East China Travel Guide

Calendar January 1, 2025
East China, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangnan, Water Town, Gardens, Travel Guide
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East China Travel Guide#

East China includes Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Shandong, forming one of China’s most economically developed and culturally prosperous regions.

Shanghai#

Highlights#

  • International Metropolis: The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui Financial District
  • Historical Architecture: Shikumen, Old Western-style Houses, Yu Garden
  • Cuisine: Xiaolongbao, Shengjian, Benbang Cuisine

Key Attractions#

  • The Bund: International Architecture Expo along the Huangpu River
    • Free admission, recommended to visit at night for the night view
    • Can take Huangpu River cruise
  • Oriental Pearl Tower: Landmark of Shanghai
  • Yu Garden: Ming Dynasty classical garden
  • Disneyland: First Disney theme park in mainland China

Jiangsu#

Highlights#

  • Water Towns: Suzhou Gardens, Zhouzhuang, Tongli
  • Historic Cities: Nanjing, Yangzhou, Wuxi
  • Cuisine: Su-style Dim Sum, Huaiyang Cuisine, Nanjing Salted Duck

Key Attractions#

  • Suzhou Gardens: UNESCO World Heritage, model of Chinese garden art
  • Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: China’s First Water Town
    • Zhouzhuang Official Website - Ticket and accommodation information
    • Recommended to stay in the ancient town, experience water town night view
  • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: First mausoleum in modern architectural history

Zhejiang#

Highlights#

  • Water Towns: Wuzhen, Xitang, Nanxun
  • Natural Scenery: West Lake, Thousand Island Lake, Yandang Mountain
  • Cuisine: Hangbang Cuisine, Longjing Shrimp, West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce

Key Attractions#

  • West Lake: UNESCO World Heritage, paradise on earth
    • Free admission, can walk or cycle around the lake
    • Recommended attractions: Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, etc.
    • West Lake Official Website - Tour guide
  • Wuzhen: China’s Last Water Town
    • Wuzhen Official Website - Ticket and accommodation booking
    • Divided into East and West sections, recommended to stay in West section for night view
  • Mount Putuo: Guanyin’s sacred site, Buddhist kingdom on the sea

Anhui#

Highlights#

  • Hui Architecture: Hongcun, Xidi, Huizhou Ancient City
  • Famous Mountains: Huangshan, Jiuhuashan, Tianzhushan
  • Cuisine: Anhui Cuisine, Stinky Mandarin Fish, Hairy Tofu

Key Attractions#

  • Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage, strange pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs
    • Huangshan Official Website - Ticket and cable car booking
    • Recommended to book 1-7 days in advance, avoid holidays
    • Recommended 2-3 days visit, can see sunrise and sea of clouds
  • Hongcun: UNESCO World Heritage, village in the painting
    • Hongcun Official Website - Ticket and accommodation information
    • Recommended to stay in the ancient village, experience Hui architecture
  • Huizhou Ancient City: Well-preserved Ming and Qing ancient city
    • Can visit Huizhou Prefecture Office, Xuguo Memorial Archway, etc.
    • Recommended to visit together with Hongcun and Xidi

Fujian#

Highlights#

  • Tulou Architecture: Yongding Tulou, Nanjing Tulou
  • Island Scenery: Gulangyu, Pingtan, Meizhou Island
  • Cuisine: Fujian Cuisine, Shaxian Snacks, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

Key Attractions#

  • Gulangyu: UNESCO World Heritage, garden on the sea
    • Gulangyu Official Website - Ticket and ferry information
    • Recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, avoid holidays
    • Recommended 1-2 days for in-depth visit, experience slow life
  • Yongding Tulou: UNESCO World Heritage, Hakka dwellings
  • Mount Wuyi: UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage
    • Mount Wuyi Official Website - Ticket and tour information
    • Recommended 2-3 days visit, experience Nine-bend River rafting and tea tasting

Jiangxi#

Highlights#

  • Famous Mountains: Mount Lushan, Mount Sanqing, Mount Longhu
  • Red Tourism: Mount Jinggang, Nanchang, Ruijin
  • Cuisine: Jiangxi Cuisine, Earthen Pot Soup, Rice Noodles

Key Attractions#

  • Mount Lushan: UNESCO World Heritage, the most beautiful mountain in the world
  • Mount Sanqing: UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Taoist mountain
  • Mount Jinggang: Sacred site of Chinese revolution

Shandong#

Highlights#

  • Historic Sites: Mount Tai, Qufu Three Confucian Sites, Baotu Spring
  • Coastal Cities: Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai
  • Cuisine: Shandong Cuisine, Qingdao Beer, Scallion Pancakes

Key Attractions#

  • Mount Tai: UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage, leader of the Five Great Mountains
    • Mount Tai Official Website - Ticket and cable car information
    • Recommended to climb at night for sunrise, or visit during the day
  • Qufu Three Confucian Sites: UNESCO World Heritage, birthplace of Confucius
  • Qingdao: International Architecture Expo, Beer Capital
    • Qingdao Tourism Official Website - Tourism information
    • Can visit Badaguan, Zhanqiao Pier, Mount Lao, etc.
    • Recommended to visit in summer, experience Beer Festival

Travel Tips#

  • Best Time: Spring and autumn are pleasant, suitable for travel; summer is hot but good for escaping heat
  • Transportation: Well-developed high-speed rail network, convenient connections between cities
    • Shanghai-Suzhou: 30 minutes by high-speed rail
    • Shanghai-Hangzhou: 1 hour by high-speed rail
    • Shanghai-Nanjing: 1.5 hours by high-speed rail
  • Special Experiences: Experience Jiangnan water towns, taste authentic cuisine, experience garden art
  • Useful Links:
    • Ctrip - Hotel and attraction ticket booking
    • Mafengwo - Travel guides and travelogues
    • Dianping - Restaurant and attraction reviews
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