China 101 Tour (Yu Xi level)

Day 13

Drive to Suzhou (~2 hours) in the morning.

Take a tour of the Humble Administrator’s Garden.  This is a terrific way to begin the day in Suzhou since it is the most complete garden in the city.  The city administrator who build the garden may have been humble, but the garden he built is far from it. The physical size is impressive, and it is quite possible to spend an entire day wandering from section to section.  The Banzai area is particularly impressive and is worth the time to spend on viewing.  There is no need for any guide at this garden, and it is a nice time to spend alone (however your guide will be very happy to walk with you if you prefer).

    

After a short car ride, walk through the Master of the Nets Garden.  This garden is considered the most serene and beautiful of all the Suzhou gardens, and best represents the artistic skill required when designing and building these living works of art.  Although smaller, it is one of the few “must see” sights in Suzhou.

    

Have lunch at local restaurant.

Take a private boat cruise on the canals and see the active life along the waterways, similar to how it has been for hundreds of years.

    

Do some shopping for embroidered silk, quite famous from this city.  In particular, there is a style known as “double-sided” embroidery which is what you should really look for if interested.  The embroidery is usually displayed in a glass frame and mounted in a wooden holder, allowing the piece to be rotated so that both sides may be viewed.  Your personal assistant can not only help you to find the best shops, but also to negotiate a fair price.

    

Enjoy a dinner of Suzhou food, including the famous small pan-fried buns which almost melt in your mouth.

Take a late-evening drive back to Shanghai

 

Previous Day      Next Day