3 DAYS, SUZHOU GARDEN AND TONGLI WATER TOWN

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.  While smaller boats float the enchanting smaller canals, busy boat traffic on the Grand Canal is a constant reminder that Suzhou's canal provided a vital route for transporting goods along China's rivers.

The Lingering Garden: First built in 1593 and designed through generations, it has wonderful covered walkways, pools and pavilions for each season. In 2001 the Lingering Garden was listed among China's world-renowned classical gardens on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Garden of Master Nets:  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.

THE HUMBLE ADMINISTRATOR'S GARDEN:  Exquisitely renowned classical gardens blanket Suzhou's rich landscape, wrapped in narrow winding waterways. Suzhou's largest and most noted garden is the Humble Administrator's Garden, honored for both its unique design and delicate beauty. As well as receiving recognition as a World Heritage Site, the garden is listed both as a Cultural Relic of National Importance under protection of the State and UNSCO. Noted as one of the country's most famous gardens alongside Beijing's Summer Palace and the Mountain Resort of Chengde in Hebei Provence, it has received the most international attention for its purity, balance, and composition.

The No.1 Silk Factory: Suzhou is home to some of China's most beautiful hand crafted silk products.  At the No. 1 Silk Factory visitors are able to observe the practice of making silk as it is processed from the worm to the final product, as well as gain insight to China's rich silk history.  The factory also houses a beautiful selection of fine silk goods for sale in their showroom. 

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.

TONGLI:  The ancient water township originally known as Fushi occupies the eastern shor of Taihu Lake 18k outside of Suzhou.  More than 1,000 years of history are captured within the exquisitely preserved bridges and residences throughout the town.

The majority of Tongli's architectural masterpieces date back to the Ming and Qing Dyansties.  The flying eaves, carved windows, figured clay bricks, and dapper gardens that line Tongli's waterfronts speak to an era of the past. Preserved in a timeless fashion, the residential structures throughout the town are considered to be museums within themselves. Throughout history Tongli has been known for contributing profound cultural advancements to China's vast history. For centuries the town has been the home of poets, painters, scholars, and government officials.

Take the high speed train back to Shanghai;