Top Eastern China Culture

What makes RUUTS unique is our approach to Chinese tea: we move beyond traditional tea ceremonies to create playful, sensory and immersive experiences. Guests are invited to taste, smell, observe and guess before discovering the story behind each tea. Through the eyes of a tea traveler with 7 years of experience exploring China’s tea regions, we connect tea with the country’s landscapes, people, history and everyday life, creating a personal and memorable cultural experience. The small-group format, carefully selected teas and authentic Shanghai settings create a bridge between China’s traditions and modern city life.

Set in a historic Shanghai villa with a private Chinese-style garden, this experience combines Chinese tea culture with traditional calligraphy in an intimate setting. Guests enjoy a guided tea tasting, learn about Chinese tea traditions, and receive a personalized Chinese name based on the sound or meaning of their original name. They will then practice writing their new Chinese name in calligraphy with guidance from an experienced instructor, creating a meaningful keepsake and a more personal connection to Chinese culture.

Experience Suzhou beyond the usual sightseeing tour. Explore atmospheric old streets, peaceful canals, lively local food spots, and hidden corners with a friendly local host. Taste selected Suzhou snacks, discover places many visitors overlook, and get help capturing memorable smartphone photos along the way. With a relaxed pace and plenty of time for food, photos, and conversation, this experience is designed to feel like exploring Suzhou with a local friend rather than following a large tour group.

This private Suzhou business experience combines professional Chinese–English interpretation with a customizable itinerary. It is designed around the traveler’s confirmed exhibition, business meeting, supplier showroom, sourcing appointment, negotiation, or factory visit within Suzhou. Before the service, Amaya reviews the traveler’s goals and important terminology. During business appointments, she helps clarify commercial or technical information and supports smoother communication. When the schedule allows, travelers may also visit the Suzhou International Expo Centre, Jinji Lake, and Gate of the Orient. The 4-hour option focuses on selected activities, while the 8-hour option allows a more complete itinerary. Exact business locations are confirmed after booking.

See Shanghai from above and at street level on an 8-hour private tour. Choose a departure at 9am, 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm or 2pm when booking. Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic skyline views, its transparent observation corridor, multimedia experience and Shanghai Urban History Exhibition. Continue to Yu Garden, the Old City, the Bund and Nanjing Road with your private Chinese- or English-speaking guide. Oriental Pearl Tower and Yu Garden admission, a dumpling lunch, and private round-trip hotel transfers within central Shanghai are included. The Bund and Nanjing Road are explored on foot. The 8-hour service includes hotel pickup and drop-off; the itinerary can be adjusted within the agreed service time and route.

Discover the heart of Shanghai with personalized experiences led by local City Hosts who share your interests. Choose from a half-day or full-day adventure that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots. Engage in meaningful conversations, explore vibrant neighborhoods, visit local markets and eateries, or learn to cook authentic Chinese dishes. Each experience is designed to provide a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s culture, architecture, and lifestyle through the eyes of those who know it best. Enjoy a unique perspective on the city, making your visit truly unforgettable. - Personalized experiences tailored to your interests - Local City Hosts from diverse backgrounds - Options for half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) explorations - Private tours suitable for solo travelers, families, and small groups

1) The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a group of gardens in Suzhou. panning a period of almost one thousand years, these gardens, most of them built by scholars, standardized many of the key features of classical Chinese garden design with constructed landscapes mimicking natural scenery of rocks, hills, and rivers with strategically located pavilions and pagodas. That is exactly why we want you to spend a whole day to touch the four most famous gardens in Suzhou by driving from Shanghai for about 1.5 hours. 2) The four finest gardens were selected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site to represent the art of Suzhou-style classical gardens. 3) Driving from Shanghai rather than taking a bullet train (although with frequent departures) can save you big hassle of the check-in and check-out at the train station where it is often chaotic and time-consuming. The highway between Shanghai and Suzhou is of great condition and very safe to use. 4) Excellent English-speaking guide.

Leave Shanghai for a relaxed private visit to Zhujiajiao, one of the region's best-known canal towns. Travel by private vehicle with a dedicated guide, then explore old lanes, stone bridges, quiet canals, and local market streets at a flexible pace. This 5-6 hour tour is designed for travelers who want a scenic water-town escape without joining a shared group or committing to a full-day city tour. Central Shanghai hotel pickup and drop-off, a private guide, private vehicle, and standard Zhujiajiao attraction admission are included. Meals, personal expenses, and optional boat rides are paid locally so the route can stay flexible.

