Shanghai Private Custom Day Tour: Suzhou & Zhouzhuang Water Town

Shanghai, China
Duration7h - 8h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesChinese, Chinese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This exclusive private day tour from Shanghai takes you to two iconic destinations—Suzhou, the “Venice of the East” with UNESCO-listed classical gardens and Tiger Hill, and Zhouzhuang, China’s best-preserved “No.1 Water Town”; your professional English-speaking guide will help you uncover their hidden stories efficiently, and you can customize your experience by choosing 1 or 2 spots from four famous Suzhou attractions (Master of the Nets Garden, Lingering Garden, Lion Grove Garden and Tiger Hill). Enjoy hassle-free travel with a private air-conditioned vehicle (Shanghai hotel pickup/drop-off) and all entrance tickets included, no hidden fees.

What's included

  • Bottled water
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Entrance fee
  • Accommodation
  • Gratuities
  • Meals
  • Boat ride in Zhouzhuang

What to expect

  1. Shanghai
    Pass by
    Kick off your exclusive private adventure in true comfort: your professional English-speaking guide and experienced driver will meet you right at the lobby of your Shanghai hotel, punctual and ready to make your day seamless. No rushing, no waiting for other travelers—this journey is tailored entirely to you, starting with a stress-free pickup that lets you relax from the very first moment.
    Board our spacious, air-conditioned private vehicle and settle in for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Suzhou, famously hailed as China’s “Venice of the East.” Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share the city’s rich history, and you’re welcome to ask any questions anytime.
  2. Suzhou
    Pass by
    Upon arriving in Suzhou, you’ll have the flexibility to choose 1 or 2 legendary classical gardens to explore (our guide will help you decide based on your interests!), each a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design with unique charm and history. Below are the highlights of each garden to help you choose:
  3. Master-of-Nets Garden
    1h · Admission ticket included
    - Master of the Nets Garden (Our Top Recommendation!): A small but exquisite garden famous for its clever layout and iconic “Moon Gate,” reflecting the philosophy of harmony between man and nature.
    - Lingering Garden: One of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens, featuring diverse sections, ancient stone carvings, and the lucky “Nine-Lion Stone.”
    - Lion Grove Garden: A playful garden known for its 600-year-old lion-shaped limestone rock formations and fun rock maze.
    - Tiger Hill—known as “Suzhou’s No.1 Scenic Spot,” it boasts a 2500-year history, an ancient leaning pagoda (called the “Eastern Leaning Tower of Pisa”), delicate bonsai, and fascinating legends about King Helü of Wu, all shared by your guide.
    Lunch is not included in this tour, but your guide is happy to recommend authentic local Suzhou restaurants that suit your taste and budget.
  4. Zhouzhuang Water Town
    2h · Admission ticket included
    After lunch, take a 1-hour private drive to Zhouzhuang, China’s best-preserved ancient water town known as the “No.1 Water Town in China.”
    Your tour includes Zhouzhuang admission: with your guide, you’ll visit iconic Double Bridge (the town’s symbol), ancient merchant residences with well-preserved Ming-Qing furniture and architecture, cobblestone lanes lined with traditional wooden houses, and canal banks—learning about the town’s 900-year history, local customs, and the daily life of residents who have lived by the canals for generations.

    Optional (at your own expense): A traditional wooden canal boat ride can be arranged by your guide on the spot.

    As the day draws to a close, your guide and driver will escort you back to your Shanghai hotel, ensuring you travel in comfort and safety. You’ll return with a heart full of wonderful memories and a deeper understanding of Suzhou’s classical beauty and Zhouzhuang’s ancient charm—all from a private, personalized tour designed just for you

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Your driver will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel by holding your name sign

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$248.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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