Songjiang Guided Tour with Transfers

I'm a photographer and this tour is a goldmine. Lily understood light and timing, which made all the difference. Guangfulin's floating roof pavilions in the morning light were stunning — the reflections on the lake created mirror images. The underwater museum's interior lighting was dramatic and atmospheric, perfect for architectural shots. Lily knew the best angles and let me take my time. The Deep Pit Hotel was the photographic highlight. The sheer scale of the quarry, the waterfall, the glass structure clinging to the cliff — every angle was epic. Lily positioned me at the best viewing platform and I got shots that look like they're from a sci-fi film. The lunch break gave me time to edit and recharge. Tianshan Sky Village in the afternoon had a different vibe — the 65m telescope against the countryside sky, the converted farmhouses, the art studios. The contrast of the massive scientific instrument with the rural setting was visually striking. Lily suggested compositions I'd have missed — like framing the telescope with the ancient pagoda in the background. The whole tour offered incredible visual variety: ancient architecture, modern engineering, natural landscapes, and scientific structures. The private car meant I could bring my full gear. Lily was patient with my photography stops and never rushed me. 8 hours of photographic heaven. Highly recommend for photographers looking for unique Shanghai shots.

My partner and I are both architects and booked this tour specifically for the Deep Pit Hotel. We got that plus so much more. Xiao Chen picked us up on time and the 50-minute drive to Songjiang included a great overview of the area's significance. Guangfulin Archaeological Park was the first surprise — the underwater museum design is brilliant. The nine floating roof pavilions create this incredible visual effect on the lake. Inside, the museum takes you through 6,000 years of continuous habitation, from Neolithic pottery to Ming Dynasty artifacts. Xiao Chen connected the archaeological findings to Shanghai's development story. The Deep Pit Hotel was the main draw and it didn't disappoint. As architects, we were stunned by the engineering — building 88 meters DOWN into a quarry, with guest rooms clinging to the cliff face. The viewing platform gives you the full scale of the thing: sheer rock walls, cascading waterfall, glass-enclosed structure descending into the earth. Xiao Chen shared details about the construction process that only a local guide would know. Lunch at the hotel restaurant was excellent (own expense) and the canyon views from the dining room were surreal. The final stop, Tianshan Sky Village, was unexpected and delightful. The 65m Tianma Radio Telescope is massive up close — the size of a building. The village transformation from farmhouses to astronomy-themed cafes and art studios is charming. Xiao Chen explained the telescope's role in China's space exploration program. The contrast of ancient pagoda and modern telescope visible from the same spot was a perfect metaphor for the whole tour. Back by 5pm. For anyone interested in architecture, archaeology, or just something completely different from standard Shanghai tourism, this is the tour. Xiao Chen was knowledgeable and passionate.

Did this tour with my parents (early 70s) and Cathy was wonderful with them. The private car was essential — comfortable, spacious, and Cathy made sure my parents were settled at each stop. Guangfulin was accessible — mostly flat walkways with some escalators in the underwater museum. My dad, a history buff, was fascinated by the Neolithic artifacts and Cathy gave him extra detail about the archaeological significance. The floating pavilions were beautiful and my mom loved the photo opportunities. The Deep Pit Hotel was the wow moment. My parents were initially nervous about the viewing platform but Cathy reassured them and found the safest vantage points. The scale of the quarry hotel is hard to describe — my dad kept saying 'how did they build this?' Lunch at the hotel restaurant was comfortable and the canyon views had my parents speechless. Tianshan Sky Village was the relaxing finale — flat, peaceful, and the telescope was impressive. My parents enjoyed the astronomy cafe and Cathy explained the telescope's work in terms they could follow. The contrast of ancient and modern resonated with them. Back at the hotel by 5pm. Cathy was patient, attentive, and adapted the pace for my parents without making them feel like they were holding anyone up. The private transfers made all the difference for older travelers. Highly recommend for multi-generational travel.

Did this tour with my parents (early 70s) and Xiao Chen was wonderful with them. The private car was essential — comfortable, spacious, and Xiao Chen made sure my parents were settled at each stop. Guangfulin was accessible — mostly flat walkways with some escalators in the underwater museum. My dad, a history buff, was fascinated by the Neolithic artifacts and Xiao Chen gave him extra detail about the archaeological significance. The floating pavilions were beautiful and my mom loved the photo opportunities. The Deep Pit Hotel was the wow moment. My parents were initially nervous about the viewing platform but Xiao Chen reassured them and found the safest vantage points. The scale of the quarry hotel is hard to describe — my dad kept saying 'how did they build this?' Lunch at the hotel restaurant was comfortable and the canyon views had my parents speechless. Tianshan Sky Village was the relaxing finale — flat, peaceful, and the telescope was impressive. My parents enjoyed the astronomy cafe and Xiao Chen explained the telescope's work in terms they could follow. The contrast of ancient and modern resonated with them. Back at the hotel by 5pm. Xiao Chen was patient, attentive, and adapted the pace for my parents without making them feel like they were holding anyone up. The private transfers made all the difference for older travelers. Highly recommend for multi-generational travel.

Excellent off-beat tour. Mei brought Songjiang's history to life. The contrast of Neolithic relics, a groundscraper hotel, and a deep-space telescope in one day was incredible. Private transfers made it stress-free. Highly recommend.