the driver met us at the hotel on time. Ruby was funny and engaging and chatted to us all throughout the tour. We moved through the tour at a comfortable pace and was never rushed. We managed to get many memorable photos. Lunch was delicious. Ruby selected a great restaurant for lunch and ordered for us. It was very reasonably priced. I would recommend Ruby and this tour group to anyone considering a private tour. The van was clean. We were given water. We all had a great time. There wasn't anything we would change.
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May 2024
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