Visit two picturesque Chinese towns, Suzhou and Zhouzhuang on a day trip from Shanghai. You'll see how daily life has remained unchanged over the centuries in these unique old towns. Visit the Suzhou's magnificent gardens, feast on a Chinese lunch and travel through Zhouzhuang's waterways on a Chinese-style gondola.
Founded in around 600 B.C., Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze basin and is known for its beautiful gardens. With its interconnected waterways and beautiful environment, the city is often referred to as the Venice of the East . Suzhou was one of the few cities in China to escape the ravages of Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution and its famous gardens survived almost intact.
Upon arrival in Suzhou, your first stop is the Net Master Garden, the town's best example of a model Ming Dynasty garden. The gardens embody the harmonious principles of Chinese garden construction, which dictate that gardens should re-create a microcosm of the universe in a confined space.
After enjoying Suzhou's gardens, you'll view the town's ancient city wall and Grand Canal. You'll also take a tour of a silk-spinning factory to see how Chinese silk has been produced since the 14th century.
After lunch, it's time to visit the water village of Zhouzhuang and board a Chinese-style gondola to cruise the town's beautiful waterways. Zhouzhuang's simple, well-preserved architecture dates back more than 900 years. The majority of residences were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and nearly 100 classic courtyards and 60 carved-brick archways are still in use. In this water village, locals live their life on the waterways, continuing to carry out everyday activities on the water, from washing clothes to shopping from vendors in boats.
See all the main sites of Shanghai, 'Paris of the Orient'. Your fully guided coach tour includes lunch as well as entry into the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum, Bund and Bund History Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Fresh Water Pearl Gallery, a silk factory and Xin Tian Di, Shanghai's entertainment district.
Your tour begins with Jade Buddha Temple. Built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (A.D. 1875-1909), it contains a priceless collection of jade statues from Burma. The temple is constructed in the magnificent architectural style of the Song Dynasty. Currently the temple houses the Shanghai Buddhist Institute.
Next stop is Fresh Water Pearl Gallery. You'll see the process of pearl cultivation and you may be the lucky participant to be presented with a single pearl.
People Square, in the heart of the city is a vast green area surrounded by great buildings on all sides. Here you have the opportunity to feed the doves to pray for the world peace.Shanghai Museum is a highlight of the tour. The museum design is in keeping with Feng Shui principles. It houses a great permanent collection and hosts various exhibitions with over 120,000 pieces thst showcase the 5000 years of China's history. We recommend you rent an audio phone (USD 5) to make the most of your 1.5 hours' visit.
After lunch, visit the enchanting Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Old Street. The garden includes many halls, springs and other buildings of interest. The visit brings you back to Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644).
Continue to the Bund on Shanghai's waterfront. The Bund is Shanghai's most famous landmark and a symbol of old and new Shanghai. Four kilometers long, it has long been one of the most important areas of Shanghai. In the 1930s, the Bund was host to the city's financial and commercial centers.
At the silk factory, see how Chinese silk has been produced since the 14th century. There is also the option to to purchase the silk at low prices. After a drive along the former French Concession District, characterized by beautiful, tree-lined streets wander through Shanghai's hottest new entertainment district, Xin Tian Di. The brick buildings on these two-square blocks have been preserved and transformed into trendy clubs, restaurants and boutiques.
Travel to Hangzhou, a city rich in history and spectacular scenery on this day trip from Shanghai. Cruise on Hangzhou's famous West Lake and take in the stunning views that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Also visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda, a magnificent example of ancient Chinese architecture. You'll come to appreciate why Marco Polo once referred to Hangzhou as 'the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world'.
Hangzhou is a city rich with history and culture, spanning back over 2000 years. It made a name for itself in the Seventh Century, when the Grand Canal, the world's longest canal opened and linked Hangzhou to Beijing and other centers of trade. The South Song Dynasty (A.D. 1127-1279) helped make Hangzhou famous when the imperial family settled here early in the 12th century.
