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Home Suzhou Tours Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by High Speed Train
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From the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, a short half-hour journey by high-speed train transports you to a different world - Suzhou. This ancient city, often referred to as "Heaven on Earth" or the "backyard of Shanghai", is a treasure trove of poetic landscapes and intriguing cultural stories waiting to be discovered.

Suzhou, steeped in over 2,500 years of history, is a testament to the timeless beauty of China. As an old Chinese poem beautifully captures, "In all the fair land of Suzhou, river-houses in view, old palaces crowd in little space, bridges bloom across narrow alley's grace." This description perfectly encapsulates the charm of Suzhou, a city where past and present, nature and architecture, blend seamlessly.

The city's magic lies in its classical gardens, where harmony and elegance take center stage. The ancient Tiger Hill whispers legends of a thousand years, and the romantic ambiance of Shantang Street under the moonlight is nothing short of enchanting.

Suzhou is not just a city, but an experience. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, a nature lover, or a food connoisseur, Suzhou has something to captivate your senses. So, why wait? Take a Suzhou day trip from Shanghai to delve into this poetic city's soul. The mesmerizing beauty of its gardens, canals, and historical echoes are waiting to weave you into its timeless narrative. Suzhou, the city of gardens, is beckoning. Will you answer the call?

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour
Highlight 1: Embark on a poetic trip through the Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest garden in Suzhou, where meticulously crafted landscapes seamlessly blend with the beauty of nature. Meander along winding paths that lead you through ever-changing scenery.
Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai
Highlight 2: Be amazed by the Suzhou Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei. This extraordinary museum flawlessly fuses modern and traditional elements of Jiangnan, leaving a lasting impression.
Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai
Highlight 3: Ascend Tiger Hill, the iconic landmark of Suzhou, and marvel at the Leaning Tower while immersing yourself in breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Delve into the intriguing tales surrounding the Sword Pond and discover other historical monuments that adorn this remarkable hill.
Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai
Highlight 4: Take a leisurely walk along Shantang Street, an enchanting ancient thoroughfare situated near Tiger Hill. Immerse yourself in the rich history as you explore a myriad of shops, temples, shrines, pagodas, memorial archways, guild halls, mansions, bridges, and traditional Chinese architectural gems that line this captivating street.
Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai
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Itinerary at a Glance

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Shanghai

 

Suzhou (1 Day)

Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou Museum, Tiger Hill, Shantang Street, Suzhou Garden Museum, Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise (Optional)

Itinerary Day by Day

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Day 1 Suzhou Tour from Shanghai | Suzhou Gardens, Suzhou Museum, Tiger Hill, Shantang Street

This morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to Shanghai high speed train station for your bullet train to Suzhou (about 0.5 hour, 90km). Welcome to Suzhou, reputed as the "City of Gardens" and "Venice of the East," offering an elegant and picturesque atmosphere. Upon arrival in Suzhou, you will be escorted to explore this charming, poetic city.

Your first stop is a brief visit to the Suzhou Garden Museum to gain a clear understanding of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, which consist of nine gardens in the historic city of Suzhou listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, continue your discovery at the serene Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest garden in Suzhou, which is considered one of the greatest examples of quintessential Chinese landscape design.

Built in 1509, Humble Administrator's Garden is the finest example of a Ming Dynasty garden. Retired magistrate Wang Xianchen created this masterpiece over 16 years. He named it to reflect his desire for a humble life after public service. The garden has three sections: the expansive Eastern Garden, the distinguished Central Garden, and the exquisite Western buildings. With its ponds, rockeries, trees, and pavilions, the garden unveils scenic views like an unrolling scroll painting. As you meander along the circular route, be impressed by the intimate courtyards, elegant architectural details, and majestic artisan stonework while immersing yourself in the gorgeous poems depicted in each architecture. These poems reflect the notable attitudes of the owners. The Orchid Snow Hall, the main hall in the eastern part of the garden, gets its name from Li Bai's poem verse "Alone between heaven and earth, the clear breeze scatters the orchid snow" (独立天地间,清风洒兰雪), implying a pure and lofty character. Walking along the path, you will come to the House of Sweet-Scented Osmanthus, the main building in the garden, named after Zhou Dunyi's essay "In Love with the Lotus" (香远益清,亭亭净植), implying noble and elegant virtues. Overlooking the fan-shaped "With Whom Shall I Sit in the Pavilion", you will evoke the atmosphere of Su Dongpo's poem "With whom shall I sit? The bright moon, the fresh breeze, and I" (与谁同坐?明月清风我). Continuing your journey, you will reach Jianshan Hall, named after the poem by Tao Yuanming "Gathering chrysanthemums by the eastern hedge, I contentedly gaze upon the southern mountains" (采菊东篱下,悠然见南山). Every step in this poetic atmosphere is accompanied by architecture that tells a story through its connection to a poem.

