(ST-033) Nanjing-Yellow Mountain-Hangzhou-Wuzhen-Suzhou-Shanghai (12 Days)

Take the direct flight from Germany to Nanjing, a well-known ancient capital for six different dynasties in China. Ride a train to Yellow Mountain, one of the World Natural and Cultural Heritages, very beautiful. Then, travel the delta of the Yangtze River area (Jiangnan) by bus, it is very suitable for the group more than 10 persons. Jiangnan, the abundantly productive land, has long played an important role. The Grand Canal, which cuts north-south through the province, carried rice from the fertile fields up to the barren North. "In heaven, there is paradise. On earth, there is Suzhou and Hangzhou."

 

Day 1/Frankfut-Nanjing                                                
LH780 (-11:00)
Arrive in Nanjing, a well-known ancient capital for six different dynasties in China. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Walk around Nanjing Confucius Temple area (no entry), the holy shrine of Confucius who is the outstanding ancient sage. It is located around Nanjing city center, Qin Huai River (a branch of the great Yangtze River) is flowing by the front of the Confucius Temple. (D)

Day 2/Nanjing-Tunxi                                                    
After breakfast, pay a visit to Nanjing Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, at the southern foot of Purple Mountain. Emperor Taizu, Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Queen Ma were buried there. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is renowned for its unique design, its eminent status, its amazing beauty and its magnificent scale. Proceed up to visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, built in 1926 in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) who is recognized as the Father of Modern China. With deep historical significance, magnificent architecture and beautiful scenery, it is a must see when you are traveling in Nanjing. Take an overnight train to Tunxi with soft sleeper (the first class in China, 4 persons sharing one cabin). (B,L,D)
Reference train: Nanjing-Tunxi: 2521(22:10-05:09+1)

Day 3/Tunxi-Yellow Mountain                                     
Arrive in Tunxi in the morning, pick up from the railway station and have breakfast. Then, you will go to Yellow Mountain, characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. Yellow Mountain was listed as one of the World Natural and Cultural Heritages in 1990. Ride Yungu (Cloud Valley) station cable car up to Yellow Mountain, and the full day is visiting Yellow Mountain Northern Scenic Area including Beginning-to-Believe Peak, the Lion Peak, Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion, Flying-over Rock, Bright Summit and sun-set. (B,L,D)

Day 4/Yellow Mountain-Tunxi                                     
Get up early in the morning to watch the sun-rise. After breakfast, a 3.5-hour hike will be conducted to enjoy the premium views of the western side of Yellow Mountain including the Sea-Turtle Peak, Lotus Peak, Jade Screen Peak, Guest-welcoming Pine before taking the Yuping cable car down the mountain. Then, drive to visit Hong Village and Nanping Village. Hong Village in Yixian County attracts particular attention for the clustered houses. Hong Village is famed for its pre-20th Century buildings. What is unique about the village is that it is ox-shaped topography. Nanping Village's most attraction is 300 or more ancient residential houses and her amazing winding lanes. Strolling in the village, you'll be surprised to find how simple and old-fashioned the village is. Transfer to Tunxi, and visit Tunxi's historic Old Street. The shops, workshops and residences form an organic whole, keeping the characteristic and operation layout of ancient store such as "front shop and back workshop" or "front shop and back house". (B,L,D)

Day 5/Tunxi-Hangzhou                                                
After breakfast, drive to Shexian County for a view of Tangyue Memorial Archway and Bao's Family Garden. Shexian County is regarded as "a town of archways". In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there were more than 200 memorial archways dotted all over the whole territory, now only 80 of which remain well. Just close to the Tangyue Archway complex, the Bao's Family Garden was originally a private garden during Ming and Qing dynasties. Here, you not only can enjoy the masterpiece of Hui style garden, but also can see various kinds of delicate Bonsais. Proceed to Hangzhou (it takes about 3 hours), another ancient capital city in southern China, where is famous for its natural beauty and historical and cultural heritages. (B,L,D)

Day 6/Hangzhou                                                            
Ancient Chinese people praised the West Lake area as a land of intoxicating beauty. "Ripping water shimmering on sunny day; Misty mountains shrouded the rain; Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi; West Lake is always alluring.", was composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) to describe its beauty. Begin today's highlight to appreciate the incomparably lovely West Lake with its soaring bridges and flower-bright islets. Enjoy a boat ride on West Lake. Then, pay a visit Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, who set up Huqingyutang Drugstore and was called "the medicine king in south of the Yangtze River", boasts 13 towers, Zhiyuan Garden, pavilions, terraces, a small bridge over a flowing stream and bright verandas, all ingeniously designed. Move on to visit the Meijiawu Tea House, the tea village of famous Dragon's Well Tea. Then, visit Lingyin Temple, one of the best-known Buddhist monasteries in China, built in 326 A.D. at the foot of Lingyin Mountain in Hangzhou. According to the legend, Huili, an Indian monk, came to the area where he was inspired by the spiritual nature of the scenery to be found here. To his mind this had to be a dwelling of the Immortals and so he gave the temple a name "Ling Yin (Temple of the Soul's Retreat)". (B,L,D)

