Suzhou to Shanghai Transfer with Tongli Water Town Stop

Skip the tour bus and see Tongli on your own schedule, with a driver waiting to take you onward.

A private transfer from Suzhou to Shanghai that includes a flexible stop at Tongli Water Town, where you explore the ancient canals, stone bridges, markets and traditional architecture at your own pace while your driver waits. You choose your departure time and your Shanghai drop-off point: either your hotel or Pudong or Hongqiao airport. The vehicle is air-conditioned with spacious luggage storage, and English-speaking support is available by phone if needed during your visit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Transfer from Suzhou to Shanghai via Tongli

• Meet driver in Suzhou
• Ride to Tongli Water Town
• Explore Tongli Water Town at leisure
• Visit Tuisi Garden and local sites
• Return to vehicle
• Drive to Shanghai hotel or airport

The experience

The driver picks you up at your Suzhou location at whatever time suits your schedule, then takes you to Tongli Water Town on the way to Shanghai. Once you arrive, you're free to wander the water town yourself: no fixed itinerary, no group pace. You'll see the Tuisi Garden, the lucky ring bridges, the pearl tower garden, the old street and the markets. The driver stays with the vehicle and waits for you to finish. This arrangement means you spend as long as you want exploring and skip the narration if you prefer to just look around.

After Tongli, the driver transfers you directly to Shanghai. You pick your destination at checkout: either your hotel in the city center or one of the two major airports (Pudong or Hongqiao) if you're catching a flight. The vehicle is air-conditioned and has plenty of boot space for luggage, which matters if you're moving between cities. The driver speaks limited English but knows the pickup and drop-off details. A professional English-speaking staff member is available to help over the phone during your visit if you need directions or have questions about what you're seeing.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned private vehicle with spacious luggage storage.
• pickup at your Suzhou location at your chosen time.
• driver waiting during your Tongli Water Town visit.
• direct transfer to your Shanghai destination (hotel or airport).
• phone support from English-speaking staff during your visit.

Options for this experience

2 options

Drop-off in Shanghai city center19 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00A capable driver and an air-conditioned car are provided. You will be dropped off at your hotel in the Shanghai city center. Pickup is included.

Shanghai Outskirt Drop-off19 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00A capable driver and an air-conditioned car are provided. You will be dropped off at a hotel in the Hongqiao, PVG airport or Disneyland area. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day19 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1d before

AgesUp to age 88

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sunny Private Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this transfer if you want to see Tongli without joining a group tour or following a fixed schedule. The private vehicle and flexible timing mean you set the pace, and the driver's wait time lets you linger at the sites that interest you most without holding up other passengers or feeling rushed to the next stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How much time do I get to spend at Tongli Water Town?

You control the timing. The driver waits while you explore at your own pace. There's no fixed duration or group schedule. Most visitors spend a couple of hours wandering the canals and bridges, but you decide when you're ready to move on to Shanghai.

Can I choose when the driver picks me up in Suzhou?

Yes. You set your preferred departure time when you book, and the driver meets you at your location in Suzhou at that time. This flexibility lets you time the transfer around your own plans.

What is Tongli Water Town actually like?

Tongli is one of China's six famed ancient water towns, built around canals and crossed by stone bridges. You'll see traditional architecture, water markets, gardens like the Tuisi Garden and the pearl tower garden, and narrow old streets. It's called the "Oriental Venice" for its layout and character, and you explore it on foot without a guide.

Where exactly does the driver drop me off in Shanghai?

You choose at checkout: either a hotel in Shanghai's city center or one of the two major airports. Shanghai Pudong International or Shanghai Hongqiao International. The driver takes you directly to whichever you select.

What if I don't speak Chinese and need help during the stop at Tongli?

Your driver speaks limited English but is fully briefed on the pickup and drop-off details. A professional English-speaking staff member is available by phone during your visit if you need assistance with directions or questions about the sites.