Tongli and Xitang Private Full Day Tour from Shanghai with Boat ride

Trying to decide whether a day trip to China’s iconic water towns is worth it? Based on glowing reviews and detailed itineraries, this private full-day tour to Tongli and Xitang offers an authentic glimpse into traditional life along the waterways. It’s designed for travelers eager to escape Shanghai’s hustle and see some of the region’s most picturesque, history-filled towns at a relaxed pace.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. Second, the beautiful scenery along ancient canals and stone bridges. Third, the delicious local cuisine included in the trip. However, bear in mind that some optional activities, like boat rides in Xitang, are not included, which might be worth considering if you’re a fan of the waterway experience.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy cultural exploration, comfortable transport, and authentic scenery. It’s an excellent choice if you want to see history unfold without the hassle of planning, and you value quality guidance and local insights.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Visit two of China’s most scenic water towns, Tongli and Xitang, with rich histories dating back over 900 years.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a dedicated guide ensure a smooth day.
• Cultural Highlights: Explore Chinese gardens, old streets, and traditional architecture, with the option to enjoy local cuisine.
• Scenic Boat Rides: Cross ancient bridges and glide along canals in Tongli on a relaxing gondola ride.
• Unique Film Connection: Walk the streets of Xitang, famous for its appearance in the film Mission Impossible III.
• Value for Money: Entrance fees, a delicious lunch, and private transport make this a well-rounded experience at a competitive price.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Pickup and Journey to Tongli

Your day begins with a pickup around 9:30 a.m., from your Shanghai hotel. The tour’s highlight is the comfortable, air-conditioned MPV, which not only offers a smooth ride but also makes the journey enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. From the moment you’re in the vehicle, the experience feels personalized—no long bus rides with strangers here.

Exploring Tongli: 900 Years of Charm

Once in Tongli, you’ll immediately sense the town’s historic atmosphere. With around 900 years of history, Tongli retains its traditional vibe, especially along its Ming and Qing Dynasty streets. You’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through these historic lanes, where ancient buildings and shops line the canals.

A key highlight is the Tuisi Garden, a UNESCO site known for its exquisite Chinese landscaping and architecture. Reviewers mention that the garden’s elegance and tranquility are captivating, giving that classic feel of old China. As you cross the lucky Ring bridges, you’ll get fantastic photo opportunities, with many visitors noting how picturesque and peaceful the scenery is.

A gondola ride along the canal is included, allowing you to see the town from a different perspective. Reviewers rave about how relaxing and scenic this ride is, with one describing it as “a perfect way to soak in the town’s beauty.”

Local Lunch and Further Exploration

A delightful local lunch is included, giving you a taste of authentic cuisine. Reviewers emphasize the quality and flavor of the food, often mentioning that it’s a good opportunity to enjoy traditional Chinese dishes in a charming setting.

Transition to Xitang: 45-Minute Drive

After exploring Tongli, you’ll travel to Xitang, another water town renowned for its ancient charm. This place is often called a “living thousand-year-old town,” and it’s easy to see why. The town’s residential houses along the river canals, combined with historic stone bridges, paint a picture of old China.

Xitang: A Picture-Perfect Setting

Xitang is famous for its enchanting night scenery, but daytime is equally impressive. The town’s layout—narrow alleys, old residences, and waterways—makes it a photographer’s dream. For film buffs, the tour highlights that you can follow in Tom Cruise’s footsteps, as Xitang was featured in Mission Impossible III.

Most visitors mention that wandering the streets here offers a real cultural connection to traditional China. The peaceful ambiance and preserved architecture make it a highlight of the trip.

Optional Evening Activity

If you’ve booked the dinner option, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal in Xitang, often described as authentic and satisfying. Please note that the boat ride here isn’t included, so if you’re keen on a boat tour in Xitang, you might need to arrange it separately.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included:

• Expert local guide who shares insights and history
• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day
• Entrance tickets to both Tongli and Xitang
• Boat ride in Tongli
• Local lunch and optional dinner

Not Included:

• Boat ride in Xitang (which can be added separately if desired)
• Additional meals or souvenirs

Additional Considerations:

• The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.
• The timing is flexible yet structured, with approximately 3 hours in each town—perfect for seeing highlights without feeling rushed.
• The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as walking and some stairs are involved.
• All transportation and guiding are handled professionally, which means you can relax and enjoy rather than worry about logistics.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One guest mentions that they felt “treated like a rock star,” thanks to the luxury electric SUV and attentive guide Roy, who made them feel safe and well cared for. Others point out that the guides are knowledgeable, with Mel providing interesting historical context at Tongli, and Roy being very attentive throughout.

Reviewers also appreciate the value for money, noting that the included entrance fees, boat rides, and meals give a full experience at a reasonable price. The quality of the local food also receives praise, with guests citing it as a highlight—especially the chance to taste authentic flavors in a charming setting.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private day trip to Tongli and Xitang offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into China’s traditional water towns. If you value personalized guides, scenic boat rides, and authentic local cuisine, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want to see the beauty of ancient China without the hassle of navigating public transport or overcrowded group tours.

The included transportation, entry fees, and food make it value-packed, especially considering the detailed guided experience. The only caveat is that optional activities like boat rides in Xitang are not included, so if you’re seeking every possible waterway experience, you may need to plan additional time or costs.

This tour strikes a great balance between comfort, culture, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative day with plenty of time to soak in history and scenery—ideal for history buffs, photography lovers, or anyone craving a break from Shanghai’s modern pace.

FAQ

How early do I need to book this tour?
On average, travelers book about 76 days in advance, which ensures availability and enough preparation time.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, making it a full but comfortable day out.

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup, starting around 9:30 a.m., making logistics hassle-free.

Are entrance fees and boat rides included?
Entrance tickets to both towns and the boat ride in Tongli are included, but the boat ride in Xitang is not.

What meals are included?
A local lunch in Tongli is included, and if you opt for the dinner package, you’ll enjoy a tasty local meal again in Xitang.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss preferences with your guide, including possibly adding further activities or adjusting timing.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness due to walking and exploring historic streets; no strenuous activity is involved.

This tour offers a wonderful glimpse into China’s water towns with expert guidance, scenic views, and cultural richness—all wrapped into a well-priced, personalized package. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, it’s an experience worth considering when visiting Shanghai.