Private Suzhou Grand City Tour from Shanghai

Then, we will take a bullet train to Suzhou Panmen Gate and start the one-day Suzhou tour. Panmen Gate is known for its three landmarks “Ruiguang Pagoda”, the earliest pagoda in Suzhou built in 247; “Wu Gate Bridge”, the entrance to the gate at that time over the water passage and the highest bridge in Suzhou at the time and the unique water-and-land gate in China “Pan Gate”.

Suzhou Museum’s designer, I.M. Pei, an internationally recognized and award-winning architect, traveled back to his hometown to design and build one of Suzhou’s most popular attractions. Located deep in the historic district adjacent to the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Suzhou Museum appeals to lovers of art, architecture and culture.  The museum exhibits a vast collection of ancient ceramics, cultural relics and woodcarvings, and the handsome lotus pool at the museum’s center is a highlight there.

Humble Administrator's Garden, covering about 52,000 sq. meters (12.85 acres), is the largest and most renowned. Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has garnered many special honors. It is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site and has also been designated as one of the Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State as well as a Special Tourist Attraction of China. Along with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Resort of Chengde in Hebei Province and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou, it is considered as one of China's four most famous gardens.

Here, bridges across the river, houses with white walls and black roofs built along the stone road, and the old walking leisurely, which presents the traditional Suzhou local life. As well, it is a traditional Chinese painting scene for tourists to appreciate. Because of its nostalgic style, Pingjiang Road becomes the symbol of Suzhou ancient city. Only a street distance away to the Guanqian Pedestrian Street, Pingjiang Road is a quite place for people to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Kunqu Opera considered as “ancestor of Chinese operas” is one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera and it evolved from the Kunshan melody has been listed as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2001.