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Summary
This 3-day tour from Shanghai to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town offers an immersive experience into the rich cultural heritage and serene beauty of Eastern China. From the classical gardens of Suzhou to the ancient canals of Tongli, travelers will explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic streets, and traditional crafts, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.
🚆 Day 1: Shanghai to Suzhou
Begin your journey with a train ride from Shanghai, exploring Suzhou's classical gardens, museums, and historic streets.
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🌸 Humble Administrator's Garden
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its classical garden design, the Humble Administrator's Garden offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Its meticulously landscaped grounds, tranquil ponds, and traditional pavilions provide a glimpse into the art of Chinese garden creation.
Tips
Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the garden's beauty in the peaceful ambiance.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +86 512 6751 0286 |
| 🌐 Website: http://www.szzzy.cn/ |
| 📍 Address: 178 Dongbei St, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215001 |
🏛️ Suzhou Museum
Designed by I.M. Pei, this museum blends traditional architecture with modern design, housing a remarkable collection of Chinese cultural relics. The striking architectural features and carefully curated exhibits make it a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.
Tips
Enjoy free entry to the museum and plan your visit on any day except Monday when it is closed.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +86 512 6757 5666 |
| 🌐 Website: http://www.szmuseum.com/ |
| 📍 Address: 204 Dongbei St, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215005 |
🏯 Panmen Gate
The historic Panmen Gate is a gateway to ancient Suzhou, offering a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. With its picturesque gardens and well-preserved architecture, it provides a captivating insight into the region's history and cultural significance.
Tips
Explore the Ruigang Pagoda within the scenic area to marvel at its ancient construction and intricate Buddhist carvings.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: 7HXP+J43, Gu Su Qu, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215000 |
🏘️ Pingjiang Historic Street
A picturesque street perfect for exploring local life and cuisine, Pingjiang Historic Street exudes old-world charm with its traditional Chinese houses, quaint teahouses, and authentic eateries. It's an ideal place to immerse yourself in the local vibe and savor traditional snacks.
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Tips
Indulge in local snacks as you stroll along the street and don't miss the opportunity to visit the Kunqu Opera Museum to learn about the ancient art form.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: 8J5M+RWM, Pingjiang Rd, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215005 |
🌆 Day 2: Suzhou Exploration
Continue discovering Suzhou's beauty with visits to Tiger Hill, Master of Nets Garden, and a cruise on the Grand Canal.
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🏞️ Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its historical significance. The hill boasts impressive rocks, deep dales, and changing scenery at all times, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Tips
Don't miss the leaning pagoda, a remarkable architectural feat that has captivated visitors for centuries.
🌺 Master of Nets Garden
The Master of Nets Garden is a small yet elegantly designed classical garden that exudes tranquility and charm. Its architectural splendor and nightly Kunqu opera performances make it a must-visit for those seeking a cultural and serene experience.
Tips
Evening opera performances are a must-see, offering a captivating glimpse into traditional Chinese performing arts.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +86 512 6529 3190 |
| 🌐 Website: http://www.szwsy.com/ |
| 📍 Address: Gusu District, Suzhou, China, 215005 |
🚣 Grand Canal
The Grand Canal offers a unique opportunity to experience the world's oldest and longest canal, providing a fascinating insight into China's rich history and cultural heritage. A private cruise on the canal allows for an intimate and immersive experience, offering a glimpse into the real life of locals.
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Grand Canal - UNESCO World Heritage Site", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O19SeNqauA", "channel": { "name": "World Heritage Journey"}, "published_date": "Dec 12, 2019", "length": "3:27" }</div>
Tips
Take a private cruise for a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of the canal's significance in Chinese history.
🧵 Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory
The Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory is a treasure trove of knowledge about silk production and its historical significance in China. With its near-century-old legacy, the factory showcases traditional silk-making skills and offers captivating exhibitions on the culture and history of silk in China.
Tips
Watch live silk reeling to witness the intricate craftsmanship behind this ancient art form.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: 7JPH+J7X, Nanmen Rd, Cang Lang Qu, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215007 |
🌊 Day 3: Tongli Water Town
Conclude your tour with a visit to the serene Tongli Water Town, exploring its canals, bridges, and gardens before returning to Shanghai.
🏯 Tongli Water Town
Tongli Water Town is a beautiful water town with ancient buildings and canals, resembling a museum of ancient architectures from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The town is designed along the riverside and embellished with carved windows, porcelain furniture, figured clay bricks, flying eaves, dapper gardens, and tiny stairs leading down to the water, making it a shining pearl among the water townships south of Yangtze.
Tips
Visit the Retreat and Reflection Garden, also known as Tuisi Garden, designed by the retired official Ren Lansheng. This spectacular garden covers 700 square meters and is a harmonious blend of verandas, ponds, waterside pavilions, Marble Boats, halls, kiosks, rockeries, and bridges, offering a picturesque and tranquil experience regardless of the season.
🌉 Ancient Bridges
Tongli Water Town is adorned with historic bridges that offer a glimpse into the past. The Taiping Bridge, built in 1747 during the Qing dynasty, the Changqing Bridge, also named Guangli Bridge, rebuilt in the Ming dynasty, the Siben Bridge, the oldest bridge in Tongli town, built in the Southern Song dynasty, and the Dubu Bridge, the smallest bridge in the town, collectively serve as witnesses of history, narrating the town's rich past.
Tips
Explore the ancient bridges, including Taiping, Changqing, Siben, and Dubu bridges, to immerse yourself in the historical significance and architectural marvels of Tongli Water Town.
