About Jiangnan

Jiangnan, known for its natural beauty and profound culture, is a geographic area in China referring to lands immediately to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The most important cities in the area are Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing. The intellectual life of Jiangnan has been highly distinguished throughout Chinese history and greatly influenced Chinese culture as a whole.

 

Shanghai: the most cosmopolitan city in China

• At the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall you will find answers as to how far and high Shanghai city planners intend to extend development in the coming years. More interesting than it seems, detailed models and multimedia displays showcase the future of Shanghai's ambitious urban planning and development.
• Board a Chinese-style gondola and cruise the waterways of Zhouzhuang, China's first water-town known as the "Venice of the Orient". Discover its profound cultural background, appreciate ancient well preserved residential houses, enjoy elegant watery views and explore strong local traditions and customs.

Suzhou: home of China's garden culture and silk production

• Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, the most famous and best example of classical Chinese gardens in Suzhou. See and learn another side of Chinese culture.
• Suzhou is nicknamed the Home of Silk. Beautiful in pattern, elegant in color and refined and unique in embroidering, Su Embroidery is one of the four famous types of embroidery in the China. It is a kind of exquisite articles of daily use and also a kind of super work of art providing an aesthetic taste. A visit to the No. 1 Silk Factory provides a rare chance to learn about the process of making silk, turning cocoon into silk thread.
  

Hangzhou: In heaven there's paradise, on earth there's Hangzhou

• Spend a leisurely day on West Lake and immerse yourself in its beauty. Explore landscaped islands, stroll along winding paths lined with flowers and willow trees, try a snack in a lakeside tea house and soak up the atmosphere.
• Hangzhou is home to the Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, China's best known green tea. In a hillside Dragon Well Tea Plantation, you can pick tea leaves, see how the tea is heated and brewed, and learn about Chinese Tea Culture.

Brief Itinerary

Shanghai: Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai. Day 2: Shanghai city tour; acrobatic show. Day 3: Full day free to explore the city. Day 4: Drive to Zhouzhuang and experience the water-town life; drive to Suzhou.

Suzhou: Day 5: Suzhou garden and silk tour; train to Hangzhou.

Hangzhou: Day 6: West Lake boat tour; Hangzhou Tea Plantation.

Shanghai: Day 7: Train back to Shanghai; Shanghai night tour. Day 8: Final departure.