Suzhou, Humble Administrator Garden & Canal Cruise

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your full-day tour begins at the pier as you board your motorcoach for a scenic two-hour drive through the countryside to Suzhou. Settled around 600 B.C. Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze River basin and one of the few cities in China to escape the ravages of the Cultural Revolution in 1966. Famous for silk production, legendary temples, and beautiful gardens, nine of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, this legendary city also boasts more historic bridges and canals than any other city in China.

Your first stop is one of the most famous gardens in China. The beautiful Humble Administrator Garden was created in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching out over 12 acres the Garden is divided into three distinct sections of pavilions, terraces, towers, and bridges set among a maze of pools and an island.

Your next stop is the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute. Long renowned for its elegant beauty and craftsmanship, Suzhou embroidery is used for exhibitions and official government presentations and has received international acclaim and prizes. You'll watch artisans at work, visit the small museum where their masterpieces are on display, and shop for hand-woven silk garments in the gift shop.

You'll drive to a local hotel for a delicious multi-course family-style meal of traditional Chinese dishes.

You'll then reboard your motorcoach and head to the Grand Canal for a cruise along the largest man-made waterway on Earth. Built over 1,300 years ago to transport food and commerce, the Grand Canal ranks alongside the Great Wall of China as the country's greatest engineering achievement. Today, your cruise offers the best views of the ancient city as well as the 2,500-year-old Panmen Gate.

After your cruise, you'll board your motorcoach for the return trip to the pier

Special Notes:

Tour duration depends on the distance from your ship's berth to Shanghai. Grand Class ships dock approximately one hour from Shanghai. Smaller ships dock as close as 30 minutes from the city.

This tour requires walking over uneven surfaces and climbing some stairs. Wear comfortable, low-heel walking shoes with non-slip soles.

Rest stops are made at the halfway point on the approximately 2 1/2-hour drive to Suzhou.

Sequence of tour stops may vary.

Passport Requirements:

Visa for China required