ARRIVE SHANGHAI –

Arrive in Shanghai, the largest and most populated city in China. It is also China's main center for industry, commerce, foreign trade, science and technology located at the spot where the mighty Yangtze meets the East China Sea. Afternoon is at leisure to shop, sightsee or explore the many attractions of this ancient city. SHANGHAI HOTEL

SHANGHAI CITY TOUR -

Drive along the Bund - Stroll along the world famous Bund waterfront, one of the world's highest buildings in the newly developed land across the bustling Huangpu River. Yu Yuan Garden exquisite layout, beautiful scenery and artisitic style of the garden architecture are where the charm of Yu FO Temple lies; also known as Jade Buddha Temple built in 1919. End the tour with a visit to a carpet factory. This evening, attend a performance of the famous Chinese Acrobat troupes. BL

SUZHOU EXCURSION –

Travel overland to the fabled water town of Suzhou, often referred, by the Chinese, as the “Venice of the East”. It is a 2,500-year-old city renowned the world over for its traditional gardens, ancient canals and silk worm production. In 1997 Suzhou was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the Grand Canal created a means whereby goods from this region could be transported to the Northern capital, Beijing, a distance of over 600 miles. With prosperity came prestige as merchants and artisans plied their trade. Elaborate gardens were built. Visit the Garden of the Master of Fishing Nets, and experience all of the elements of a classical Chinese garden. In the afternoon, tour the Silk Spinning Mill, where you will learn how silk is created from the mulberry-munching silkworms to produce thread and fine cloth. Marco Polo once reported that so much precious silk was produced in Suzhou that every citizen was clothed in it. BL