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4-Day Shanghai and Suzhou Culture Discover Tour

Explore the Highlights of Shanghai and Suzhou

4-Day Shanghai and Suzhou Culture Discover Tour

Explore the highlights of Shanghai and Suzhou with private transfer, go under the skin of the cities, discover the culture under the highlights. Including a hidden private poster collection, and explore mysterious night garden.

Tour Highlights

  • Experience the luxury and elegance of the Bund by having an in-depth Bund Culture Discovery trip
  • Peep at China’s political history through a private collection of posters
  • Unveil the secret culture of night garden in Suzhou
  • Enjoy a leisurely rickshaw ride in the ancient part of Suzhou, and say hi to local people
  • Relax on a hand-rowing boat in Tongli Watertown

About China Highlights

Since 1998 we've guided everyone ranging from US presidents, Australian Geographic and retired backpackers. Our goal is to create unique trips that take you off-the-beaten path, helping you discover China in a more authentic way. Our motto: "Discovery Your Way!"

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival
SSAW Hotel Shanghai (4-star) / Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai, Bund view (5-star)

Activities

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at airport arrivals. A comfortable private car (non-smoking) with experienced driver will transfer you directly to the hotel. Your guide will help you check-in. We take the stress out of travel, so you can enjoy China more.

Optional evening ideas

Nighttime on the Bund is beautiful, especially when the lights on. Taking the Huangpu River Cruise is one of the best way to enjoy both sides of the Bund. One side with old buildings and one side with skyscrapers.

Night View of the BundNight View of the Bund
Day 2 Discover Shanghai
Breakfast and lunch

Quick Facts

The Bund

  • The first foreign building on the Bund was built in: 1851
  • Number of heritage buildings remaining on the Bund: 22
  • The first modern upmarket Bund restaurant, the M on the Bund, was opened in: 1999
  • Approximate number of wooden piles supporting the Fairmont Peace Hotel: 1600

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

  • Hidden in a residential area, this private collection offers a peep at China’s political history through posters.
  • You will find that the posters capture the Chinese people’s most fantastic experiences during the Mao era.

Activities

After breakfast at hotel, have the In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery tour and trace back to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s, experience the luxury and elegance of the Bund.

If you are a thrill-seeker, don't miss the highest landmark of Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower. Take the fastest elevator in the world, and have a bird's-eye view of the entire city of Shanghai.

Walk in the French Concession and learn about the colonial past of Shanghai, appreciating the elegant residences.

Soak yourself in the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, which recently became one of the top 15 things to do in Shanghai on TripAdvisor.

Immerse yourself in the posters, and your personal guide will help to satisfy your curiosity about communism.

The BundThe Bund
Day 3 Secret of Suzhou
Breakfast, lunch and dinner Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou (4-star) / Pan Pacific Suzhou (5-star)

Quick Facts

Nets Master Garden

It is the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens and the most exquisite in design.

Activities

After the breakfast at hotel, enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Shanghai to Suzhou. The journey takes about 1½ hours.

Your first site of Suzhou will be the Lingering Garden, it will satisfy all your imagination of ancient China.

Take a rickshaw ride to explore the alleys of Suzhou, the most authentic place to peek Suzhou’s life. You will find food markets, ancient wells and might chat with tradesmen.

The rickshaw will take you to the Pingjiang Road, the main road in Song Dynasty (800 years ago), and now is still well-preserved.

In the afternoon you will visit Tiger Hill, which is famous for its bonsai garden. There you will see various of bonsai in different styles, and will have a chance to learn how it made.

After dinner, enjoy a night tour of Nets Master Garden. Explore such a lovely garden at night is totally different from during the day. Follow the step of the staff, and you will find amazing live traditional Chinese culture performance hidden in the pavilions.

Bonsai Garden of Tiger HillBonsai Garden of Tiger Hill
Day 4 Tongli Water Town, Back to Shanghai
Breakfast and lunch

Activities

After a western-style breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive 30 minutes to Tongli water town, often praised as the Venice of China. Take a small boat along the canal to see the old town. It's a great place for ancient architecture and traditional culture. Have lunch in a local Tongli restaurant.

After the visit in Tongli, we'll drive you back to Shanghai Pudong Airport and wave goodbye.

Tongli Water TownTongli Water Town

Trip Notes

Customizing the Tour - According to Your Needs

This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, and extend or shorten it to suit your schedule.

For example, you can add activities in the first day, or remove some attractions.

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

A short stay (up to 6 days) in Shanghai and the surrounding cities is more convenient now as there is no need for a visa.

It's permissible to stay within the administrative areas of Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province for up to 144 hours. Contact us to know more.

Tour Price

FromUSD 769 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
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The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
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