Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Escape the modern bustle of Shanghai on a perfectly curated private day trip to Suzhou, a timeless water town known as the "Venice of the East." This private 1-day experience includes round-trip high-speed train tickets (pre-booked), a scenic water taxi and traditional wooden boat ride through Suzhou’s ancient canals, visit to Tiger Hill-a must to see in Suzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage classical Suzhou garden, and leisure time to explore a charming historic old street.
• Relax with pre-arranged bullet train tickets between Shanghai and Suzhou. We handle the train bookings.
• Glide along Suzhou’s canals on a water taxi and wooden boat, immersing yourself in the city’s dreamy water town ambiance.
• Step into serenity with a visit to one of Suzhou’s exquisite UNESCO-listed classical gardens.
• Wander through a lively ancient street, where tradition meets local flavor, perfect for photos, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Option of a private vehicle and guide, customize your Suzhou day trip.

What's Included

Suzhou water taxi, subway and shuttle bus tickets. (if 'Public Transport' Option is selected)
Suzhou train station pickup and drop-off
Entrance fee to all the listed attractions & boat ride
Private Vehicle (if "Private Vehicle" is selected)
Private Suzhou English speaking tour guide
Round-way bullet train tickets between Shanghai and Suzhou.
Shanghai hotel pick up and drop-off
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please arrange your own transport to Railway station in Shagnhai, and our guide will pick you up at the Suzhou Railway Staion. Please tell us your full name,and WhatsApp at the time of booking.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Shanghai Railway Station

    Your tour begins with a comfortable morning bullet train ride from Shanghai to Suzhou, a quick and scenic trip that takes just around 40 minutes. Don’t worry about the hassle of train booking, we’ll arrange your round-trip e-tickets in advance and send them directly to you. All you need to do is bring your personal belongings and arrive at the Shanghai station on time. Please note that trains typically depart from either Shanghai Railway Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. We’ll make sure to remind you which one to go to, so you can travel with ease and confidence.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    After 40 minutes bullet train, you’ll arrive at the Suzhou Railway Station. Your tour guide will be there to greet you with a warm smile, and then you’ll take a scenic water taxi ride through Suzhou’s ancient canals - one of Suzhou’s most unique and enchanting experiences.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Shantang Street

    After getting off the water taxi, you'll arrive at Shantang Street, which is one of Suzhou’s most famous old streets, stretching along a narrow canal. It’s always buzzing with people—tourists and locals alike. You’ll see traditional white houses with tiled roofs, small stone bridges, and lots of red lanterns hanging everywhere. It’s a great place to wander around, try some local street food like sweet rice balls or stuffed pancakes, and pick up souvenirs like silk scarves or handmade fans. The area is especially beautiful in the evening when the lights reflect on the water. It feels lively, authentic, and full of local vibe.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal

    Step aboard a traditional canal boat from the vibrant Shantang Street and embark on a enchanting journey to Tiger Hill—through the liquid heart of Suzhou, often called the "Venice of the East"! Glide effortlessly along ancient waterways, passing under timeworn stone bridges and past charming waterside homes where history feels beautifully alive. As you drift peacefully, feel the gentle breeze and witness everyday life unfold along the canals—a living painting of classic Jiangnan elegance. In just 15-20 minutes, this magical water ride delivers you directly to the legendary Tiger Hill, home of the leaning pagoda and centuries of stories. This isn’t just a boat ride—it’s your own passage through romance, history, and the dreamy atmosphere of China’s iconic water town.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Tiger Hill

    It is said that "it would be a pity if you had been to Suzhou but didn't go to visit Tiger Hill". Tiger Hill, also known as Surging Sea Hill, is a famous scenic area in Suzhou, attracting visitors with a number of historical sites and its natural beauty. Walk in the footsteps of emperors and poets as you explore serene gardens, hidden courtyards, and a mysterious 2,500-year-old tomb believed to hold the king of the Wu Kingdom. The famous Yunyan Pagoda, tilting gracefully for centuries, offers a picture-perfect moment you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re chasing history, romance, or that perfect photo, Tiger Hill delivers. Feel the magic, hear the whispers of the past, and see why this has been a must-visit destination for travelers for over a millennium.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Master-of-Nets Garden

    The Master-of-Nets Garden is especially fancied by overseas visitors and is praised as the most ornate and intact private gardens in Suzhou. Discover the Master-of-Nets Garden, Suzhou’s intimate escape for the mindful traveler. Unlike the larger, bustling gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a serene and personal experience where you can truly connect with the elegance of classical Chinese garden design. Stroll quietly along delicate pathways, admire exquisitely arranged pavilions, poetic rockeries, and still ponds that mirror the sky. Each turn reveals a new view crafted like a living painting. Here, you can appreciate the subtle harmony of architecture and nature without hurry or noise. For those seeking an authentic, crowd-free encounter with Suzhou’s cultural beauty, the Master-of-Nets Garden is your ideal retreat—a place to slow down, breathe, and immerse yourself in the quiet soul of a Jiangnan scholar’s garden.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 7

    Take a public bus to the Suzhou Railway Station to catch train back to Shanghai.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 8
    Shanghai Railway Station

    Then take bullet train back to Shanghai. Perfectly ending your Suzhou day trip.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Trippest Travel

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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
Zombie
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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