Day 7/Hangzhou-Wuzhen-Suzhou                             
Today's highlight is to visit Wuzhen, 60km northwest of Zhejiang Province, which is embraced by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal with rivers and canals crisscrossing the whole town. The ancient docks, waterside pavilions, and corridors stretch out for miles and erect a romantic atmosphere that is typical to Jiang Nan water town. Wuzhen boasts its prosperous past and simple lifestyle. If boating around the water network, or lingering in the lanes one can always feel the serenity, peacefulness, and subtle beauty of the Jiangnan water town. Proceed to Suzhou for overnight, where is known as "Venice in the East". (B,L,D)

Day 8/Suzhou                                                                                 
After breakfast, visit the Garden of the Master of the Nets, the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, it is the most impressive because of its use of space which creates the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size. Move on to view Panmen Scenic Spots, located in the southwest of the old city of Suzhou, has the famous Ruiguang (Auspicious Luster) Pagoda, the unique Water-and-Land City Gates, and the well-known Wumen Bridge. The central courtyard with the "One Pond and Three Hills Pattern" of traditional classic gardens is integrated with ancient construction masterpieces, water country charm, ponds, pavilions, beautiful lakes and mountains, appearing magnificent, relaxing and natural. Then, pay a visit to New Suzhou Museum, the last design of Mr. I. M. Pei in his career. It is not only a public construction symbol in Suzhou, but also an innovative mark bridging Chinese architectural culture from the tradition to the future. Prompting the protection of Suzhou cultural heritage, the new museum also has turned a new page for Suzhou Museum. You will also visit Silk Museum to see how the world's most beautiful silk is produced. (B,L,D)

Day 9/Suzhou-Shanghai                                            
Transfer to Shanghai, known as "Paris in the East". Pay a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a well-restored Suzhou-style garden, which was specially built for Pan’s parents as a place to enjoy themselves a tranquil and happy time in their old age. The pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters are unique characteristic. And also take a walk through Chenghuangmiao (known as Yuyuan Garden Market) built in the fifteenth century during the Ming Dynasty. It filled with antique markets and specialty stores. Then, visit Shanghai Museum, a leading attraction of the city since it opened in 1994, containing some priceless collections of paintings, porcelains and bronzes. Then, visit Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1882 to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The two precious jade Buddha statues, one sitting Buddha and one Recumbent Buddha, are carved with whole white jade. Enjoy a fabulous Acrobatic Show in the evening. (B,L,D)

Day10/Shanghai                                                         
Visit EXPO 2010 site (available from May 2010). In 2010, Shanghai will host the biggest World Expo in the history of world expositions. Over 170 nations and at least 40 international organizations are expected to take part. By dedicating a 5.28-square-kilometer area at the core of the city to exhibitions, events and forums on the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life", Shanghai hopes to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living. (B)

Day11/Shanghai                                                            
Visit EXPO 2010 site (available from May 2010). In 2010, Shanghai will host the biggest World Expo in the history of world expositions. Over 170 nations and at least 40 international organizations are expected to take part. By dedicating a 5.28-square-kilometer area at the core of the city to exhibitions, events and forums on the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life", Shanghai hopes to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living. (B)

Day12/Shanghai-Frankfurt                                         
Shanghai-Frankfurt: LH727 (23:35-)
Visit the Bund in the morning, at the west shore of the Huangpu River, the splendid row of early 20th century Europe buildings remains the quintessential Shanghai sight. Then, roam around Nanjing Road, a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world today. Have a dinner at Lvbolang Restaurant for Shanghai specialties. Transfer to airport with one-way Maglev Train (The maximum speed is 430 km/h and the speed at which two trains intercross each other reaches 700 km/h. The train has been authorized by Guinness Records to be the fastest train in the world), and prepare for boarding on your homebound flight. (B,L,D)
Note: B(Breakfast)  L(Lunch)  D(Dinner)

 

Hotel (or the same standar):                                                                                                                     
Nanjing: **** Nanjing Ramada Plaza Yihua Hotel  
Huangshan:**** Xihai Hotel (on the mountain)
Huangshan: **** Huangshan International Hotel (in Tunxi)
Hangzhou: **** Best Western Meiyuan Hangzhou Hotel  
Suzhou:**** Holiday Inn Youlian Suzhou         
Shanghai: ****(*) Grand Mercure Baolong Hotel Shanghai


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