Discover the Enchanting "Oxygen Cities": A Journey Through China's Greenest Urban Landscapes
Escape the smog and immerse yourself in the fresh air and vibrant scenery of China's most pristine cities. Our exclusive tour takes you through a string of national garden cities, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
**Oxygen Cities:**
- Yangzhou: A city of poetic charm and ancient canals.
- Nanjing: The historical capital with a rich tapestry of stories.
- Wuxi: Known for its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere.
- Huzhou: A hidden gem with lush greenery and tranquil waters.
- Jiaxing: A city that harmonizes modernity with traditional elegance.
- Shanghai: The bustling metropolis with a touch of old-world charm.
- Suzhou: Renowned for its classical gardens and silk culture.
- Hangzhou: The city of paradise, home to the legendary West Lake.
**Oxygen Scenery:**
- Qinhuai River Scenic Belt - Nanjing Confucius Temple Commercial Street: A mesmerizing AAAAA-rated scenic area.
- Pay homage to the Father of the Nation at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A solemn and majestic AAAAA-rated site.
- He Garden in Yangzhou: A late Qing dynasty masterpiece, rated AAAA for its exquisite gardens.
- Hui Mountain Ancient Town in Wuxi: A must-visit AAAAA-rated destination beloved by Emperor Qianlong.
- The Master of the Nets Garden in Suzhou: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, rated AAAA for its cultural significance.
- Nanxun Ancient Town: One of China's top ten charming ancient towns, an AAAAA-rated experience.
- West Lake in Hangzhou: A dual World Heritage Site for both culture and nature, an AAAAA-rated wonder.
- Wuzhen East Scenic Area in Jiaxing: The last water town, an AAAAA-rated gem.
- Explore the iconic Bund and Nanjing Road in Shanghai: AAAAA-rated landmarks of the city's past and present.
**Oxygen Experience:**
- A pure play, entry-level tour with no shopping detours, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience.
- Avoid any museum-like hidden shops (such as pearl, purple sand, and silk stores) for a distraction-free journey.
Join us on this refreshing journey through China's "Oxygen Cities," where every breath is a step back in time and a step into a world of natural splendor.
Your journey, day by day.
Day 1: Chongqing to Shanghai
Embark on a journey of a lifetime as you make your way to Jiangbei Airport, ready to take flight to the vibrant city of Shanghai. Upon arrival, our dedicated and knowledgeable guide or chauffeur will be waiting to greet you with a warm welcome. Enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free transfer to your hotel via our shuttle service, ensuring a smooth and seamless start to your unforgettable adventure in Shanghai.
Day 2: Shanghai to Nanjing to Yangzhou
Embark on a journey to the "Ancient Capital of the Six Dynasties" - Nanjing. Gather after a delightful breakfast and immerse yourself in the charm of the Qinhuai River Scenic Belt and the Confucius Temple Leisure Commercial Area. Marvel at the architectural ensemble of the Confucius Temple, flanked by bustling marketplaces and a plethora of shops offering a vast array of goods.
Continue your exploration by paying homage to the resting place of our great pioneer, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, at the national AAAAA-rated scenic spot, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. The main structures of the mausoleum are aligned along a central axis, showcasing the essence of traditional Chinese architecture.
After a fulfilling day of discovery, retreat to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Yangzhou to Wuxi to Suzhou
Begin your day with a delightful experience of authentic Yangzhou morning tea at the scenic He Garden. The He Garden, also known as "Jixiao Mountain Villa," is a 4A-level scenic spot located at No. 66 Xu Ningmen Street, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. This classical Chinese garden architecture dates back to the mid-Qing Dynasty.
Afterward, we will gather and head to the "Pearl of Taihu Lake," Wuxi, where the misty rain of the Jiangnan region and the azure waves of Taihu Lake have nurtured the past and present of Wuxi. Enjoy a lunch featuring the distinctive flavors of local Wuxi cuisine.
Next, we will visit the Hui Mountain Ancient Town, a 5A-level scenic spot covering an area of 90 hectares. It is a comprehensive large garden that integrates numerous cultural relics and historical sites with comfortable leisure and entertainment facilities.
