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Water Town Escape

2 Days Culture & Leisure Small Group (2-8 people)

Step into a China of centuries past in Zhouzhuang or Tongli water towns. Traditional stilt houses line canals crossed by arched stone bridges — a scene unchanged for 1,000 years.

From $220 per person
Book This Tour
Z
Zhouzhuang (周庄)

"Venice of the East" — China's most famous water town with 1,000-year history

R
Rowboat Ride

Traditional sculling boat ride through canals beneath ancient bridges

A
Ancient Bridges

Double Bridge and other historic bridges spanning the canals

T
Tongli (同里)

Alternative water town — quieter, well-preserved, famous for Retreat and Reflection Garden

F
Food

Water town specialties — braised pork ribs, lotus root, freshwater fish

E
Evening

Magical night scene — illuminated bridges and reflections in the canals

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Zhouzhuang Water Town

Explore Zhouzhuang, the "Venice of the East" and China's most famous water town.

  • 9:00 AM: Meet your guide at Zhouzhuang. The town has preserved its traditional architecture and waterway layout for over 1,000 years.
  • 9:00-11:30 AM: Walk Zhouzhuang's narrow lanes lined with traditional Ming and Qing dynasty houses. Visit the Double Bridge, two ancient bridges that cross at a right angle — one of China's most photographed scenes.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at a water town restaurant. Try: Zhouzhuang braised pork ribs, lotus root dishes, and freshwater fish.
  • 2:00-5:00 PM: Visit historic houses and gardens. The Shen and Zhang families' houses exemplify traditional merchant architecture. Take a sculling boat ride through the canals.
  • 7:00 PM: Evening in Zhouzhuang. Lanterns illuminate the canals, creating magical reflections. Dinner at a canal-side restaurant.
2

Tongli or Leisure

Visit Tongli water town or enjoy a relaxed day exploring Zhouzhuang at your own pace.

  • 9:00 AM: Option A: Visit Tongli water town. Less touristy than Zhouzhuang, Tongli is equally well-preserved and famous for the Retreat and Reflection Garden (UNESCO World Heritage).
  • 9:00 AM: Option B: Return to Zhouzhuang for a relaxed day. Explore at your own pace, take multiple boat rides, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at your choice of water town restaurants.
  • 2:00-5:00 PM: Afternoon based on your choice: explore Tongli's gardens and bridges, or revisit Zhouzhuang's favorite spots.
  • 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner. Your guide explains the significance of water towns in Chinese culture and history.

What's Included

Included

  • Professional English-speaking local guide (all days)
  • All meals as specified in itinerary
  • Entrance fees for all attractions
  • Local transportation during tour hours
  • Water and snacks during tours
  • Small group (2-8 people)

Not Included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Optional activities not in itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers (can be arranged separately)

"This tour exceeded all our expectations. Our guide was knowledgeable, passionate, and went above and beyond to ensure we had an authentic experience. We discovered places we never would have found on our own and left with memories that will last a lifetime."

JD
James Davidson
United States

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour is designed by locals who know the city intimately. We avoid tourist traps, focus on authentic experiences, and provide insights that only insiders can offer. Our small group size ensures personalized attention and flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on your interests.

We keep our groups small (2-8 people) to ensure personalized attention and authentic experiences. This size allows us to visit places that larger tour groups cannot access and provides flexibility to customize the experience.

Children aged 8+ are welcome on this tour. The itinerary involves moderate walking and some stairs. Please contact us in advance if traveling with younger children or if anyone in your group has mobility concerns — we can suggest modifications.

Absolutely. We can adjust the duration, focus areas, and pace to match your interests. Whether you want more time at cultural sites, deeper exploration of food scenes, or to add specific attractions, we'll design a bespoke itinerary for you.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a camera, and a small day bag. During summer, mosquito repellent is recommended. If you have any dietary restrictions or medication needs, please let us know in advance.

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