Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the world’s biggest cities and one of China’s
most famous - more similar to Paris or New York than Beijing. Sprawling
on the estuary of the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River, it is
the centre of China’s industry and trade. European-style architecture,
traditional Chinese buildings and new developments all co-exist
in this cosmopolitan metropolis. The Yuyuan Gardens date
back more than 400 years: although fairly small, they are spectacular
thanks to their elaborate design, with pavilions, ponds, rockeries,
and a traditional theatre twined together in an ornate maze. The
gardens can be reached from the Town God Temple Bazaar, a
touristy but impressive warren of stalls and lanes. The French
Concession area contains very peaceful, characterful colonial
neighbourhoods and parks while the Bend along the Huangpu River
has the famous strip of Art Deco towers. From here, the new Pudong
Development Area and the Oriental Pearl Tower can be seen
across the water.
Hangzhou
Located approximately 190 kilometres (120 miles) south of Shanghai,
Hangzhou is 1 of China’s 7 ancient capital cities. Well known
as ‘Paradise on Earth’, Hangzhou was also depicted
by Marco Polo as ‘the most beautiful and magnificent city
in the world’. Presently the city is a beautiful location
still visited by great numbers of Chinese and foreign tourists.
Without a doubt the most attractive excursion, however, is to the
West Lake area, adorned with weeping willows and peach trees, stone
bridges, painted pavilions and rockeries This is the location of
the Pagoda of Six Harmonies, various tombs and sacred hills,
temples, monasteries and the Linyin Temple.
Nanjing
Another former capital, Nanjing ('southern capital’) is presently
capital of Jiangsu Province. The city sits on the Chang Jiang (Yangtze)
River at the foot of Zijinshan (Purple Mountain). It flourishes
with tombs, temples, lakes, parks, museums, and monuments - The
most famous amongst them being the Tomb of the Ming Emperor,
here lies the body of Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty
and the only Ming emperor not buried in Beijing. The mausoleum of
China’s first president, Dr Sun Yat-sen, is also located here.
Other interesting places include the Yangtze River Bridge
with its observation deck, the Ming city wall, the ruins
of the Ming Palace, the Purple and Gold Mountains Observatory
and the Tombs of the Southern Tang Dynasty, also known as
the ‘Underground Palace’.
Suzhou
1 of China’s oldest cities, dating back almost 2,500 years.
An old proverb says that ‘in Heaven there is Paradise; on
earth, Suzhou’. Its riverside streets are similar to those
of Venice and there are many beautiful water gardens. There are
more than 400 historical sites and relics protected by the Government,
such as the Blue-Waves Pavilion Garden on the outskirts,
the Lion-Grove Garden which its rockeries resembling lions,
the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Garden
of the Master of the Nets. The Grand Canal and Tiger
Hill are also worth visiting. There are many silk mills which
produce exquisite fabrics, and the embroidery is an unparalleled
art form.
Wuxi
This resort and industrial city on the north bank of Lake Tai,
about 125 kilometres (75 miles) west of Shanghai, has some famous
lakeside parks and gardens. Yangzhou to the west, is said
to have once been governed by Marco Polo, has a fine poetic tradition
of gardens such as the Xu Garden and others located along
the Narrow West Lake, as well as old merchant houses. To
the southwest, on Huangshan Mountain in the southern Anhui
Province, trees hang on to breathtaking rocky precipices amongst
the clouds and clear natural lakes and springs. A UNESCO World Heritage
Site for its natural beauty and wildlife, the mountain offers a
cablecar connecting the summit and base.
Wuhan
Wuhan spans the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River. The capital of Hubei
Province, it is an industrial hub. There are also Buddhist temples,
parks and lakes, as well as the Yellow Crane Tower and the
Provincial Museum, housing the famous Chime Bells,
built more than 2,400 years ago. Close by in Danjiangou City,
Wudang or Taihe Mountain houses an ancient building complex
containing temples, nunneries, pavilions and palaces. |
