Overview
Hi, I’m Mao! Suzhou is my hometown, a picturesque riverside city known as “Venice of the East”. Joining my day tour, you will be able to escape from the crowds at famous tourist attractions and personally explore a hidden ancient water town, experience traditional Su-style cuisine made using ancient methods, visit stunning the “water temple”, cycle or just relax by the beautiful lake, and enjoy Chinese wine/tea tasting with me.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Temple entrance fee
- Round trip 1st class bullet train ticket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Shanghai/Suzhou
- Transport by private vehicle in both Shanghai and Suzhou
- 8-10 hour private guide
- Beverages and snacks during tasting
- Resting facilities (e.g. chairs)
- Bike rental fee
What's Not Included
- Hotel pick up and drop-off for locations outside of downtown Shanghai/Suzhou (surcharge applied)
- Gratuities
- Other personal expenses
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
I will meet you at your hotel lobby/meeting points at your preferred departure time (between 8:30-10:00). Please make sure to bring your passport with you before arriving at Shanghai railway station. All your train tickets will be ready in advance. You will have a wonderful bullet train experience to Suzhou. (For those who depart from Suzhou, i will pick you up at your preferred time and head to our next stop directly.)
Stop 2
You will visit a hidden ancient water town that 99.9% tourists don't know. You can wander around the old village. Enjoy the picturesque river view, old streets, houses and bridges, see the authentic lifestyle of people and hear my explanation of the history and art. You will also get the chance to watch the ancient methods of making various traditional Su-style desserts & street food and enjoy tasting them
Stop 3
Here you can choose from cycling along the beautiful riverbank or taking a break by the lake while enjoying great view and special snacks. Bike rental fee/snacks & beverages are included (those who choose to depart after 9:00am will skip this part.) Then we will have a traditional Chinese wine/tea tasting session. Feel free to bring up any questions related to Chinese culture, art and gastronomy.
Stop 4
You will then head to the Chongyuan Temple. It is claimed to be the most beautiful water temple in China. The most notable features of the temple are the 33-meter tall Guanyin statue located in the Water Guanyin Temple and the largest single building among domestic temples, the Mahavira Hall. You will be able to take stunning pictures from here. At end of the tour, I will escort you to Suzhou railway station and take 1st class bullet train back to Shanghai. After arrival, I will drop you off at your hotel/meeting points. (For those who depart from Suzhou, I will drop you off at your hotel/meeting points directly after our final stop) If you want to visit some other attractions besides the sample itinerary, feel free discussing with me! When tour is finished, you will take bullet train back to Shanghai city.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants (for fast train ticket reservation)
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate