5 Days Leisure Shanghai Extension Tour to Suzhou and Tongli

From
$ 422

Duration: 5 days

Destinations:
Shanghai, Suzhou, Tongli
-- Xintiandi
-- Lingering Garden
-- Tongli Water Town
-- Pingjiang Old Town of Suzhou

Departure date: As you prefer

Availability: Whole year

Tour Code: HRC-SH10

Stone buildings in Xintiandi
Arrays of Western old buildings along The Bund
Shanghai World Financial Center
Symbolic rockery in Lingering Garden
Cruise with rich sightseeing along Small Canal
Suzhou Bird and Flower Market
Tongli Water Town
Peaceful Pingjiang Old Town

Tour Description

The itinerary of the tour goes like an easy breezy ballad, which is composed by a ring of beautiful notes that echo respectively in Shanghai, Suzhou and Tongli. Dipping into the beautiful ballad, you’ll hear the symphony in the Old Shanghai, the concerto in the garden city Suzhou and the serenade in the ancient water town Tongli.

Explore the former French Concession and the slow life pace in the old lanes of Xintiandi in Shanghai.

Have fun cruising along the canal of Tongli Water Town and feasting the splendid scenery all the way.

Appreciate Lingering Garden Suzhou, one of the four most famous classic gardens of China.

Enjoy a leisure day around Pingjiang Old Town of Suzhou by rickshaw.

Daily Itinerary
Accommodation
Meals
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Day 1 Arrival in Shanghai - Free time

Today's Activities

After airport/ railway station pick-up and hotel transfer, you’ll have the night as your free time. Shanghai nightlife, as you know, is always vibrant. We recommend Shanghai Acrobatic show as your add-on activity. As one of the oldest performing arts in China, the acrobatics displayed on stage include a number of feats focusing on flexibility, strength, endurance and sheer will-power. Cheer up your bravos!

Highlights


Shanghai Acrobatic Show	Shanghai Acrobatic Show	Shanghai Acrobatic Show

Day 2 Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)

Today's Activities

Today’s attractions listed make an amazing sandwich. Your taste bud will change between the traditional and the modern of Shanghai, the local and the foreign. Let’s begin with the over-600-year-old Temple of City God. At the temple you’ll see scores of sculptures that represent Taoist immortals in Chinese people’s view. About 40 minutes later we steer to the deluxe shopping area within French Concession, Huaihai Road. The high street is less known than Nanjing Road as it aims at the fashion elite rather than the masses. You’ll definitely be attracted by the French-style elegance and luxury that sweep all the department stores here. Enjoy the brief 1-hour shopping time and move on to another good spot, Xintiandi, for nostalgia and romance. You’d also like the sight of Western bars interlaced with local old lanes (Longtang in Chinese).

The next scenic spot, The Bund is lined with magnificent buildings in different architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Rome, Renaissance, Classic and Mixed Eastern and Western style...You’ll appreciate The Bund the way you read an album of the old Shanghai in 1920s-1940s. However, just opposite The Bund across Huangpu River, Shanghai boasts brand new look. We’ll escort you to Shanghai World Financial Center for the stunning panorama of Shanghai city standing at the 100th –floor sightseeing platform.

Highlights


Temple of City God	Refined boutiques along Huaihai Road	Belltower of Shanghai Customes in The Bund

Day 3 Shanghai- Suzhou (Breakfast, Lunch)

Today's Activities

After breakfast, you’ll leave Shanghai for Suzhou by high-speed train. About 30 minutes later, you will set foot on the famous garden city. The splendid tissue of Suzhou cityscape like gardens, rivers, riverside residence and old city wall will be listed on today’s itinerary. You’ll first visit Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous classic gardens in China. The sophisticated layout of the garden will surely offer you scene of beauty and refreshment at every turn. The three rockeries at the rear part of the garden is worthwhile your special attention. 1.5 hours later, let’s leave Lingering Garden for another historical landmark in Suzhou, Panmen Gate. The grand gate is part of the ancient city wall (built in 514 B.C.)

Then let's turn to Suzhou Silk Factory to see how the silk is processed from silk worm to the final product, and the interesting silk history in China. After spending 1 hour in the factory, we’ll cruise along the Small Canal. The elements that make up a water town, like stone arch bridges, on-the-river markets, traditional yards shaded with willows are all presented. What’s more, the Small Canal sends you to Suzhou Flower and Bird Market with 1-hour pleasant cruising. You’ll be in a world of bonsai and blossom while enjoying the sweet whisper of various birds and crickets.

Highlights


Lingering Garden	Panmen Gate	Old spinning wheels in Suzhou Silk Factory

Day 4 Suzhou - Tongli Water Town - Suzhou (Breakfast, Lunch)

Today's Activities

The day is all about water town! Drive about 30 minutes from downtown Suzhou and you get the most famous over-1,000-year-old Tongli Water Town. You’ll be cruising along the waterway to see refined black-and-white blocks of folk houses, various looks of bridges and undisturbed local custom.

Apart from the cruise, you also have free time to explore this old town. Recommended attractions are: Tuisi Garden, Three Bridges (Taiping, Jili, and Changqing Bridges), Chongben Hall, Jia yin Hall, Mingqing Street, Dingzi (T-shaped) River. At 5:30 P.M. let’s say goodbye to Tongli and drive back to downtown Suzhou.

Highlights


Serene Tongli Water Town	Cormorant boat in Tongli Water Town	Tuisi Garden in Tongli Water Town

Day 5 Suzhou - Shanghai- Departure (Breakfast)

Today's Activities

After breakfast you’ll be touring Pingjiang Old Town where the old lifestyle and everyday elements are well kept. By rickshaw you’ll go past the vegetable market, the unpolished streets and aged residents as well as the simple happy locals who enjoy every minute home. One hour later let’s end the full leisure visit and make way to the airport in Shanghai. Wish you a thoroughly fine journey!

Highlights


Chatting locals in Pingjiang Old Town	Riverside house in Pingjiang Old Town	Market in Pingjiang Old Town

Package Details

Tour Package Includes:
Dining: 4 breakfasts and 3 lunches	Admissions: Entrance fee to all scenic spots listed in itinerary
Tour Guide: a local experienced English-speaking guide	Hotels: Accommodation in Shanghai and Suzhou
Vehicle: a private air-conditioned car, offering Round-trip transfers	Car Driver: an experienced licensed driver
Water & Tissues: free purified water and tissues offered per day;	Luggage Transfers: a hand for your heavy luggage;
Insurance: Travel Agencies Liability Insurance;	Government taxes & Service charges
Train ticket: Ticket of high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou;
Tour Package Excludes:
- Other optional tours / meals / flights not mentioned in itinerary;	- Tips for tour guides and drivers.

Hotels in Shanghai

Howard Johnson Plaza Shanghai: The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Shanghai, 2 minutes from Nanjing Road, People Square and the Bund. It offers easy access to the city's most important business, cultural and entertainment hubs.
The elegantly designed and tastefully decorated rooms provide you with an experience of exceptional luxury and comfort.

Grand Mercure Zhongya Hotel Shanghai: Grand Mercure Zhongya Hotel Shanghai is an international 4-star business & leisure hotel located next to Shanghai Railway Station. The hotel is within 2 minutes walking from Shanghai Railway Station and entrance of Shanghai Metro Line 1, 3 and 4. The famous attraction nearby is Jade Buddha Temple. Open in 2010, the new hotel boasts 288 rooms /suites that come with French styled decor and rich facilities

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai is a 3-star business hotel. The hotel enjoys much transportation convenience. It's within walking distance to the Shanghai Metro Line 3 and Line 4 Shanghai Circus World Station. To better serve the guests, the hotel arranges shuttle bus to take them to the shopping malls within the commercial zone. Open in 2008, the hotel boasts a total of 472 rooms /suites. Most rooms enjoy as spacious as 32 square meters and comfortable bedding.

Hotels in Suzhou

Pan Pacific Suzhou Hotel Suzhou: Boasting unique Chinese architectural grandeur and exquisite garden features, Pan Pacific Suzhou Hotel Suzhou is the ideal venue to for a rejuvenating retreat while indulging into the profound Chinese culture. 481 uniquely designed guestrooms are endowed with modern facilities and comforts, together with Pan Pacific's renowned personalized service, expect a memorable experience in Suzhou.

Garden Hotel Suzhou: Situated in western Suzhou, Garden Hotel is a 4-star stylish hotel with a preferable position. Just 10-minute drive from Guanqian Street, the hotel is equipped with well-appointed rooms with spacious area, modern decoration and free WIFI. With high-end services provided, Garden Hotel also offers many entertainment choices for guest, such as Karaoke, cycling and fitness center, etc.

Traveller Inn Gusu Suzhou: Traveller Inn Gusu Suzhou is a 3-star hotel, located in the heart of the city, with 108 guest rooms. Hotel's Restaurants offer Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. Many other facilities are provided to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The hotel also has a shopping center, a ballroom, and a bar and provides all kinds of services such as mailing, clinic, massage, laundry, and car rental. This hotel is neighbors the tourism center and famous parks of the city.

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary include daily breakfast provided by the hotel and 3 lunches.
You are free to make dinner arrangements by yourself.
The following is introduction to highly-praised local restaurants.

Shanghai

Shanghai is regarded as a kingdom of delicacies, where you can taste almost everything. Here we strongly suggest you take M on The Bund into consideration.
M on the Bund Shanghai
-- Dedicated to creating a dining experience as exciting, as sophisticated, as delectable as Shanghai itself
-- “One of the top 20 restaurants in Asia” (Miele Guide, 2009-2010)
-- “Best Global Cuisine” (City Weekend Readers’ Choice Awards, 2010)
-- “M on the Bund: Most Popular Restaurant in Shanghai” (Zaqat Survey Shanghai, 2008)


Shanghai M on The Bund Restaurant	Brandboard of M on the Bund

Suzhou

Suzhou cuisine is renowned for its unique sweet flavor, color and aroma, and it's always beautifully presented. Some of the best local dishes are songshu Guiyu (Stewed and Fried Mandarin Fish), Xiangyou Shanhu (Stewed Shredded Eel), Xigua Ji (Chicken Steamed in Watermelon Rind), etc.


Songshu Guiyu (Stewed and Fried Mandarin Fish)	Xiangyou Shanhu (Stewed Shredded Eel)

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Comments

Hello Cherry,

In Shanghai we have Matthew (Mr Fan) as tour guide and he is also a great tour guide! He looks after us and making sure we are not conned by the taxis and also other things to look out for. He makes sure the driver drives safely and also not to talk on the mobile phone while driving. Many minor things are well taken care by Matthew. It seems minor but it means a lot to us! He has good knowledge of Shanghai and we will recommend you to use him often as a tour guide for your other customers! Matthew is also very initiative tour guide as he always avoids using the route where there are many other visitors and we can have fun and taking our time to enjoy every moment!

The Shanghai Acrobatic show! We enjoyed it thoroughly! Thank you for the beautiful seats they are right at the front of the theatre!

Customer: Mr. Monori

Destination:Shanghai

Dear Libby,

Regarding our trip in China, I want to say that it was very successful on all scales. It was very well organized from your side and all the people (drivers, tour guides) were very helpful and nice. You all did great job.

Tour guides: they were all very nice and friendly. We liked them all.

Drivers: the same. they are nice and friendly.

Accommodation: in general, they were also fine. there are some very small issues but they do not matter. In the end they are all 3 stars hotels.

Of course it was a pleasure to talk with you and with your colleagues and in fact I would love to visit china again. When I come next time I will definitely call you and I will also recommend my friends, who want to visit china, to make their tour through "China tour Guide".

Customer: Mr. Malaeb

Destination:Hangzhou - Suzhou -Shanghai

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