Overview
Unwind on a private day trip from Shanghai to Suzhou's Xishan Island. Visit historic lakeside villages, tea fields and a film-location pier, ending with sunset, plus guide, car and lunch.
Itinerary
Shanghai: Lake Taihu Xishan Island Private Day Trip
Escape to the tranquil islands of Lake Taihu on this relaxed private day trip from Shanghai. Your English-speaking guide and private air-conditioned car pick you up at your hotel and drive you across the scenic lake bridges to Xishan Island, the largest island on China's third-largest freshwater lake, in Suzhou's countryside.
Gliding by car along the open lakeside road, you take in sweeping water views and crossings over Taihu's grand bridges. Your first stop is the secluded Dongcun Ancient Village, backed by green hills and facing the lake, where you can visit a grand old mansion linked to Emperor Qianlong and enjoy a peace found in few other villages.
Pause at a beautiful stretch of shoreline for a leisurely lakeside picnic or relaxed lunch, watching the light play on the water. Drive on through fragrant Biluochun tea plantations, lush and green, with the gentle breeze and lake scenery all around.
Next, explore Mingyue Bay Ancient Village, a filming location for the popular drama 'My Sunshine'. Linger at its photogenic pier to admire the misty expanse of Lake Taihu and listen to the cicadas and birdsong. Your guide shares stories of these centuries-old fishing and tea villages as you wander at an easy pace.
To close the day, head to the iconic Taihu Bridge to watch a breathtaking sunset over the water. This is a calm, comfortable experience with no cycling or hiking required, just gentle strolling and plenty of time to relax. Fully private and pet friendly, it is perfect for a serene, authentic-China day out. Afterward, your driver returns you to Shanghai.
Unwind on a private day trip from Shanghai to Suzhou's Xishan Island. Visit historic lakeside villages, tea fields and a film-location pier, ending with sunset, plus guide, car and lunch.
What's Included
✓ Included
✕ Not included
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
What I remember is the change from one stop to the next: different room, different smell, different crowd. Lake Taihu Xishan Island Day was only one part of it.
What helped was simple: the Shanghai and Suzhou meeting point was simple to find, and the food stops came at a sensible pace. There was time to ask what we were eating rather than just moving to the next plate.
Small tip: do not eat a large breakfast before the Shanghai and Suzhou tour. The portions at individual stops look modest, then suddenly you realise you have been tasting things for hours.
Looking back, I tend to switch off when tours become a stream of dates. Here, the stories around Shanghai and Suzhou gave me enough to hold on to without overloading the day. I would rather keep the pause at Lake Taihu Xishan Island Day than add another stop.
A full 12 hours, in the good sense. Wear comfortable shoes and leave the evening loose. My only advice is not to shorten the time at Lake Taihu Xishan Island Day.