2-Day Shanghai and Suzhou Flexible Private Tour include Tongli Water Village

If you’re looking to get a taste of two of China’s most iconic cities — Shanghai and Suzhou — in a manageable, well-organized way, this 2-day private tour might just fit the bill. Offered by Sunny Private Tours, it promises a mix of Shanghai’s modern skyline and historic charm, combined with a serene water town experience in Tongli. It’s a trip designed to be flexible, allowing you to tailor your experience, which is a huge plus for travelers who prefer personalized adventures over cookie-cutter group tours.

One of the things we particularly like about this experience is the customizable itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a shopper, or just in love with beautiful scenery, you can adjust the stops to suit your interests. The inclusion of door-to-door private transportation simplifies logistics, so you can focus on soaking in the sights without stressing about navigating public transit or dealing with crowds.

However, a possible consideration is that this tour involves quite a bit of moving around—two cities, multiple stops—and may be a long day with some early starts. For travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or want more in-depth exploration of fewer sites, this could feel a little rushed. But if you’re eager to cover a lot of ground in a short time, this tour offers significant value, especially given the all-inclusive pricing that covers entrance fees, some meals, and private transport.

This tour is especially suited for curious travelers who want a rundown of both Shanghai and Suzhou, with the flexibility to tweak the itinerary. It’s ideal for first-timers eager to see key highlights but also for those who prefer a personalized experience that respects their specific interests.

Key Points

• Flexibility & Personalization: This is a private tour where you can decide what to focus on, from modern skyscrapers to ancient gardens.
• Convenient Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicles make moving between cities and attractions smooth and comfortable.
• Cultural Highlights: You’ll visit both iconic sites like the Bund and Jade Buddha Temple, and quieter, scenic spots like Tongli Water Town.
• Value for Money: Entrance fees, some meals, and boat rides in Tongli are included, making it easier to budget.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides with local insights enhance your understanding of the sights.
• Long but Rewarding: Expect a full, action-packed itinerary that covers a lot in just two days.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Day 1: Shanghai’s Icons and Hidden Gems

Your tour begins with a hotel pickup, which already sets a positive tone—no waiting around for public transit or navigating unfamiliar streets. Your guide, likely a local with a depth of knowledge, will help tailor the day based on your interests, but a typical route includes stops at The Bund, Yu Garden, the French Concession, Jade Buddha Temple, and the Shanghai Tower.

The Bund is the starting point — a promenade along the Huangpu River offering stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline. We loved the way the skyline blends historic colonial architecture with futuristic skyscrapers. It’s especially magical in the late afternoon when the city lights start to glow.

Next, heading into Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden, will give you a peaceful break from the city’s hustle. The garden’s design, with zigzag bridges, old pavilions, and lush greenery, is a snapshot of traditional Chinese landscape artistry. The nearby Old Town bazaar is perfect for souvenir shopping, with plenty of stalls offering everything from traditional snacks to handcrafted trinkets. One reviewer mentioned how fun it was to browse and pick up unique souvenirs with the guide’s help.

The French Concession offers a different vibe—charming tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and lively parks. Here, locals indulge in Tai-chi, singing, and dancing, offering a window into everyday life. It’s a great place for a leisurely lunch, with recommendations from your guide ensuring you taste authentic local flavors.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two stunning Buddha statues from Burma. The tranquil atmosphere and intricate architecture make it a highlight for many travelers. One reviewer appreciated the opportunity to learn about local religious practices and culture from their guide.

Finally, a walk in Pudong along the skywalk presents incredible views of Shanghai’s skyline. The Shanghai Tower observation deck offers panoramic views—on clear days, you’ll see a sprawling cityscape that’s a testament to modern China’s rapid growth. If time allows, substitutes include Nanjing Road or the Shanghai Museum, depending on your interests.

Day 2: Suzhou’s Serenity and Historic Charm

The second day takes you out of the city buzz into the quieter pace of Suzhou, famous for its classical gardens and water towns. Your private driver whisks you to Suzhou, with a quick discussion en route to customize the day.

The first stop is the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its delicate layout, ponds, and rockeries. It’s a peaceful oasis, perfect for appreciating traditional Chinese garden design. Travelers noted how the garden’s beauty is best enjoyed slowly, with many appreciating the chance to walk along winding paths and take photos of the intricate pavilions.

