Shanghai Shore Excursion: Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Private Day Trip

Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze basin, founded in about 600 B.C. With its interconnected waterways and beautiful environment, the city is often referred as “The Venice of the East”. The gardens embody the harmonious principles of Chinese garden construction, which dictate that gardens should attempt to create a microcosm of the universe in a confined space. Net Master Garden is the best and most celebrated as a model Ming Dynasty Garden in all of Suzhou.

The Grand Canal starts in Beijing, pass by Suzhou, and ends in Hangzhou. It is over 1,000 kilometers from the North China to South China, which is known as a miracle in the world.

Panmen Gate is one of the oldest "ancient city walls" left in Suzhou, with the history over 1000 years. You will have the chance to picture it by Grand Canal.

Suzhou No. 1 Silk Mill is world wide known for its silk products, with the Silk Museum in its workshop. It is your chance to purchase the traditional Chinese silk products.

With the reputation of No. 1 water village in the world, Zhouzhuang is well known for its beautiful environment and simple architecture, well preserved for over 900 years. The majority of the town’s residences were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and nearly 100 classic courtyards and 60 carved-brick archways are still in use. Boat tour is also included in the water village.

You will visit the water town of Zhouzhuang and board a Chinese-style gondola to cruise the waterways of the town. In this water village, locals live life on waterways, still doing everyday activities from washing clothes to shopping from vendors in boats.