People who love traveling can’t skip as beautiful country as China is. There are so many amazing national parks, mountains, historical monuments, cultural performances worth to see that it makes China one of the most interesting countries to visit. So let’s start with the Eastern part of China. Where to go?

SHANGHAI

Shanghai (上海) has becoming more and more popular among tourists from all over the world. It is considered to be a financial, economic, international trade, science and technology center in East China. Mixture of Western and Eastern culture brings charm to this city and attracts people’s attraction. City itself doesn’t have so many old historical places as it was influenced by foreign cultures after its opening to the world but Yuyuan garden is a good place to go if you search for something traditional Chinese. A new part of Shanghai called Pudong (浦东) has a lot of skyscrapers that you can admire while strolling around or having a cup of coffee with a view over river Huangpu.

HANGZHOU, SUZHOU

These cities are very close to Shanghai, around 30-40 minutes by fast train, and they are must see if you are visiting Shanghai. You will escape big city’s hustle-bustle and find yourself enjoying nature. Hangzhou (杭州), a capital of Zhejiang province, is a green city with a lot of trees, flowers, parks and a beautiful West lake. Suzhou (苏州), located in Jiangsu province and also called Venice of the Orient with 42% of area covered with water, is a wonderful place for a day trip from Shanghai.

NANJING

Nanjing (南京) is now a capital city of Jiangsu province well-known as a capital city of dynasties in ancient China with a wonderful cultural heritage. To name a few, famous Confucius Temple, Zhanyuan Garden, Nanjing museum, Zijinshan Observatory (Purple Mountain Observatory) or Qinhuai River that creates a romantic atmosphere. Despite its historical and cultural role, Nanjing (the same as other cities in China) has become a modern and developed city with many shopping malls, highways, universities and a great foreign population.

NINGBO

Ningbo (宁波) has been an important port city for international trade since Song dynasty. It is one of the oldest cities in China with strong Buddhist connections and therefore with a lot of temples. Ningbo is surrounded by mountains, lakes, hot springs which makes it a nice tourist attraction throughout a year. It has been acclaimed as “the state of cultural relics”. Ningbo also serves as a great location for shooting, providing appropriate scenes for movies, series for different historical periods (Xiangshan Film and TV City).

WENZHOU

Inhabitants of Wenzhou (温州) have been relying on shipping, trading and fishing for their livelihoods for centuries. Wenzhou people are famous as smart businessmen in China and as millions of merchants have emigrated and started their business in other countries, it is is a hometown for overseas Chinese. Tourists can hike a mountain (Yandangshan), walk around the island (Nanji Island) and eat fresh seafood.

East China has a lot to offer for tourists who like nature, shopping, tasty food or modern architecture!

Silvia M.//Au Pair Shanghai Editor

Credits : travelchinaguide.com, shanghaihighlights.com, chinahighlights.com, googleimages