After pickup from your central Shanghai hotel, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Zhujiajiao, on the city’s western outskirts.
On route, hear about Zhujiajiao’s 1,700-year-old history. Learn how, like other Chinese water towns, it developed around the trading routes of waterways and man-made canals along which goods were ferried from house to house.
After about an hour, arrive in Zhujiajiao, and take a walking tour of the fan-shaped old town, with its pretty canalside streets and Ming- and Qing-era architecture. Admire the old-time buildings and courtyards along the willow-shaded waterfronts, and take photos of the ornamental bridges. See landmarks including the Qing-period post office and opera house, as well as highlights like the Shanghai Handicrafts Exhibition Hall and art gallery.
Next, return to central Shanghai, and visit the Jiangnan Silk Museum. Discover how silk is made, and perhaps purchase some pieces of China’s ‘soft gold,' such as bedding and fashions.
Then, continue to the city’s Huangpu River and board a comfortable sightseeing boat for an evening cruise. Soak in the views of The Bund and Pudong’s skyscrapers, all beautifully illuminated against the darkness, as you savor a delicious onboard buffet dinner.
Finally, disembark and conclude with a hotel drop-off.