On arrival to Hangzhou, your first stop is Six Harmonies Pagoda, also know as Liuhe Pagoda. Overlooking the Qiantang River, this massive structure is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. Visit the museum that exhibits the various ancient Chinese pagoda styles. Continue to Meijiawu Tea Village for a traditional tea ceremony and an insight into its significance in Chinese culture.
After lunch, cruise across West Lake to experience peace and serenity like no place else in China. Your cruise ends at Flower Harbor where you can walk along on Su Causeway and feed the fish in the Red Fish Pond to pray for the good luck.
Finally, experience nature and visit '9 Creeks and 18 Gullies'. Enjoy a lovely walk amongst this peaceful environment. There are some quaint places to stop off along the way too, including a lagoon and a small pavilion which has been converted into a great tea and snack hous
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After the show, you will travel by coach to catch a magical view of Shanghai at night. Your evening tour includes a visit to Peoples Square, the city lights along the Bund, and the French Concession District. The final stop is Xin Tian Di, a chic restaurant, pub and boutique area. Here you can spend time on your own or continue back to your hotel with the group.
Chinese Acrobats and Shanghai Evening Tour Highlights:
Got only half a day to explore Shanghai? Discover the 'must-see' sights such as Jade Buddha Temple, Fresh Water Pearl Gallery and Shanghai Museum on the morning tour or The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, a silk mill and Shanghai's entertainment district on the afternoon tour. A guided sightseeing tour of Shanghai is a must for anyone visiting China's most modern city.
Unlike any other city in China, or in all of Asia for that matter, Shanghai is an intoxicating blend of ancient culture and a modern, progressive city. Depending on your preferences you can choose from a morning or an afternoon half-day city sightseeing tour. Both tours concentrate on the can't-miss highlights that all visitors to Shanghai must experience.
Morning Tour highlights (this tour is the morning part of Best of Shanghai Full Day City Tour):
Afternoon Tour highlights (this tour is the afternoon part of Best of Shanghai Full Day City Tour):
The Bund is the cultural section of Shanghai that best represents the blending of ancient and modern influences. This renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. The word Bund is of Anglo-Indian origin meaning 'embankment on the waterfront', and you'll experience the definition literally with a feeling of space and openness that you won't find anywhere else in Shanghai.
Your guided evening tour of Shanghai starts with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, which divides the Bund into two sections, Pu Dong and Pu Xi, which mean 'east of river' and 'west of river' respectively. Local people honor the Huangpu as Mother River, and as you view the lights and spectacle from the deck of your evening cruise, you will understand why.
After the cruise, we will enjoy a walk along the Bund on our way to the historically famous Peace Hotel, which served as the center of Shanghai's nightlife in the 1920's and 30's. Then we will take a trolley tour to enjoy the magnificent night view of Nanjing Road.
Huangpu River Cruise and Bund City Lights Tour Highlights:
Head to the outskirts of Shanghai on this guided 1-day day tour to quaint Chinese villages. See Seven Treasure Town, an ancient water town famous for its textiles, before heading to Zhujiajiao, sometimes called 'Pearl Stream, a village that will take you back in time to the Ming and Qing dynasty with its fantastic architecture, ancient bridges and houses. Also included in this sightseeing tour from Shanghai is a boat ride and visit to a Silk Mill.
Seven Treasure Town is an ancient village located outside of Shanghai. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Seven Treasures became a prosperous marketplace, known for its cloth, yarn, carpentry, rice wine and water. The textiles were treasured all over the world, with samples from the era still being displayed at the Great Museum of London. Some of the other sights you will enjoy on the tour include a unique wedding hall inside the textile mill, a shop producing traditional rice wine, and other trades such as blacksmithing, bamboo craft and fine carpentry.
