Alex and our nice driver, Lee, picked us up at our hotel and to us to the train station. Then, Alex bought us tickets for our high-speed train ride to Suzhou. The process and finding our train and seats reminded us so much of European trains and stations...very user-friendly. Our train ride was very smooth and amazingly quick, only 25 minutes. Alex explained that Suzhou is a “baby” city, only 10 million people! It really didn’t feel big at all. Just like Shanghai, it is very clean. Our driver, a new local driver, picked us up and took us to a gardens area first. It was so beautiful and peaceful. We also took a gondola ride down one of the canals as a wonderful lady sang traditional Chinese songs. It felt like we were transported to a different time. We walked through the old area and then our driver picked us up and took us to a wonderful restaurant where we tasted traditional Chinese cuisine and also local favorites. Alex was great about teaching us about the history and traditions of the food and the area. We then toured a silk factory and we were so amazed about this tradition. We got to hold the silk worms, pull the silk and we saw all the amazing end results in their stores. So amazing. Before boarding our train, we made one last stop to a Buddhist Temple. The peace and calm we felt there was mesmerizing. Our train ride back was equally as smooth. Our Shanghai driver Lee picked us back up and took us to our hotel. What an amazing day that wouldn’t be anything without Alex. We are so grateful to her for our experience, his knowledge and kindness. Thank you Alex! We will see you again!

Reviewed to: Suzhou Through Local Eyes: Classic Suzhou Day Trip From Shanghai by Bullet Train