4 DAYS, SHANGHAI AND SUZHOU GARDEN

Shanghai's Jewish District: Shanghai is a city not only of modern splendor, but also of rich historical merit. With its diverse past steeped in international relations and foreign influence, the city sheds light on a chapter in world history unfamiliar to many in China and abroad. U China Travel is delighted to feature a half-day tour of Shanghai's Jewish District to add yet another layer of richness to its extensive history. The tour provides insight into the significant influence the immigrant Jewish community had on the city's economic and architectural growth, highlighting the achievements of one of its most prominent families, the Sassoon's. In Shanghai's Hongkew District the tour visits the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, a museum documenting the history and experiences of the more than 20,000 Jewish immigrants that sought refuge in Shanghai at the height of WWII.

- Shanghai Museum: Regarded by many as China’s largest and most impressive museum, the Shanghai Museum was designed to resemble an ancient Chinese cooking vessel.  The museum houses a stunning collection of bronze, ceramic, and porcelain sculptures as well as calligraphy, furniture, and ethnic artifacts, spanning centuries of Chinese history.   Don’t forget to see if there are any traveling exhibitions on view and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this extensive collection.

-Jade Buddha Temple:  The Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1882 when a Chinese monk named Huigen imported two jade Buddha statues from Burma.  Although the original temple was destroyed during the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, the jade Buddha statues were saved, and relocated in a new temple that was constructed in 1928.  This famous Buddhist temple located in the Western part of Shanghai is a quiet escape from the modern flourishing city.

-Shanghai World Financial Center: This 101-story tall skyscraper completed construction and was opened to the public in mid-2008.  Reaching 492 meters (1,515 ft) above the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, this mixed-use skyscraper consisting of offices, conference rooms, observation decks, a shopping mall on the ground level, and a Park Hyatt hotel, became the tallest building on China’s mainland, including Hong Kong.

Mastr of the Nets Garden:  Located in Suzhou's picturesque Cang Lang District, the Master Of The Nets Garden is noted as one of China's finest classical gardens, earning it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden was first created more than 800 years ago, but has since then seen a number of changes. It is acclaimed for demonstrating an intensely thorough attention to detail in synthesizing art, architecture, and nature in the masterful design of gardens. The Master of The Nets is particularly recognized for its elements of proportion, dimension, contrast, sequence, depth, and concept of borrowed scenery. It has served as a sanctuary of inspiration both intellectually and spiritually for centuries.

-Humble Administrator's Garden: Explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden, perhaps China’s most famous classical garden.  Designed during the Ming Dynasty, the garden covers five hectares and is divided into three parts:  an Eastern, middle, and Western garden.  The gardens surround a central pond with pavilions, terraces, chambers, and towers spotting the landscape.  This peaceful, serene garden brings great pleasure to all who visit.

 -The Grand Canal: Suzhou is most notably known for its Grand Canal.  This magnificent water system is not only the longest man-made waterway in the world, but also is regarded as one of China’s greatest engineering achievements.  A network of picturesque lakes and canals both large and small weave through Suzhou City, eventually leading back to the Grand Canal.  Take a cruise along the canal to catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle. 

Panmen Gate:  Standing guard along the southwest corner of Suzhou's Main Canal, the Panmen Gate represents over 2500 years of history.  Built as part of the ancient wall surrounding the city in 514 B.C. during the Warring States Period, the gate served as the only entrance into the city. As an architectural masterpiece, the gate is truly fascinating.