Meet your tour guide at your hotel lobby in the morning, and go to famous Tongli ancient water village directly. It’s a beautiful water town with over 1,500 years history. Even nowadays, the locals still have a living along the riverside. You will spend about 2 hours here to explore the alley ways and visit the most exquisite “Retreat and Reflection Garden”.
Then, you will be transferred to another peaceful water village named Jinze, which is with a history of more than 2000 years. It hasn’t been commercialized as a tourist attraction yet, so you can truly experience a primitive water village of China. Your lunch will be served at a classic courtyard style tea house, and your host will cook for you 8 tasty dishes. You may walk into the kitchen to see the cooking process if you like.
In the afternoon, you will have Chinese tea ceremony, which you can learn about Chinese tea culture and history. Of course, you will gain some knowledge different kind of tea leaves and how to use the tea sets. At meantime, you can also practice Chinese calligraphy here if you are interested in. To learn some Chinese words in both reading and writing by brush and ink.
You will Chinese dumpling making session together with your lovely chef in the tea house. You will learn 3 different ways to make and cook dumplings, then enjoy self-made dumplings as snack or early dinner before heading back to Shanghai.
Your day tour ends around 6:30pm and you will be back to your hotel in Shanghai around 7:30pm .
Points of Interest
- Shanghai
- Local tour guide expertise
- Interactive dumpling making experience
- Transportation by comfortable minivan
- Complimentary 4G WiFi on board
- Selection of beverages including local spirits
- Authentic home-style lunch provided
- Traditional Chinese tea ceremony
- Gratuities
- Personal expense
Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Tongli, an ancient water village on the edges of Suzhou. In addition to scenic tours, this excursion includes a culinary adventure. A traditional eight-course homemade lunch will be served in a classic courtyard tea house situated in the Jinze water village. Following the meal, partake in a delightful tea ceremony amidst serene surroundings. To conclude the day, engage in a dumpling cooking class where you’ll taste your crafted dumplings before heading back to Shanghai.
- Minimum age is 3 years
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- A maximum of 8 people per booking
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please wear comfortable shoes
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