Important tips for appreciating and photographing Suzhou Gardens:
1. Begin by observing the overall layout and composition of the garden from the map. This will give you an impression of the main themes and designs.
2. Take a tour of the garden with an open mind to appreciate its essence. Pay attention to the use of spatial techniques like borrowed scenery, facing scenery, leaked scenery etc.
3. Notice the architecture - its layout, forms, and how it complements other elements like plants, rocks, water. Understand the cultural significance behind the designs.
4. Spend time comprehending the mood and emotions conveyed through the names of the buildings and their accompanying couplets.
5. Look out for scenic views that capture the seasonal beauty of the garden.
6. Frame and photograph interesting perspectives using the garden's structures and scenery.

To delve into over 2500 years of history, you will visit Suzhou Museum, boasting remarkable architecture and impressive collections. Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, this museum seamlessly blends classical and modern elements, preserving the traditional white powdered walls of Suzhou to evoke a classical ambiance while exuding a contemporary sensibility. The museum's distinct contours, strong geometry, and captivating silhouettes are truly awe-inspiring. As you step into the museum, you will find yourself enchanted by the beauty that filters through windows and dances with the rays of light. The scenery constantly evolves, creating a dynamic and captivating experience. While exploring the museum's halls, you will encounter a rich display of local Suzhou crafts and cultural artifacts from the Wu region. Among the treasures showcased is the renowned Sword of King Yu of Wu, along with other exquisite pieces like lacquerware, bamboo carvings, jade carvings, gold bricks, clay sculptures, and musical instruments.

After lunch, you will visit the iconic Suzhou landmark - Tiger Hill (Hu Qiu), known as the "Number One Mountain in Wu Region". This site holds cultural significance related to prominent Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi. He oversaw the excavation of the Shantang River, forming Shantang Street and creating the poetic transportation route of "Seven Li Shantang to Tiger Hill". “From the road leading to Kaishan Temple, water and land traffic frequently intermingled. Silver bridles guided spirited horses, while flower boats carried beautiful women” (自开山寺路,水陆往来频。银勒牵骄马,花船载丽人). At Tiger Hill, marvel at the renowned Tiger Hill Pagoda, the oldest surviving brick pagoda in China and sole remaining structure from the Five Dynasties period. Its architectural style embodies Tang and Song aesthetics. Tiger Hill Pagoda is often called the "Leaning Tower of China." Also explore the Sword Pond at Tiger Hill, said to be the entrance to the tomb of King Helü of Wu with three thousand treasure swords buried below. As described in a poem, "Bizarre rocks with a thousand monks seated, a mystical pond where a sword rests deep. The Hai Dang Pavilion on both sides, the mountain at the heart of the temple" (怪石千僧坐,灵池一剑沉。海当亭两面,山在寺中心).

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll down Shantang Street, reputedly "Suzhou's No. 1 Ancient Street" with over 1100 years of history. As you explore, you'll discover various shops, temples, shrines, pagodas, memorial archways, guild halls, mansions, bridges, and traditional Chinese architecture. Make sure to visit the Bai Juyi Memorial Hall to see artifacts and learn about this prominent historical figure who built the street. Here, you can try local Suzhou snacks as you wander. For a unique perspective, you can opt to hop on a traditional decorated boat and cruise along the Grand Canal (about 40 minutes). This boat tour lets you experience the romance of "When you come to Suzhou, every household lives along the river", immersing yourself in the relaxed pace of life that has defined Suzhou for centuries.

After the tour, you will be escorted to Suzhou bullet train station for your high speed train to Shanghai (about 0.5 hour). Then, it is time to end your 1-day Suzhou Tour from Shanghai by High Speed Train. Your guide will escort you to your hotel or the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia.

DiningDining:
Lunch
AccommodationAccommodation:

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request
The above price is based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included?

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Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
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Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
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Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
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Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
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Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
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Accident insurance
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Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

What’s Excluded?

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International airfares
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Entry visa fees
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Personal expenses
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Single room supplement
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Recommended optional activities
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Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
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Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

How do I book a private China tour?
It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Extend Your China Tour
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Transportation
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
Meals
“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
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Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi... (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

  • Humble Administrator's Garden Layout
  • Beautiful scenery from the window
  • Suzhou Museum
  • Shantang Street Scenic Area, Suzhou
  • Tiger Hill Pagoda (Huqiu Tower)
  • Suzhou Museum, masterpieces of classical Chinese garden design
  • Suzhou Museum
  • Humble Administrator's Garden Beautiful View
  • Humble Administrator's Garden Courtyard View

Latest Suzhou Tours Reviews from Our Customers

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  • Suzhou
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  • Shanghai
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Trip Style: Private Tour (flexible travel dates & numbers of travelers)
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Tour Code: AOT-TSZ-001
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Travel Route: Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai
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Features: Bullet Train, World Heritages, Museums, Classical Gardens, Ancient Street, Poetry, History

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(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

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