From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip
Shanghai, China

From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip

Outty Ranking 66 5.0 · 6 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $184
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip worth booking?

From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip is a 9-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $184 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
5/5 (6)
Duration
9 hours
From
$184 per person

This full-day tour takes you to visit one water town - Tongli Water Town in Suzhou, one of the most fabulous water town in China. You may heard of it or seen either for its history or photography. For this tour, you will be picked up and dropped off at your Shanghai hotel, its quite convenient to add one southern style garden - Lion Grove Garden and Shantang Street to complete the full day tour. All the tickets, lunch, transport and guide are included.

What you get

    About this experience

    This full-day tour takes you to visit one water town - Tongli Water Town in Suzhou, one of the most fabulous water town in China. You may heard of it or seen either for its history or photography. For this tour, you will be picked up and dropped off at your Shanghai hotel, its quite convenient to add one southern style garden - Lion Grove Garden and Shantang Street to complete the full day tour. All the tickets, lunch, transport and guide are included.

    What's included

    Included

    • Rickshaw ride
    • Private transportation service
    • Professional English speaking tour guide
    • Lunch
    • Entrance tickets

    Not included

    • Dinner
    • Gratitude (Recommended)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Shanghai

      We pick you up at your centrally located Shanghai hotel

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Tongli Town

      Your first stop is the famous Tongli Water Town, which are well known for their bridges, rivers, and ancient house complexes.  It is divided into seven islands intersected by 15 canals. Because of the landscape, almost all of the buildings in the town are along the waterfront. In front of the buildings, small stairs leading to the canals were built, which are convenient for residents to wash clothes and for traveling around the town by boat. You seem to have come to the ancient China Town. You may have a chance to take a boat in the river by your own expense.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Suzhou

      After exploring the water town, drive to Suzhou city and have the local lunch before the next destination. Enjoy some local snacks or specialities and have a short rest.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Lion Forest Garden

      Then to visit Lion Grove Garden, it is one of the four most famous and representative gardens of ancient classical style in Suzhou City, mainly characterized by its lakeside rocks and rockeries. The name of the garden is derived from the shape of these rocks, which are said to resemble lions.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Shantang Street

      Explore Shantang Street, also well known as Seven Mile Shantang, it is an ancient riverside pedestrian road that is very popular with tourists. This old street sector is only about 360 meters long, but it has the reputation of  “miniature of the old Suzhou” and the “window of Jiangsu culture”. It was a commodities center, where merchants conducted business and community staged folk activities.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • By Bullet Train&Subway

      Shanghai to Suzhou roundtrip is Bullet train, take subway explore Suzhou with private guide service. Pickup included

    • All Tour by Private Vehicle

      All entrance tickets, delicious lunch, private guide, boat ride, rickshaw fee, roundtrip private vehicle are all inclusve. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Catherine Lu Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infant (1-3 years old) are free providing they do not occupy a seat
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

    Photos

    Suzhou garden, From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day TripSuzhou garden, From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day TripFrom Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip, photo 4Suzhou tour, From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day TripTongli Water Town, From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day TripSuzhou, From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
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    N3880HXoliviaa · January 2026

    A day in Suzhou and Tongli

    We were so privileged to have another outing with Henry our tour guide from Shanghai through Catherine Lu Tours. Henry is a passionate and extremely knowledgeable guide who is so friendly and outgoing. He kept us all intrigued on both days he took us out. His tours are personalized, professional and are a true cultural immersion in history and Chinese culture. It was a true pleasure to meet him and have us feel at home while traveling. We visited a beautiful garden in Suzhou and then the ancient water town of Tongli. There was Chinese opera being performed as we arrived and the ambience is authentic and local, a stroll back in time. We’d highly recommend it.

    via Tripadvisor

    phylmiki · July 2025

    We spent an amazing day in Tongli with our guide, Cathy. Cathy was friendly, helpful, and energetic. She was very knowledgeable about the area and shared interesting information. Catherine Lu tours is a top-notch and reputable organization. From pre-booking through post-tour, they communicated regularly, and they quickly responded to any questions. I highly recommend this tour, Cathy, and Catherine Lu Tours.

    via Tripadvisor

    Katia M · March 2025

    Great!!!!

    Sabrina the very good escort available and speaks very good Italian, the weather was cold but she managed to change the program to make us spend a nice stay!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    the365worldtraveler · January 2025

    Family Trip to Suzhou

    We had an excellent family trip to Suzhou and Tongji with John for Lunar New Year. He was punctual, knowledgeable, and very personable. Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    LZviajera · September 2023

    Amazing, relaxed private tour

    Had a lovely time at Tongli Water Town with tour guide Benny. A car drove me to and from Tongli from my hotel and Benny met me upon arrival for an in-depth, relaxed tour of the town. He took me through museums and the popular streets, as well as areas with zero tourists. He also found an authentic place for lunch and ordered us some local Suzhou dishes. Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $184 to $409
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Catherine Lu Tours, who run 91 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8 and 3 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Catherine Lu Tours runs

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)35
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.

    How much does From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip cost?

    +

    Prices start at $184 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Shanghai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip take?

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    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Shanghai is not rushed.

    Is From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Shanghai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Shanghai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Shanghai and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Shanghai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Shanghai?

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    On Outty we rank every Shanghai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights, Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai, Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Shanghai?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip?

    +

    Included: Rickshaw ride; Private transportation service; Professional English speaking tour guide; Lunch; and Entrance tickets. Not included: Dinner; and Gratitude (Recommended). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 66 listed pickup locations in and around Shanghai. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infant (1-3 years old) are free providing they do not occupy a seat. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Shanghai. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip?

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    Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for From Shanghai: Suzhou & Tongli Water Town Private Day Trip?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including By Bullet Train&Subway, All Tour by Private Vehicle. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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