Places to visit in Eastern China

Shanghai

One of the world’s largest seaports and an industrial and commercial city

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Hangzhou

Located in the northern part of the province on the north bank of the Qiantang

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Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in southern Jiangsu province, referred to as the “Venice of the East,”

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Nanjing

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is located an hour away from Shanghai 

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Wuxi

Present-day Wuxi is the one of the greatest silk-reeling centres in China. 

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Fuzhou

Known for its sweet dishes, close to the coast, they specialize in seafood

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Xiamen

Coastal city with European architecture, and sandy beaches

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Eastern China

Eastern China is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a vibrant region for tourists. Here’s a detailed overview of eight key tourist attractions, including their highlights, populations, what they’re famous for, the best times to visit, activities for tourists, and transportation options.

 

1. Shanghai

  • Population: Approximately 24 million.
  • Famous For: A global financial hub known for its modern skyline and historical sites.
  • Best Time to Visit: March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn).
  • Highlights:
    • The Bund: A famous waterfront area lined with colonial-era buildings.
    • Shanghai Tower: The tallest building in China with an observation deck offering panoramic views.
    • Yu Garden: A classical Chinese garden with beautiful landscaping.
  • What Tourists Do: Sightseeing, shopping in Nanjing Road, enjoying local cuisine, and visiting museums.
  • How to Get There: Shanghai is accessible by high-speed trains, domestic flights, and an extensive metro system. Major airports include Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

2. Hangzhou

  • Population: Approximately 10 million.
  • Famous For: West Lake and its stunning natural beauty, along with rich tea culture.
  • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.
  • Highlights:
    • West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque landscapes.
    • Lingyin Temple: A significant Buddhist temple with ancient architecture.
    • Tea Plantations: Famous for Longjing (Dragon Well) tea.
  • What Tourists Do: Boating on West Lake, visiting tea farms, exploring ancient temples, and enjoying local snacks.
  • How to Get There: Hangzhou can be reached by high-speed train from Shanghai, bus, or domestic flights to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.

3. Suzhou

  • Population: Approximately 10 million.
  • Famous For: Classical gardens, silk production, and ancient water towns.
  • Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
  • Highlights:
    • Humble Administrator’s Garden: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite landscaping.
    • Lingering Garden: Renowned for its beautiful design and architecture.
    • Suzhou Silk Museum: Offers insights into the history of silk production.
  • What Tourists Do: Visiting gardens, shopping for silk, and taking boat rides in the ancient water towns like Zhouzhuang.
  • How to Get There: Suzhou is easily accessible by high-speed train from Shanghai, and it also has bus services and a nearby airport, Suzhou Guangfu Airport.

4. Nanjing

  • Population: Approximately 8 million.
  • Famous For: Its historical significance as an ancient capital and rich cultural heritage.
  • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.
  • Highlights:
    • Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall: Commemorates the victims of the Nanjing Massacre.
    • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A significant site honoring the founder of modern China.
    • Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge: A historic bridge with stunning views of the river.
  • What Tourists Do: Exploring historical sites, visiting museums, and enjoying local cuisine.
  • How to Get There: Nanjing is well-connected by high-speed trains from major cities like Shanghai, and it has an international airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport.

5. Wuxi

  • Population: Approximately 6 million.
  • Famous For: Taihu Lake, traditional gardens, and silk production.
  • Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
  • Highlights:
    • Taihu Lake: A large freshwater lake known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.
    • Liyuan Garden: A traditional garden famous for its picturesque scenery.
    • Nanchan Temple: A historic temple complex with a rich cultural heritage.
  • What Tourists Do: Boating on Taihu Lake, exploring gardens, and enjoying local dishes.
  • How to Get There: Wuxi can be reached by high-speed train from Shanghai, and it has a nearby airport, Wuxi Sunan International Airport.

6. Fuzhou

  • Population: Approximately 7 million.
  • Famous For: Cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, and historical temples.
  • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.
  • Highlights:
    • West Lake Park: A scenic area with beautiful gardens and pavilions.
    • Three Lanes and Seven Alleys: A well-preserved ancient architectural area.
    • Fuzhou National Forest Park: Offers hiking trails and wildlife watching.
  • What Tourists Do: Visiting temples, tasting local dishes, and enjoying natural scenery.
  • How to Get There: Fuzhou is accessible by train, bus, and flights to Fuzhou Changle International Airport.

7. Xiamen

  • Population: Approximately 4 million.
  • Famous For: Gulangyu Island, coastal scenery, and a vibrant arts scene.
  • Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
  • Highlights:
    • Gulangyu Island: Known for its colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.
    • Nanputuo Temple: A famous Buddhist temple with stunning architecture.
    • Xiamen University: Renowned for its picturesque campus and cultural events.
  • What Tourists Do: Exploring islands, enjoying seafood, and visiting museums.
  • How to Get There: Xiamen is served by high-speed trains and domestic flights to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

Eastern China is a region filled with diverse experiences, from bustling urban centers to serene natural landscapes. The best times to visit generally align with spring and autumn when the weather is most pleasant. Each city offers unique attractions and activities, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.