Rugao: Ancient Town & Gourmet Private Day Trip

Discover Rugao, one of Jiangsu's best-kept secret towns and a nationally famous "home of longevity", on a relaxed private day trip from Shanghai. Your English-speaking guide and private car collect you from your hotel in the morning, so you can settle in for the comfortable ride east while learning about the region.

Your first stop is the Shuihui Garden (Water Painting Garden), a free 4A classical garden that was once the secluded home of late-Ming scholar Mao Pijiang and the celebrated beauty Dong Xiaowan. Unlike the grand gardens of Suzhou, Shuihui has a quiet, understated grace, with ponds, pavilions, a penjing (bonsai) garden and even a small animal corner that make for a leisurely wander.

Next you head to historic Dongda Street, the heart of Rugao's renowned food culture. Here you will taste local specialties such as soup-filled crab-roe buns, hand-pulled noodles with your choice of toppings, and the famous old-stove sesame flatbreads, fresh and crisp from the oven. Your guide helps you order and explains each dish.

In the afternoon you visit the Henry Lee Forensic Science Museum, dedicated to the world-famous Chinese-American detective who worked on landmark cases. The exhibits recreate crime scenes and let visitors follow the investigative logic across three engaging floors.

There is no hiking and no strenuous walking on this tour, just gentle strolling, great food and culture at an easy pace. After the day's exploring, your private car returns you directly to your Shanghai hotel.

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.