Suzhou Private Tour with Gardens and Xiyuan Temple

6–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Suzhou Private Tour with Gardens and Xiyuan Temple, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

In this tour, you will not only gain an understanding of Chinese Buddhist culture and enjoy delicious vegetarian noodles, but also experience the beauty and grandeur of traditional Chinese gardens. At the same time, you will be able to appreciate the fun and simplicity of another form of Chinese garden, and truly understand the ancient Chinese wealthy families' emphasis on aesthetics. This is a one-day tour that integrates food, sightseeing, and fun experiences. It is particularly suitable for those who love Chinese aesthetics or for family trips.

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At a glance

Duration: 6–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Tourz China

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–14 years) · Adults (15–75 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lunch
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Dinner

Itinerary

Xiyuan Temple of Suzhou

2 hours Admission included

Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou is super famous, and it's said to be especially good for wishes about love and relationships. In this tour, you may participate in traditional Buddhist incense rituals at this 700-year-old Ming Dynasty temple. Our guide will explain those details with tips during each session. And of course, the origin and development of Chinese Buddhism will also be included.

You will also participate in Arhat Hall counting experience. A poetic fortune can be interpreted by resident monks in the end.

After this, you can enjoy a delicious "flowing water noodles" - watch kitchen staff pass bowls through windows in Zen-inspired efficiency. And don't forget to try signature toppings: sesame sauce, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots(All vegetarian）.
Stop 2

2 hours Admission included

This gem of a spot is a year-round delight that never fails to impress. In spring: Stroll under cascading wisteria blooms, turning the garden into a living canvas of purple hues. In summer: Meander by the lake to admire the full, lush lotus flowers that dot the water’s surface.

In autumn: Sip your favorite brew under the moonlight, surrounded by the enchanting aroma of osmanthus flowers.

In winter: Marvel at the thin blanket of snow that adds a touch of poetic charm to the garden’s landscape.

Apart from the paradise-like scenery, our tour guide will also introduce to you the history of the Garden, the interesting anecdotes in its architecture, and the specific manifestations of traditional Chinese culture in the buildings.
Lion Forest Garden

2 hours Admission included

There's a world's largest scholar's rock maze made of Taihu rocks in the heart of the Lion Forest Garden. You can experience "Stone Forest Chase" game and looking for "Hidden animal-shaped rocks". It's a place where kids will enjoy a lot as they can compete with each other and see who can find the right exit in the shortest time.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

You can pass the Fude Bridge and see the South Entrance and the tikcet office right in the middle. If you don't require a pickup service, our tour guide will meet you here at the South entrance of the Xiyuan Temple.

End point

This will be the last attraction point for the day. And if you book a pick-up service, the driver will take you back to hotel or train station as you wish.

Pickup points

Jinfu Hotel
Higher Hotel Suzhou Yueguang Quay
Lokanta Chain Hotel (Suzhou Xiangmen)
Lianhua Express Hotel
Xinyuan Hotel
Dasu Hotel
Floure Hotel (Suzhou Jinji Lake West Branch)
Hanting Express Suzhou Guanqian Yangyugang
Scholars Hotel Huxi
Home Inn (Suzhou Zhuhui)
IBIS styles Suzhou Renmin Road Nanmen Subway Station Hotel

and 564 more pickup points

Our travel guide will confirm with you via emal one day in advance about their dressing and where exactly they are waiting for you. If you offer a hotel pick-up, ususally the guide will wait for you at the hotel lobby.