Zhujiajiao Water Town & Grand View Garden Private Tour

Enjoy a calm, scenic day of water towns and classical gardens on this private tour from Suzhou into Shanghai's Qingpu district. With hotel pickup, a private vehicle and your own English-speaking guide, you explore four lovely spots at an easy pace.

First, visit the Grand View Garden (admission included), a 1,500-acre classical Jiangnan garden recreated from the famous novel Dream of the Red Chamber. Stroll the lakeside pavilions and elegant courtyards, admire the carved reliefs of the 'Twelve Beauties,' and enjoy the winding, tranquil paths of this award-winning landscape.

Next, head to Jinze Ancient Town, a quiet water village dotted with seven Song-to-Qing dynasty stone bridges. Try a simple, authentic local lunch of thin-skinned pork shaomai and small wontons, then wander past weathered old bridges, riverside houses and rowing boats in a setting refreshingly free of heavy commercialism.

In the afternoon, visit the Qingpu Water Forest, a natural wetland of pond cypress trees with a boardwalk winding through the shallows. Take an easy walk among the trees, listen to birdsong and breathe the fresh, oxygen-rich air - a peaceful spot to relax.

Finally, explore Zhujiajiao, a classic Shanghai-area water town founded in the Ming dynasty. Cross the famous Fangsheng arch bridge, sample local treats like shaomai and eel noodles along North Street, and admire Ming and Qing architecture alongside lively canal life.

The whole day is gentle and scenic, with light strolling rather than hiking. After a full, relaxed day you are driven back to your hotel in Suzhou.

Gentle private day from Suzhou into Qingpu. Tour the Grand View Garden, see Jinze's ancient bridges, a tranquil water forest, and Zhujiajiao water town - car, guide and ticket included.