In the morning, our Hangzhou local driver will pick you up from the downtown hotel, and transfer to Hangzhou train station for your high-speed train to Suzhou. The train rides around 2 hours, you can enjoy the high-speed train journey on the way!
Upon arrival at Suzhou station, our local English speaking tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name.
Driving around 50 minutes, you will arrive at the amazing Tongli Water Town.
With a history of more than 1000 years was established in the Song Dynasty, Tngli Water Town is a typical ancient water town in southern Yangtze River with bridges, flowing water and households. It is divided into 7 islands by 5 streams and connected by 49 old bridges. There are many nice gardens, mansions and former residences of celebrities. You will see that the daily life of the local residents is perfectly integrated with historical buildings.
Your tour guide will take you to see the old residential houses scattered in the alleys of the town. Most of them were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties. They are truly a gem left by the past time. Brick carving is a big highlight of these houses. You will be captivated by the architectural beauty.
Among all the gardens in this old town, Retreat and Reflection Garden is the only one included in the World Cultural Heritage List. It was built from 1885 to 1887 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. Although it is small with an area of 5674 square meters, it has all kinds of pavilions, corridors, rockeries and ponds which are pleasant to the eyes. Strolling around the garden will make you feel like you’re back in the ancient China.
Another must-see is the elegant stone bridges throughout the town. The most famous ones are Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge and Changqing Bridge. The local people have the custom of crossing the three bridges on their wedding day. You can have a walk on the bridges, look at the boats floating on the streams, and fill your camera with many beautiful photos.
Finishing the relaxing sightseeing, you will be dropped off at Suzhou train station for departure.