Next, you have an option: visit the Beisi Buddhist Temple with its ancient pagoda and tranquil grounds or tour a local silk factory. The latter gets high marks from visitors who find the silk-making process fascinating and educational, especially seeing the tiny silk worms and finished fabrics.

Lunch is a chance to sample local cuisine—your guide will recommend eateries based on your preferences. Post-lunch, a walk along Shantang Street offers historical charm, old architecture, and picturesque canals. Crossing the “Fortune” bridge, you’ll get a feel for old Suzhou’s bustling trade routes, with lantern-decorated waterways providing fantastic photo opportunities.

The highlight of the day is Tongli Water Town, a UNESCO-listed site featuring canals, stone bridges, and ancient architecture. The Tuisi Garden is considered one of the finest Qing Dynasty gardens—impeccably preserved and full of quiet corners. The optional gondola ride adds a romantic touch, allowing you to drift along serene waterways surrounded by traditional shikumen houses and lush greenery. The guide will help you appreciate the artistry behind the water town’s layout, making it more than just a pretty scene.

Your tour ends with a comfortable transfer back to your Shanghai hotel, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a collection of memorable sights.

The Practicalities & Value

This tour’s $327 per person price includes a lot: private transportation, guide service, entrance fees to key sites, some meals, and a boat ride. When you consider how much ground is covered—two cities, multiple attractions, and tailored experiences—that cost offers solid value. Group discounts make it even more attractive if traveling with friends or family.

The private vehicle is a definite perk, especially given the distances between Shanghai and Suzhou. It keeps the journey comfortable and allows for spontaneity—your guide can stop for photo ops or quick breaks as needed. The expert guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, enhancing the experience with local insights that you won’t get from a guidebook.

Timing-wise, expect a full day of sightseeing, starting early to maximize your time. The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness—walking, some stairs, and boat rides—but nothing overly strenuous. Dress comfortably, and if you have dietary restrictions, let your guide know ahead of time.

This tour does not include additional entrance fees unless you opt for specific sites like the silk factory or other substitutes, so it’s helpful to plan accordingly if you’re budgeting.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

If you’re someone who wants a comprehensive, flexible, and culturally rich experience of Shanghai and Suzhou in a short timeframe, this tour is a strong contender. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to hit the highlights but also for seasoned travelers wanting a customizable approach. Those who enjoy scenic water towns, traditional gardens, and modern skylines will find this trip rewarding.

However, if you prefer a slower pace with more in-depth exploration of fewer sites, or if mobility is an issue, this might feel a bit rushed. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a packed schedule, and those who appreciate having all logistics handled for them.

The Sum Up

This 2-day private tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of China’s vibrant urban life and tranquil water towns. The combination of customizable options, expert guides, and seamless transportation makes it a convenient choice for travelers who want to maximize their time without sacrificing authenticity. The inclusion of highlights like the Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Tongli Water Town, and the Shanghai skyline ensures you’ll leave with a diverse collection of memories.

Although it’s a somewhat full-on schedule, the flexibility to tailor the day and the value of private transport make it an attractive option. If you’re looking for a balanced, practical, and engaging way to experience these two cities, this tour is worth considering.

This experience is especially suitable for those who want an all-in-one, guided introduction with plenty of opportunities to personalize their day. Food lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and Water Town admirers alike will find something to love here.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children can join, but they should be able to handle a full day of walking and sightseeing. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include entrance fees? Yes, the tour includes entrance fees to the major sites like Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and Tongli Water Town. Additional optional sites may not be included unless specified.

Can I customize the itinerary? Absolutely. As this is a private tour, you can discuss with your guide what sites you prefer or want to skip.

Is transportation covered? Yes, private air-conditioned cars with a driver are included, making travel between sites and cities smooth and comfortable.

What’s the best time to take this tour? The tour operates year-round; however, clear days will give you the best views, especially from the Shanghai Tower. The guide can advise on weather considerations.

Are meals included? Depending on your booking, you may have included lunches. The guide can recommend local eateries based on your preferences and dietary needs.

In all, this tour offers a practical, engaging, and flexible option for travelers wanting to see the best of both Shanghai and Suzhou in a short, well-organized package. Whether you’re a history lover, a water scenery enthusiast, or a modern city explorer, it provides a solid foundation to experience China’s incredible highlights.