Private Tour
4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Maximize your Suzhou visit and enjoy the fully guided private tour to visit the top-rated water town Tongli. Explore the beautiful township scenery full of the ancient old architecture, stone bridges, calm canal streams , UNESCO garden as well as the active and tantalizing alley streets, take the relaxing gondola ride to appreciate the charming of the “ Oriental Venice”, travel with your personal knowledgeable guide to get great leaning about local culture, custom and life sounds.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tuisi Garden
Your local friendly guide and the driver will pick up at your Suzhou hotel or railway station (If you travel by train). Your wonderful tour begins with comfortable ride to Tongli. Upon arrival, visit the UNESCO Garden at Tuisi Garden which was built in the Qing Dynasty official, appreciate the charming garden dotted with ponds, lush green trees, exquisite rockeries, pavilions.
Tongli Town
Next , take a leisure stroll along the Ming and Qing canal streets to check out the interesting water markets and cross the lucky three ring bridge; visit the peaceful pearl pagoda and learn the charming local folklores, take a relaxing boat ride along the river stream and appreciate the picturesque “Chinese Oriental Venice” scenery. If you book the tour with Lunch or dinner option, you will savor a local delightful meal based on your own dietary requests. After the great visit you will get dropped off at your Suzhou hotel or other downtown as per your request.
What‘s Included
Private driver with air-conditioned vehicle
Suzhou hotel or railway station pickup and drop off
Entrance fee to Tongli water town
Great local guide
Boat ride
Food or drink(Can recommend based dietary requests)
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
4-hour Private Tour
4-Hour Private Tour Only: Great guide, driver with car, private door to door transfer, boat ride are included.(Food at your own cost)
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lulu, our guide was the best person for this adventure!
katherinedK8320VP,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was just two of us so Lulu, our guide, quickly understood our interests and guided us towards the best experience feeding us information about Suzhou and Tongli Town with details of history and culture which most appealed to us. Lulu also found us a restaurant which served very tasty vegetarian options. At the restaurant, we were serenaded by a traditional, charming older lady which gave us a feeling of being blessed and welcomed. The gondola experience included seeing the fishing birds in action and the ancient(refurbished) stone work on the banks, bridges and homes. We were picked up at hour hotel and guided throughout the day so we learnt a lot about Suzhou and Tongli and also got to practice our limited Chinese. We visited the original silk making factory to learn how to spin silk thread and to test its nature. This tour was great value and we would definitely recommend this adventure to experience the quaint and delicate aspect of China. Make sure to visit the paper cutting artist, Ji Jianming and experience the magic of Jiǎnzhí 简直
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, smooth and insightful Tongli Water Town tou
joma0815,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful experience on this Tongli Water Town tour. Everything was very smooth and well organized from start to finish. My guide explained the history, architecture and daily life of the water town in great detail and in a very clear and engaging way. What I especially appreciated was the cultural insight – many small details and stories that I would never have discovered on my own. The pace was relaxed, never rushed, and it felt more like a personal cultural walk than a standard tour. As an extra bonus, I was even dropped off directly at my hotel afterwards, which made the whole experience even more comfortable and stress-free. Overall, a very informative, relaxed and enjoyable tour. Highly recommended if you want to truly understand Tongli beyond just walking through it yourself. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Worth the Trip
James R W,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our tour with Lulu and exploring the Tongli Watertown. In addition we especially appreciated meeting the calligraphy poet and getting scrolls of our poems. It was also wonderful that Lulu arranged our boat ride on the canal late in the day so that it was peaceful and with no other tours in sight. Lulu was knowledgeable and helpful in every way. Thank you! 🙏
Wonderful Tour of Tongli!
Weizan H,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I had a great time at Tongli today with our knowledgeable and helpful guide Michelle, who did a good introduction to Tongli town and also the Tuisi Gardens. Her knowledge of the details regarding the garden and Tongli town was enlightening. Michelle was also helpful in suggesting other places to visit in Suzhou when I hold her our plans to tour the city on our own over the next 2 days. Overall, it was a memorable tour!. 😀
Amazing trip to Suzhou
TruongHaiHung,May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An Amazing Week Exploring Suzhou and Surrounding Cities I recently spent a week in Suzhou, China, and the experience was nothing short of incredible. As a tourist, I had the chance to explore not only Suzhou but also nearby cities like Wuxi and Changshu—and every destination left a lasting impression. In Wuxi, I visited Huishan Old Town, a beautifully preserved area rich in traditional architecture and local culture. Three Kingdoms City was another standout, offering an immersive glimpse into ancient Chinese history. The modern Gate to the Orient added a dramatic contrast with its impressive skyline presence. Changshu surprised me with its serene charm. The Park of Roses was in full bloom and absolutely stunning—perfect for a peaceful walk and some memorable photos. Of course, the heart of the trip was Suzhou itself. Shantang Street was lively and full of character, with canals, bridges, shops, and street food that made it a joy to explore. The Humble Administrator’s Garden lived up to its reputation as one of China’s most famous classical gardens—peaceful, picturesque, and immaculately designed. Every location was well-maintained, and the locals were friendly and welcoming. From history and culture to natural beauty and modern sights, this trip offered the perfect balance. Highly recommend Suzhou and its surrounding cities for anyone looking for an enriching and visually stunning travel experience in China!
Strongly recommended!
Relax616478,Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the 4 hour tour to Tongli with guide Peter! My husband, father and myself thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He brought the place alive with his passionate and enthusiastic sharing of the culture and history. The pace was just right with some time to take photos and exploring the area. We went on a weekday. Tongli is a good choice as it’s less crowded but also as beautiful. If you are thinking of a day trip from Su Zhou to Tong li, will strongly recommend signing up for this tour!
Relaxing Tour of Tongli
E9936NBcaram,May 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed the tour with Lulu. She was very knowledgeable and conducted the tour so that it was very relaxing. She also provided options to do what I was most interested in. The transfer to and from the hotel was on time and very comfortable. Tongli was beautiful and there is so much history there to see. I loved the boat ride!
SUNNY TOURS
eehsiungt,Dec 19, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tongli is a beautiful old town. It was well explained on all the attractions. Lulu has good knowledge on Suzhou and recommended many Suzhou local produce. We visited hangshang temple as we have some time left. Overall good experience and would recommend friends to book with Sunny Tours.
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Operated by Sunny Private Tours