Particularly for first-time visitors who don’t speak Chinese, a private guide can transform the Beijing experience. Say no to hustlers and discover the city by private car on this door-to-door private tour. Check off two of Beijing’s biggest attraction of Great Wall of China and Stroll through Hutong with rickshaw. A delightful Beijing Style Cuisine are all inclusive. 1: Full Day private tour of old Beijing 2: Enjoy the personalized attention of your private guide 3: See the Great Wall and Hutong 4: Take it easy with pickup and drop-off direct from your hote

If your time in Shanghai is limited, the private 3-hour Shopping tour makes the most of it. Enjoy time with your guide and shop till it drop. Customize your itinerary to suit your interests.Please always feel free to let your guide know your wish lists ahead of time. Shop fabulous bags, jewelry, toys and even tailor made suits. 1: Make your shopping list done for your family 2: Choice of morning , or afternoon departure 3: Savor a delightful authentic noodles along the way 4: Take it easy with pickup-and drop-off

Immerse yourself in the colonial history of Shanghai on this walking tour of the city’s landmarks with a knowledgeable guide. With the option of Morning Walking Tour or Afternoon Tour. Stroll along the Former French Concession. A delightful Shanghai style dim sum are all inclusive. 1: Half Day private tour of Old Shanghai 2: Enjoy the personalized attention of your private guide 3: Choose between morning or afternoon tours to suit your schedule 4:Take it easy with pickup and drop-off direct from your hotel

Immerse yourself in the history of Shanghai on this half day walking tour. Check off Shanghai's biggest attractions: Yu Garden, Tianzifang Art District and Wukang Road. Stroll though the Charming Former French Concession with a private guide. Prebook your Yu Garden tickets prior to your visit. 1: Half Day private tour of Old Shanghai 2: Enjoy the personalized attention of your private guide 3: Choose between morning or afternoon tours to suit your schedule 4: Take it easy with pickup and drop-off direct from your hotel

Immerse yourself in the history of Hangzhou on this half day of the city’s landmarks with a knowledgeable guide. Stroll along the beautiful West Lake. Learn about Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies.. A comprehensive package with hotel pick up and drop off are all inclusive. 1: Half-day private tour of Hanghzou City 2: Check off three biggest attractions of Hangzhou: Lingyin Temple, West Lake and Pagoda and Six Harmonies 3: Navigate Hangzhou with ease thanks to your private guide 4: Relax with pickup and drop-off direct from your Hangzhou hotel

Travel by bullet train from Hangzhou to Suzhou, a relaxing bullet train experience. With your local guide, visit the Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Road and leisurely enjoy boat ride along ancient grand canal. Round trip 1st class bullet train ticket are all inclusive. 1: Tour Suzhou’s signature sights with a private guide 2: Take in the highlights of The Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill and Pingjiang Road 3: Reach the city the speedy way, by first-class bullet train 4: Relax with pickup and drop-off direct from your Hangzhou hotel Read more about - Private Day Trip to Suzhou from Hangzhou by Bullet

Experience the vibrant blend of old and new in Shanghai with a private, fully customizable tour. Your Shagnhai insider guide will pick you up from your location, explore iconic Shanghai landmarks like the Bund, Former Concession, Nanjing Road, the Ming-Dynasty Yuyuan Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the observation deck of Shanghai Tower, Shanghai’s tallest skyscrapers. Enhance your experience by upgrading to include transportation options such as a private car, rideshare, or metro. Alternatively, choose a all-inclusive package that covers your guide, transport, lunch, and entry tickets, just sit back and hassle free. • Follow Shanghai Insider's route to explore the real Shanghai. • Ideal for first-time visitors to get a great overview of the city. • Tailored Itinerary with attraction that interests you. • Flexible Options with various transportation or an all-inclusive package. • Enjoy a tour crafted to your interests with a dedicated private guide.

Embark on a captivating half-day private tour of Zhujiajiao Water Town, often called the "Oriental Venice." Glide through its historic waterways, featuring streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Your English-speaking insider guide will ensure a seamless and personalized experience. Delve into the rich culture by exploring the serene Kezhi Garden and a traditional temple, both exemplifying classic Jiangnan garden style. Enjoy the convenience of pickup from downtown Shanghai, with options available from Pudong Airport, Disney, or Shanghai suburbs. Experience a timeless journey through one of China’s most picturesque water towns. • You are free to choose morning or afternoon departure time. • Enjoy a personalized experience with a private English speaking insider guide. • Visit the most beautiful water town and classic Chinese gardens in one seamless tour. • Benefit from hassle-free pickup and drop-off at your hotel, airport, or suburb.

