Meet the guide in Shanghai hotel after breakfast. Head for Suzhou. Suzhou is nestled in the midst of a network of smaller canals and natural waterways that historically linked the city to various dynastic capitals in Beijing, Hangzhou and Nanjing, making it a vital center of trade, industry and culture. visit Master-of-Nets Garden, Silk Factory. Proceed to Hangzhou afterwards. Check in the hotel.
D2 Hangzhou—Wuzhen—Shanghai
Hangzhou is known as paradise on earth. Marco Polo marveled that it was "the most beautiful and elegant place in the world" when he came to Hangzhou in the 13th century. Take a boat cruise on the West Lake. Visit Huagang Park, Dragon Well Green Tea Plantation. Go to Wuzhen after lunch. Wuzhen is a famous water town in South China. Head for Shanghai afterwards. Finish the tour upon arrival in Shanghai.
Shanghai
Shanghai, also named "Hu" or "Shen" in short, is situated at 31"14' north latitude and 121"29' east longitude, and in the middle of China's east coastline. It occupies a total area of 6,341sq.km, with a total resident population of 16,000,000. It has a pleasant climate, with four distinct seasons. The average temperature is around 18 and the annual precipitation is 1,240mm.
Shanghai is an open city on the coast and a famous historical and cultural city, is a gate to the Yangtze River delta. It is a municipality under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government, the largest economic and trade center, a comprehensive industrial base and the leading port in China.
Shanghai is well known in the world not only for its prosperous cosmopolitan feature but also for its rich humanistic resources. In recent years, a number of modem buildings have been added to the city, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Library, Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Circus City, Shanghai City-Planning Exhibition Hall and Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum. They have become new scenic sights in Shanghai. Colorful festivities, like Shanghai Tourism Festival and Shanghai China International Art Festival, have attracted an increasing number of tourists from home and overseas.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou, known as "paradise on earth," has a humid climate, fresh air, a clean, well-ordered environment, and the West Lake as its back garden. The land around Hangzhou City is one of "fish and rice" as well as a production base for silk. Each person encountered on its streets radiates contentment. An increasing number of people are purchasing villas in the area, and real estate prices have consequently increased.Hangzhou is a famous tourist city. Although not big, it has a concentration of more than 40 scenic spots, which would take at least a week to visit. The 6-square-kilometer West Lake is the pride of this provincial capital city, and most sites of interest are around it. Unlike the man-made lakes of other cities, where earth is dug and piled up to make hills, the West Lake is natural, and its sights are delightful, no matter what the season. Scholars and poets have left a legacy of rhapsodic poetry and prose after visits to the lake, and some settled, or stayed on to live a hermit's life here. There are so many scenic spots around the West Lake that the view changes at every step. It was once said that its scenery is poetic, picturesque and ethereal. A picture taken from any angle resembles a beautiful landscape painting.
Suzhou
In ancient times, Suzhou was a center of economic prosperity and cultural abundance. Even after the passage of time, and the dramatic changes that have taken place in the world, people still speak of and remember Suzhou in all its timeless charm.
Suzhou's appeal is not in its skyscrapers, expressways or supermarkets. Sights such as these may be found in its neighboring city, Shanghai. Those who visit Suzhou marvel at its small bridges, murmuring brooks, classic gardens and water towns. While experiencing its prosperity, visitors can also witness the exquisiteness and elegance of Suzhou.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Town, in Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, has a history of more than 1,000 years. Over 80% of the ancient residential houses, workshops, and stores still standing on the banks of the rivers have remained unchanged, lending an atmosphere of antiquity.
Wuzhen has many sites of historical and cultural interest. From the Song (960-1279) through the Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, Wuzhen produced more successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations than any other town south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River
Tradition is still very much alive in Wuzhen. In addition to flower-drum opera, shadow-puppet shows, and temple fairs, Wuzhen also attracts visitors with its time-honoured art of making indigo-dyed printed calico. In ancient times, indigo-dyed printed calico was used for curtains, scarves, and tablecloths in every household in the countryside of Zhejiang Province. Today, it is still common to see old women in indigo-blue gowns leisurely operating spinning wheels or looms at weaving workshops in the old lanes of Wuzhen, while the squeaks of the looms resound throughout the lanes. Carrying on this tradition has become a part of the lives of the old women.
Wuzhen has been included by UNESCO in the reserve list of world cultural heritages.
Shanghai
