How to Plan Your Shanghai-to-Suzhou Private Full-Day Trip by Car

Planning a day trip to Suzhou from Shanghai can be a daunting task since you might not know where to start. However, with a proper plan and the right information, you can have an unforgettable experience visiting this historic city. This blog post will guide you on how to plan your Suzhou private full-day trip by car, including where to visit and what to expect.

Experience

The Suzhou private full-day trip by car is a fantastic experience departing from Shanghai. The tour is ideal for those who want to explore a well-preserved water town with charming classic gardens, historic streets, and interesting cultural sites. During the tour, you will visit some of the significant landmarks including The Humble Administrator’s Garden, Silk Museum, Shangtang Street, and the Grand Canal.

Highlights

The tour comes with several highlights that make it unique and enjoyable. One of the highlights is visiting The Humble Administrator’s Garden, a world heritage site that showcases Chinese garden artistry. The garden’s design features a harmonious combination of water, buildings, and plants that exude a soothing and picturesque ambiance. You will also get to learn about Chinese Silk History at the Silk Museum, where you will see exhibits showcasing the history and evolution of silk production in China.

Another highlight of the tour is wandering around Shangtang Street, a place where time seems to stand still, with well-preserved architecture, ancient bridges, old canals, and more. The street is bustling with activity during the daytime, with local vendors selling souvenirs, food, and drinks. You will also get to take a boat on the Grand Canal, China’s longest canal and the world’s oldest that remains in use.

Full Description

The tour starts early in the morning at 8.30 am, and the driver will pick you up from your centrally located Shanghai hotel by car. The drive to Suzhou takes about 1.5 hours to reach, and you will receive prior notification if the distance from your hotel is too far to pick up from city downtown in Shanghai.

Suzhou was the capital of Wu culture 800 years ago and is one of China’s leading historic cities. The city developed around the Grand Canal, which facilitated much of China’s traditional north-south commerce. Suzhou brings China’s iconic gardens to life, and its traditional core, surrounded by a moat, maintains a distinct charm. The city is now a modern thriving city with a rich cultural history that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Upon arrival in Suzhou, you will be met by your local guide who will accompany you during the trip. You will visit one of China’s most renowned classic gardens, The Humble Administrator’s Garden. The garden is the biggest classic garden in Suzhou with countless breathtaking pavilions, corridors, rockeries, pools, and plants. This location presents the perfect setting for photography and soaking in the serene and tranquil environment.

You will then proceed to the Silk Museum, where you will see how silk production has evolved through the ages, and how significant a role it played in Chinese history. You will learn about the production process from silkworm to silk garments and the different types of silk. There are also unique exhibits of silk garments and accessories, some dating back to ancient times, and you’ll have an opportunity to buy exquisite silk products.

Afterward, you will visit the Shangtang Street, one of the best-preserved ancient streets in Suzhou. The street is over a thousand years old and features intriguing architecture and ancient canals. You will be able to explore historic sites such as The Tingfeng Pavilion and The Wumen Bridge, and interact with the locals, learning about their lifestyle and culture. At the end of the street, there are many shops where you can purchase local snacks or souvenirs.

The last part of the tour involves taking a boat excursion on the Grand Canal. The canal stretches over 1700 km from Beijing to Hangzhou, with Suzhou being an essential part of the southern section. You’ll have a chance to see the local lifestyle of the people living along the canal banks and experience the beauty of the canal in the olden times. The canal provides a different perspective of Suzhou, and exploring it on a boat can be a truly memorable experience.

After the tour, you will be returned to your hotel via the same car. Each attraction entrance fee is covered in the tour, and your English-speaking professional guide will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Booking the Tour

If you’re interested in this tour, you can book it through GetYourGuide, an online travel agency that offers different types of travel experiences worldwide. The tour is operated by a local operator, and the link to book the tour is here. The package includes an English-speaking local guide, car rental with a driver, admission tickets, and boat ride tickets.

Conclusion

Overall, if you are in Shanghai and want to experience the tranquility, peacefulness, and beauty of Suzhou’s ancient culture and lifestyle, then choosing the Suzhou private full-day trip by car is highly recommended. The trip offers great value for its cost, and its highlights are perfect for those who love exploring historic sites, traditional gardens, and markets. So, plan your tour today, book, and get ready for a day of strolling through China’s history, culture, and beauty, and have an unforgettable experience.