Jiangnan is an area that is south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including the Yangtze Delta. Its rivers, bridges, ancient townships, folk customs and beautiful natural sceneries have always served as inspiration for traditional Chinese painters.

    Hangzhou,

    Zhejiang Province

    Hangzhou is a beautiful city with a magnificent and glorious history. Well-known for its wonderful scenes, rich culture, relaxed inhabitants and delicious food, the city has many titles such as Garden City, Capital of Tea and “Paradise on Earth.”

    Located in downtown Hangzhou, West Lake is the pride of the city and a favorite spot to escape the hustle and bustle of modern city life.

    The lake is surrounded by hills on three sides while the city itself is on the eastern shore. Chinese people in ancient times saw the area as a land of intoxicating beauty.

    Spring is said to be the best time to visit the lake and the city, as it is the season to enjoy the flowers and blossoming fruit trees. When it rains, the lake is even more romantic.

    There is also a wide selection of delicious local food in Hangzhou. As one of the “eight greatest cuisines of China,” Hangzhou cuisine emphasizes fresh and sweet flavors. The most well-known dishes in Hangzhou include Longjing shrimp (fried shrimp with tealeaves), West Lake vinegar fish (steamed fish with vinegar) and beggar’s chicken (chicken roasted in mud).

    Transport: Fly to Hangzhou from Shenzhen airport.

    Wuxi,

    Jiangsu Province

    ALSO located in Jiangsu Province, Wuxi is about 128 kilometers away from Shanghai. Because of its pleasantly warm and moist climate, it boasts a reputation as the “land of fish and rice.”

    Lying on the nearby Yangtze River and ancient Grand Canal, it was a port city with the busiest rice and cloth market in China before the 19th century and was known as “the pearl of Taihu Lake.”

    Taihu Lake, the third-largest freshwater lake in China, is believed to be the soul of the natural scenery and cultural relics in Wuxi. Around the lake, you will find numerous resorts, gardens and scenic areas mirroring the beauty of the city. In the northwest bank of Taihu Lake, Yuantouzhu Scenic Area is the best place to take in the beauty of Taihu Lake. It not only displays fantastic far-stretching mists, waves and continuous rolling hills, but also houses an exquisite water garden with a delicate layout and decorations.

    To the east of the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, the Li Garden features many rock gardens and formations created with rocks from Taihu Lake, while on the northern bank of the lake, the Plum Garden Scenic Area transports you to a charming world of plum blossoms and historic places.

    Transport: Fly to Wuxi from Shenzhen airport. (Wang Yuanyuan)