Explore a poignant chapter of Shanghai's history on this private half-day Jewish history walking tour. With your expert guide, delve into the story of the "Shanghai Ghetto" in the Hongkou District, a sanctuary for thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II. Walk in the footsteps of the past as you visit key sites including the Jewish Refugees Museum, reflect at the memorial in Huoshan Park, and explore a traditional Lilong alleyway, uncovering powerful tales of resilience and coexistence. • Visit Key Historical Sites: Explore the Jewish Refugees Museum (Ohel Moishe Synagogue), reflect at the memorial in Huoshan Park, and see the former Joint Relief Association building. • Gain a deeper understanding of the different waves of Jewish immigration to Shanghai and life in the designated area. • Experience the atmosphere of a traditional Shanghai Lilong to imagine the everyday life of the community.

Shanghai is a megacity that showcases some of the world's tallest buildings, fastest trains and elevators, and finest restaurants. Despite its ultra-modern reputation, Shanghai has cozy streets filled with bike-riding nappers and seniors with their bird cages. This bike tour will take you to discover the real Shanghai like a local, explore the Former French Concession, pedals around Fuxing Park, stroll through a traditional wet market, visit a hidden Buddhist temple, and refuel with delicious coffee and pastries. 1. Explore the Former French Concession where foreigners like to hang out the most in Shanghai. 2. Immerse into Shanghai local’s life in Fuxing Park, traditional antique wet market with birds and flowers. 3. Discover a hidden temple that is nestled in the bustling city. 4. Enjoy breakfast of tasting a exquisite artisanal coffee and local snacks in China's most competitive coffee city. 5. A vintage bicycle for unique riding pleasure and blending with Locals

Swap Shanghai’s skyscrapers for old-time China on a private day trip to Nanxun, one of the traditional, and quietest, water towns on the Yangtze River delta. Absorb the tranquility as you explore the canals, Chinese and Western-style architecture, ornamental gardens, and medieval lanes. Plus, enjoy a gondola ride passing bridges, temples, and old houses. A Chinese lunch, entrance fees, private guide and Shanghai hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Experience overnight deluxe soft sleeper room on the train (2 beds in one train cabin) to Beijing, one of the oldest cities in China. This time saver private tour offers flexible ending locations:Beijing or Shanghai (see more info upon booking) Come and spend two days in Beijing in the most efficient way. Entrance fees, deluxe soft sleeper train ticket, local lunch, private transfer service are all inclusive.

Voyage to one of China’s famous ancient water towns, Tongli, during this tour from Suzhou, including round-trip transport. First, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Retreat and Reflection Garden, and then take a cruise along the nearby lake in a wooden boat. Visit Chongben Hall and Jiayin Hall before catching sight of three of the most popular bridges out of the more than the 50 found in town.

If you have a narrow schedule for Shanghai shore excursions, there is a 5-hour easy tour for you. Start the evening tour in Shanghai that begins with an authentic Shanghai Din Sum---Soup dumpling. After that you will watch a dazzling performance of dexterity and showmanship as you see talented acrobats perform a variety of balancing and juggling acts along with other acrobatic feats.

Experience the cultural and natural beauty of Hangzhou's Xixi Wetlands on a private six-hour tour combining traditional Chinese clothing, tea, vegetarian dining and boating. Dress in Hanfu, sometimes described as Chinese cosplay, with professional hair and makeup styling. Capture memorable photographs among the gardens and traditional architecture of Hong Garden. Learn to prepare Chinese tea using a lidded tea bowl (*gaiwan*), enjoy an included vegetarian hotpot lunch and take a leisurely boat ride through Xixi's peaceful, tree-lined waterways. **Highlights:** - Traditional Hanfu dressing, hair and makeup - Hong Garden exploration and photo opportunities - Guided Chinese tea ceremony - Vegetarian hotpot lunch - Traditional wetland boat ride - Private guide, admission fees and transport included An enjoyable introduction to Hangzhou's cultural traditions, with everything arranged for your private group.

Discover the city of Suzhou in one day from Shanghai on this 9-hour private tour. With a guide, you'll be introduced to the beauty of the city, known for its gardens, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll visit the Lingering Garden and Humble Administrator's Garden, plus visit the Suzhou Silk Museum. Lunch is included.