Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour

Portland, Oregon

Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour

Sat/Sun at 9:30am • 3.5 Hours • Walking Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 16

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating journey through Suzhou, the "Venice of the East," where you'll savor unique street foods like bubble wontons and seasonal noodles while exploring ancient gardens and monasteries. Experience the rich culture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending tradition with culinary delights in every step.

The Essentials

Imagine a city that has been wealthy for thousands of years – what would their street food look like? On this tour, you’ll walk through lush gardens and 800-year old monasteries while stopping to enjoy Suzhou’s incredibly rich food and culture, in true Suzhou fashion.

What You'll Do

This tour starts at Beisita Subway Station in Suzhou. An email will be sent with detailed meeting location details immediately after booking. This tour ends a 10-minute walk from Yangyuxiang Subway Station.
Eat seasonal Suzhou noodles which hold the world record for having over 500 toppings, and find out why locals enjoy this food with their favorite pastime – the Opera.
Try neighborhood favorites like savory soy milk, Suzhou-style spring rolls and donuts, and Tang-dynasty fried sesame balls.
Tour some of the best sights Suzhou’s communities have to offer, such as towering 800-year-old pagodas and secret Ming-dynasty gardens.
Enjoy a thousand-layer tofu dumpling stuffed with shredded pork and bamboo shoots at a restaurant dedicated to revitalizing old-Suzhou snack cuisine.
Eat at a famous Bubble Wonton joint, frequented by celebrities and neighbors alike, enjoying the tiny bubble-like wontons in an incredibly rich broth – you’ve never had anything like it!
End your tour with a visit to a traditional congee house, where you'll have the opportunity to savor the sweet Suzhou-style congee.

About This Tour

Suzhou has over 2,500 years of rich history, becoming a capital of wealth, and the culture that comes with it, resulting in an amazing social landscape. Vast gardens centuries old, well-funded monasteries, and luxurious dishes appear in humble eateries. We’re talking about communities where a typical morning involves a tea session, flawless noodle soups, and then the Suzhounese opera.

In its vast and winding alleyways, Suzhou is full to the brim with hidden treasures, stories, and things to eat. Join us on our tour that’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach and learn about this community of tradition and innovation, and partake in this lifestyle that will last millennia more.

Adventure Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes

This walking tour covers about 3 km over uneven old-town alleys, so choose sturdy, comfortable footwear.

Come Hungry

Expect more than a full meal with multiple generous food stops—light breakfast recommended.

Bring an Umbrella

Tours run rain or shine; bring rain gear during wet seasons to stay dry and comfortable.

Communicate Dietary Needs Early

Notify the operator of dietary restrictions when booking to ensure accommodations can be considered.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Egrets often seen along canal edges
Koi fish in garden ponds

History

Suzhou’s prominence arose from its location on the Grand Canal, making it a cultural and economic powerhouse for over 1,500 years.

Conservation

Local efforts preserve Suzhou’s gardens and waterways, maintaining the balance between tourism and heritage protection.

Exploring Suzhou’s Hidden Alleys On a Flavor-Filled Food Walking Tour

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Overview