Wuxi: Rugao Longevity Town & Foodie Private Day Trip

Treat yourself to a soothing private day trip from Wuxi to Rugao, a charming small city in Jiangsu celebrated as one of China's hometowns of longevity, and famous for its exceptional food. After a comfortable hotel pickup, your English-speaking guide and private driver take you to a place where life moves at a wonderfully gentle pace.

Your first stop is Shuihui Garden, a serene classical garden that was once the secluded retreat of the late-Ming scholar Mao Pijiang and his beloved companion Dong Xiaowan. While it lacks the polished grandeur of Suzhou's famous gardens, it offers its own soft, understated romance, complete with a delightful bonsai garden and a small animal park that make for a relaxed and unexpectedly fun wander.

Next you'll head to Dongdajie, Rugao's beloved old food street, for the highlight of the day, eating. Rugao is renowned for its tea-house culture and local delicacies. Your guide can point you to crab-roe soup buns that burst with rich juices, springy panshui noodles with your choice of toppings, and the famous Yingchunqiao oven-baked sesame cakes, crisp outside and soft within. You'll have time to graze at leisure and choose your own delicious lunch.

In the afternoon you'll visit the one-of-a-kind Lee Forensic Science Museum, dedicated to Dr. Henry Lee, the world-famous Chinese-American forensic scientist who worked on landmark cases including the O.J. Simpson trial. Across three floors of recreated crime scenes and interactive displays, you can play detective and follow the clues, a fascinating stop for fans of mystery and true crime.

The whole day is easy and relaxing, with only gentle strolling and lots of time to eat, photograph and unwind. Fully private and pet friendly, it is perfect for food lovers, families and couples seeking an authentic, low-key slice of small-town China.

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.