2004 UN Chinese Program at Nanda: Shanghai/Zhouzhuang/Suzhou Tour

Shanghai

China's largest city, Shanghai is also the country's most important industrial and commercial center, as well as its largest seaport for foreign trade. Once known as a "paradise for adventurers" in pre-1949 days, Shanghai now opens its arms to visitors and investors alike in its energetic drive to regain its former leading position as an industrial, commercial, and financial center of the entire Far East. This city of 12 million people combines the legacy of the past with the creative energy of the 21st century. No city in the world is quite like it. For more details and photos of Shanghai, please visit Shanghai.

Suzhou: This ancient city, known as "the Venice of the East", is most famous for its classical gardens, its location astride the Grand Canal, and its silk industry. It  is one of the two "paradises on earth" in China, the other being Hangzhou. For details about the city and its photos, please visit Suzhou.

Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water townships in China, is situated in Kunshan City which is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. In the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), Zhouzhuang was a part of the fief Yaocheng and called Zhenfengli. After being donated to Full Fortune (Quanfu) Temple by Zhou Digong, a very devout Buddhist, in 1086 during the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127), Zhouzhuang got its present name as a memorial of the donor. For more details and photos of the site, please visit Zhouzhuang and 周庄.

1. Itinerary

Day 1 – 22 July (Thursday)

Departure in the afternoon for Shanghai. Upon arrival, tour the old world ambiance of the waterfront Bund. After dinner, enjoy a thrilling evening at the Shanghai Acrobatics Show.

Day 2– 23 July (Friday)

After breakfast, visit the Yu Garden and the Old Town and wander the lovely paths and pavilions there.. After lunch, visit Pudong, Oriental Pearl TV Tower (the highest tower in Asia) and Finance and Trade Center. After dinner, enjoy the night scene and night life of Shanghai at the Bund. During the free time you will be given in the afternoon, we suggest that you visit the new Shanghai museum and view all manner of Chinese arts, beautifully displayed in the astounding galleries of the museum.

Day 3 – 24 July (Saturday) 

Departure for Zhouzhuang after breakfast. China's glorious history unfolds as you arrive at this remarkably intact, 900-year-old Song Dynasty town. See the graceful stone bridges and mansions of this little-traveled living museum. Next, coach to the garden city of Suzhou.

Day 4– 25 July (Sunday)

After breakfast, visit the Hanshan Temple, and the Tiger Hill in Suzhou. Return to Nanjing after lunch.

2. Cost:

US$220, covering transportation, admissions to the main entrance, meals, service fee, and double-occupancy accommodations. Single supplement: $20/day.

Tour itinerary is subject to adjustment.