Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour

Known as the Venice of the East, Suzhou boasts over thirty five kilometers of canals and sixty of China’s most well preserved gardens. On this walking tour, guests will explore Suzhou’s residential old town, its lush gardens, and serene monasteries while discovering local cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. The tour includes far more than a meal’s worth of food and drinks at five sit down restaurants along with multiple cultural stops. Highlights include sweet fermented rice cakes fried to a crisp and aromatic morning noodles served with a variety of seasonal condiments, allowing guests to personalize their flavor experience. Walking through ancient alleys and canals, participants will visit a Buddhist nunnery and a secret Ming dynasty garden centered around ornamental stones and five peaks, offering a glimpse into Suzhou’s historic charm.

The culinary journey continues with traditional old Suzhou snacks such as fresh soy milk, local spring rolls, Chinese donuts, and pancake wrapped dough sticks. Guests will also try floating wontons delicately wrapped and served in rich broth, followed by a classic dessert of slow cooked red bean soup with glutinous rice balls. Suzhou’s history as a wealthy cultural hub along the Grand Canal allowed it to thrive as an ancient capital of art and architecture. Today, visitors experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring centuries old gardens, tasting local dishes, and observing daily life while winding through the canals and alleys that define the heart of the city.