A city reborn
Adventure
Grand View Garden
It was the words of Qing dynasty writer Cao Xuejin in his renowned novel “A dream of red mansions” that inspired this replica of Da Guan Yuan, the magnificent garden of the imperial family. This 8-hectare garden includes winding paths, bridges and nunneries that fully embody the beauty described by Cao Xuejin.
Qibao
This ancient water township can satisfy any curiosity about China’s historic look and feel without travelling far distances. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Qibao is a living fossil of Shanghai’s past. Its name translates to ‘Seven Treasures’, derived from folk tales about the seven treasures that were located in the city at one point in history.
Zhujiajiao
Another water town in a suburb of Shanghai city, this is the best preserved of the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Unique bridges cross its willow shaded streams. It’s a world of antiquity, leisure and tranquility that contrasts the hustle and bustle of Shanghai’s city centre.
Zhouzhuang
Set in between Shanghai and Suzhou, this ancient town of Kunshan city is the best waterside town in China to many due to the numerous rivers and lakes surrounding it. This fairytale landscape is the perfect place to experience the Chinese countryside.
Tongli
Temples, private gardens, ancient homes and stone bridges dot this aged town that’s just a short drive from Suzhou. The town is known for 3 of its 49 stone bridges, which are ritually traversed by locals during important occasions. The peaceful, traditional gardens built between 1885 and 1887 are certainly worth seeing.
Wuzhen
For hundreds of years, residents of this water town have built homes along its banks, creating a romantic atmosphere with corridors that stretch out for miles. It’s subtle beauty, serenity, and simple lifestyle make a visit to the town, just north of Zhejiang Province, worth it.
West Lake, Hangzhou
When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century, he declared it “the most beautiful and elegant city in the world”. With its exquisite West Lake (Xi Hu), reflecting pools, beautiful gardens, lavish temples, and friendly teahouses, Hangzhou rightfully deserves its heavenly reputation. The city is also well known for its silk and Longjing tea.
Taihu Lake, Suzhou
Orange orchards, tea fields and waterside villas paint Xi’shan island, a large and quiet island set in Lake Taihu, in old world charm. The lake’s remarkable sunrise and sunsets have inspired many famous Chinese writers.
