Tour Highlights:
- Enjoying Tea at Garden of Cultivation.
- Experience the Art of Core Carving.
- Rowing Boat to Enjoy the Charm of Water Town.
Included/Excluded
- Domestic transportation
- Meals
- Tickets
- Service fee
- Travel guide
- International flights
- Relevant taxes
Tour Plan
Itinerary:
Guests arrive in Suzhou on their own, Exclusive car guide picks up guests, check in at Suzhou Four Seasons Hotel for rest, then guests can ride or walk along the lakeshore within this secluded private island away from the hustle and bustle and crowds, enjoying the picturesque scenery and relaxing holiday time.
Dining:
Dinner is recommended at the hotel’s Jin Jing Ge Chinese restaurant(at your own expense)
As the hotel’s signature restaurant, Jin Jing Ge Chinese restaurant is helmed by the chef from the Michelin-starred restaurant - Jin Sha Hall at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, bringing a unique Chinese dining experience crafted from their rich experience rooted in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions over the years. Today, the fascinating culinary journey unfolds gracefully from the elegant courtyard reception area, where the staff can reserve a seat for you, allowing you to savor the delicacies of Jiangnan.
Hotel: Suzhou Four Seasons Hotel or similar
Itinerary:
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, follow the guide to the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Known as one of China’s four famous gardens, guests can admire the intricately designed rockeries and exquisite courtyard buildings. Then, visit the Suzhou Museum, a gift from renowned architect Ieoh Ming Pei to his hometown.
Afternoon: Explore the lesser-known garden hidden in the ancient alleys of Suzhou - Garden of Cultivation. Suzhou locals consider the Garden of Cultivation as their backyard, offering a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of tea while gazing at the emerald waters outside the window, where time seems to stand still.
Evening: Take an exclusive rowing boat tour along the banks of Pingjiang Road, experiencing the enchanting side of the water town.
Attractions:
· Humble Administrator's Garden: One of the “Four Famous Gardens of China”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Humble Administrator’s Garden is a masterpiece of classical Chinese gardens, alongside Beijing’s Summer Palace, Chengde Mountain Resort, and Suzhou’s Lingering Garden. The garden is centered around water, surrounded by hills and trees; the east is spacious and open, the west features exquisite architecture, and the central area with a water pool surrounded by hills represents the essence of the entire garden.
The garden’s design is intricate, with each step revealing a new picturesque view, showcasing the charm of the Jiangnan water towns. The winding paths, various pavilions, intricately designed stone walls, and unique windows, complemented by trees and flowers, create picturesque landscapes throughout the garden.
Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30, March 1-November 15; 07:30-17:00, November 16-December 31; 07:30-17:00, January 1-February 29.
Note: Night Tour in the Humble Administrator’s Garden operates from 18:00-22:00, with the latest entry at 21:00.
Address: 178 Dongbei Street, Gusu District, Suzhou
· Garden of Cultivation: Garden of Cultivation is a typical representative of Ming-style small gardens in Suzhou, with a history of over four hundred years, hidden in the deep alleys of Suzhou’s ancient city. The Garden of Cultivation’s simplicity, naturalness, and elegance make it a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty residential gardens. The architectural craftsmanship and garden layout are clever and unique, offering pleasant and elegant scenery. It is considered one of the best examples of Ming Dynasty residential gardens and was once the residence of literary figures like Wen Zhenmeng.
Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30, March 1-October 31; 07:30-17:00, November 1-February 28
Address: 5 Wenyao Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou
Hotel: Suzhou Four Seasons Hotel or similar
Itinerary:
Morning: Guests can wake up a little later, have breakfast, and then follow the guide to Mudu Ancient Town. With its small bridges, flowing water, and ancient houses, Mudu Ancient Town has attracted many literati and scholars in the past. During his multiple southern tours, Emperor Qianlong would also stop at Mudu Ancient Town. Walking into the ancient town today feels like stepping into a beautiful dream from a thousand years ago...
Afternoon: Follow a local intangible cultural heritage teacher to experience the art of core carving, then return to the hotel to rest and enjoy leisure time.
Attractions:
Mudu Ancient Town: Known for its garden features, the ancient town offers visits to classical gardens like Yan Family Garden and boat rides to see small bridges and flowing water.
Established during the Northern Song Dynasty, it is one of the earliest ancient towns in Suzhou, with its unique charm among many ancient towns. The fresh and tranquil environment of the ancient town has attracted many literati and scholars to visit. Emperor Qianlong would stop at Mudu Ancient Town during his southern tours. Today, the ancient town's old streets, quaint buildings, and ancient gardens all showcase its profound cultural heritage.
Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00, Apri 1-October 31; 08:30-16:30, November 1-March 31
Address: No. 188 Shantang Street, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City.
Hotel: Suzhou Four Seasons Hotel or similar
Itinerary:
Guests can wake up naturally, have breakfast, and then be timely arranged for a private car to the airport or station to return to the warmth of home.
