Zhouzhuang Tongli Water Towns Tour Self-Guided with Driver

Wander two of China's best-preserved water towns at your own pace, with a driver handling the route.

A self-guided tour of Zhouzhuang and Tongli water towns departing from Suzhou with a private driver, air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water included. You set the pace at each stop (visiting stone ring bridges, canal markets, UNESCO-listed Tuisi Garden and local streets), while your driver manages pickup and drop-off. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and ends either back in Suzhou or at a Shanghai hotel, depending on which option you choose at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Tongli and Zhouzhuang water towns

• Pickup from Suzhou accommodation
• Drive to Tongli water town
• Explore Tongli canals and markets
• Visit Tuisi Garden and stone bridges
• Optional gondola ride in Tongli
• Drive to Zhouzhuang water town
• Explore Zhouzhuang old residences and markets
• Drop off at Suzhou or Shanghai hotel

The experience

How do you get to two water towns without renting a car or joining a group? Your driver picks you up at your Suzhou accommodation at a time you set, then handles the drive to Tongli while you settle in. Once there, you explore on your own terms: walk the canal-side streets, cross the stone ring bridges, visit the Tuisi Garden (a UNESCO site), browse the water markets and street vendors, or book a gondola ride if you want to float through the "Chinese Venice" scenery. There's no fixed schedule or group pace. You spend as long as you want before heading to the driver.

Zhouzhuang comes next, known as China's No. 1 water town. You'll wander the old residences, water markets, local streets and food stalls at whatever speed suits you. The driver waits and then takes you either back to your Suzhou hotel or onward to Shanghai, depending on your booking choice. Your driver speaks basic English and knows the logistics. A local English-speaking assistant is available by phone if you need help before or during the day.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and private to your group, so there's no waiting for other travelers or sharing stops. Bottled water is included. Entrance fees to the towns themselves are not, so budget separately for any paid attractions or a gondola ride.

What’s included

• Private door-to-door pickup from your Suzhou accommodation and drop-off at either your Suzhou or Shanghai hotel.
• professional driver with basic English.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.

Options for this experience

2 options

Drop-off in Suzhou city16 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:30Private transfer: A skilled driver and car are provided, with private door-to-door transfers included. You will be dropped off in Suzhou after the visit. Includes pickup.

Drop-off in Shanghai city16 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:30Private transfer: A skilled driver and car are provided, with private door-to-door transfers included. You will be dropped off in Shanghai after the visit. Includes pickup.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day16 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:30

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 tour if you want to explore two water towns without the pace of a group or the logistics of renting a car. The self-guided format means you linger where you want (longer at the markets, shorter at a bridge), while the private driver handles navigation and transfers. It suits travelers who prefer flexibility over a fixed itinerary.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the difference between Tongli and Zhouzhuang, which one should I spend more time in?

Tongli is one of China's best-preserved water towns and home to the Tuisi Garden, a UNESCO site with classical architecture and landscaping. Zhouzhuang is known as China's No. 1 water town and has a reputation for livelier street life, local food markets and old residences. Both sit along canals with stone bridges. The choice depends on whether you prefer the garden and quieter atmosphere of Tongli or the busier market energy of Zhouzhuang.

Can I book a gondola ride, and is it included?

Yes, you can arrange a gondola ride at Tongli to drift through the canal scenery. It's not included in the tour price, so you'll pay separately if you want it. Your driver can help you arrange it on the day.

Do I need to pay entrance fees to enter the water towns?

Entrance fees to Tongli and Zhouzhuang are not included and must be paid separately when you arrive. Budget for these when planning your day.

What time does the driver pick me up, and can I choose when?

You set your preferred pickup time when you book, and the exact time is confirmed once your reservation is made. The driver collects you from your Suzhou accommodation and the full tour runs 7 to 8 hours.

Can I end the day in Shanghai instead of returning to Suzhou?

Yes, you choose your drop-off location at checkout. One option returns you to your Suzhou hotel. The other ends at a Shanghai hotel. The driver will take you to whichever you select after your visit to Zhouzhuang.