Savor the charm of one of the four famous gardens in Jiangnan, the Jichang Garden. With a history of nearly 500 years, Jichang Garden was built during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty, the same era as the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, and is collectively referred to as "Ming and Qing Dynasties Gardens."
We will then proceed to the birthplace of the world-famous piece "The Moon's Reflection in the Second Spring," the Second Spring of Hui Mountain. The tea sage of the Tang Dynasty, Lu Yu, once visited Wuxi and stayed at Hui Mountain Temple, where he highly praised the scenery of Hui Mountain for its "deep spring source and lush bamboo and trees."
The ancient temple of Hui Mountain, with a history of thousands of years, was originally the "Lishan Thatched Cottage" of Zhan Ting, the Right Minister of the Southern Dynasty Liu Song period.
We recommend an optional self-funded activity, the Suzhou Boat Tour. The ancient canal has a history of thousands of years, with its white walls and black tiles of ancient-style buildings, gently swaying bamboo and willows, and winding and secluded ancient paths. Under the illumination of the lights, it creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
Day 4: Suzhou to Jiaxing to Huzhou
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we will gather and set off for Suzhou, the "City of Gardens in China," known as the "Paradise on Earth," "Oriental Venice," and "Oriental Water City." We will visit the World Cultural Heritage garden, the "Master of the Nets Garden," a quintessential Suzhou garden that exemplifies the "less is more" philosophy through its ingenious layout, creating a harmonious blend of small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers without feeling cramped.
Next, we will travel to Wuzhen and savor the "Characteristic Wuzhen Water Town Banquet." We will then explore the "Last Waterfront Home" of Wuzhen East, a cover of the Jiangnan region, which carries a thousand years of historical culture, simple and beautiful water town scenery, and unique local cuisine.
We will also visit the Nanxun Ancient Town, located in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, in the eastern part of Huzhou City, and adjacent to Suzhou City in Jiangsu Province in the northeast, one of the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan.
We highly recommend the optional fee project, the "Most Beautiful Taihu Performance." The "Most Beautiful Taihu" is a large-scale original song and dance created by Longzhimeng, a cultural tourism performance around Taihu Lake, depicting the cultural soul and prosperous glory of Taihu Lake for thousands of years.
Day 5: Hangzhou to Shanghai
Embark on a journey to the "Paradise on Earth" – Hangzhou, renowned as "Su-Hang" along with Suzhou, and celebrated for its accolade "Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below." Immerse yourself in the picturesque Longwu Tea Garden, where a traditional tea towel, a tea-themed dress, and a complimentary cup of Longjing tea await you. This national 4A-level scenic spot, known as the "Millennium Tea Town, Ten Thousand Catties of Tea Country," boasts a harmonious blend of mountains and waters, with a continuous expanse of tea hills.
Stroll along the enchanting West Lake, Su Causeway, and Flower Harbor Fish Viewing, where the West Lake, a dazzling pearl nestled in the western part of Hangzhou, offers a firsthand experience of the poetic scenery described by Su Dongpo as "suitable for both heavy and light makeup." Savor the royal feast of Qianlong Imperial Tea Banquet for lunch.
Afterward, gather to head to the "Paris of the East" – Shanghai. We recommend the optional tour of the Huangpu River Cruise combined with the Jinmao Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center. This is an unmissable opportunity to experience the enchanting Shanghai night view, as you cruise along the Huangpu River and admire the captivating night scenery on both banks.
Day 6: Shanghai to Chongqing
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, gather to head towards the **Shanghai Bund Tourism Comprehensive Service Center**. For your free time, we recommend the following activities:
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Explore the **Bund**, a pedestrian sightseeing strip located on the west bank of the Huangpu River in the heart of Shanghai, stretching from the Waibaidu Bridge to Jinling East Road. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Shanghai, embodying the city's spirit and history.
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Stroll down the **Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street**, which starts from Tibet Middle Road in the west and extends to Henan Middle Road in the east. At both ends of the pedestrian street, you will find dark red marble screens inscribed with the words "Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street," written in the calligraphy of Chairman Jiang Zemin.
Once the tour concludes, the central distribution center will arrange a unified departure service. Guests will then take their flight back to Chongqing, marking the end of a pleasant journey.