Located in another suburb of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town that shines like a pearl on the Dianpu River. In fact, Zhujiajiao is sometimes called 'Pearl Stream'. It is famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, ancient bridges, and quaint courtyards. Walking along the zigzag of narrow streets and past the shops in the center of town, you will see how the locals really live as they go about their daily labors, sit in the sun and chat, or play cards with their neighbors. You will also enjoy a leisurely boat ride, taste the local food, or just relax by the river under majestic willow trees.
Highlights:
The picturesque Zhu Jia Jiao is a classic water village, over 400 years old with a signature five-arch bridge spanning the Cao Gang River. Zhu Jia Jiao was an important town for local trade, shipping goods in and out of its man made canals to the river.
During this half-day, guided sightseeing tour you will stroll the maze of paths and bridges, and take a boat ride to view the residences of this nicely-preserved water village. Zhu Jia Jiao is also home to two impressive temples, which add to the charm and historic significance of the village. After a few Hours sightseeing in Zhu Jia Jiao, you'll make a stop to shop for silk. Learn how silk making became a major industry in China and bargain for clothes, accessories, quilts and handmade rugs.
Zhu Jia Jiao Water Village Tour Highlights:
Take a tour around Shanghai and see one of Asia's most progressive cities. Shanghai or "Paris of the Orient" has fast developed economically, culturally and socially. See the Oriental TV Tower, Pudong Park and take a cruise on the Huangpu River.
Shanghai is the largest and most prosperous city in China and is one of the most important economic, financial and cultural centers in all of Asia. In recent years, its pace of development has been astounding. Even if you visited Shanghai only a few years ago, the changes are impressive.
The tour starts with the Oriental TV Tower, the unmistakable symbol of modern Shanghai. Standing in Pudong Park in the new and developing Lujiazui District, it overlooks the industry and commerce quickly developing on the banks of the Huangpu River. You will enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai from the main observatory and have the opportunity to orient yourself to the thriving metropolis you're about to discover.
A cruise on Huang River gives you another way to see the Bund, the cultural district along the river. From this floating vantage point, you'll see 80-100 year old buildings with diverse architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque. After a photo stop at People's Square, the picturesque green space surrounded by buildings on all sides, you visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Here you will see the vision for the new Shanghai.
Your final stop is Nanjing Road, the first commercial street in Shanghai. It is pedestrian friendly, with no cars allowed, and is the popular shopping center of the city. It is always bustling with excitement, with locals, business people and tourists alike. You'll likely want to return in the evening to get a taste of Shanghai nightlife.
Tour Highlights:
Jiangsu Province is home to many ancient water towns in the Yangtze River Delta, famous for their waterways, bridges and authentic village homes. Tongli is one of the most beautiful examples, built on seven islets with 15 canals and nearly 50 bridges.
Established in the Song Dynasty, Tongli Water Village showcases over 1,000 years of history and cultural heritage. An example of the rich tradition of local craftsmanship can be seen at Jiayin Hall. Built in 1922, it is known for its collection of more than 100 well-preserved wood carvings of classical Chinese figurines. There are 49 bridges in Tongli, three of which have become the cultural symbols of the town. Named Taiping (peace), Jili (luck) and Changqing (celebration), locals walk over the three bridges to wish peace, fortune, happiness and health for their family and friends. There are also many traditional gardens in Tongli. Tuisi Garden, which was constructed between 1885 and 1887, is a wonderful example of a traditional Chinese garden,. You will have the opportunity to stroll the pavilions, terraces, halls, rockeries and ponds to experience the harmony of the garden.
The China Ancient Sexual Cultural Museum explores more than 6,000 years of human sexuality in this most unique of museums. It features a large collection of historic and erotic artwork and artifacts relating to sexual culture. With more than 3,500 pieces, the collection ranges from stone and jade sculptures, antique sex toys, fertility idols, porcelain figures and paintings. The pieces are organized into various categories, including the evolution of sex, sexuality in religion, development of the marriage system, sexual oppression of women, erotica and sexual health.