China Travel Guide - East China

Author: Xu Junfeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-11-01
Features: "A land of lush mountains and clear waters, a kingdom of historical relics, and a gathering place of renowned figures." Shaoxing has been celebrated by generations for this fame. Many ancient scholars and literati, such as Sima Qian and Cai Yong from the Han Dynasty, Li Bai, Du Fu, and Yuan Zhen from the Tang Dynasty, once visited here. They climbed mountains, gazed at waters, and expressed their sentiments, leaving behind numerous poems and writings praising the beauty of Yue. Today, Shaoxing, this renowned tourist destination, has gained international acclaim.
Nanjing, this ancient city, boasts both natural landscapes and historical treasures. Its urban greening ranks first in the country, making it a garden-like city that combines both ancient and modern civilizations. Today, Nanjing is not only the political, economic, and cultural center of Jiangsu Province but also one of the most important transportation and communication hubs in East China. It is a major international commercial port in the Yangtze River Delta, second only to Shanghai.
The tourism resources of Wuxi lie in Taihu Lake. Taihu Lake is China's third-largest freshwater lake, covering an area of 2,425 square kilometers and containing 48 islands of various sizes. Together with the peninsulas and mountain peaks along the lake, there are a total of 72 peaks. Taihu Lake spans Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, and as a tourist destination, its most exquisite part lies in Wuxi.
Suzhou, renowned for its "paradise on earth, second only to Suzhou and Hangzhou," is located in the Yangtze River Delta plain in southeastern Jiangsu Province. It borders Shanghai to the east, Zhejiang to the south, Taihu Lake to the west, and the Yangtze River to the north. Suzhou is home to 69 classical gardens, including the famous Master of the Nets Garden, Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, and Hua Mulan Villa. These gardens are hidden yet accessible, serving as retreats from the hustle and bustle of the world. They blend the philosophies of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, using mountains, water, flowers, trees, and architecture to recreate miniature landscapes of nature, imbuing them with rich cultural significance. The art of Suzhou gardens fully represents the intelligence of the Chinese people, with its craftsmanship reaching unparalleled heights in the world.
Hangzhou has long been celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and is known as the "paradise on earth." It boasts the famous West Lake and two closely connected national scenic areas—Fuchun River–Xin'an River (Thousand Island Lake)—as well as other renowned attractions such as the Qianchao Tidal Bore, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and the Xitian Mountain National Nature Reserve. It is also adjacent to the world-famous mountain scenic area Huangshan and the historic city of Shaoxing, connecting with other famous tourist destinations such as Putuo Mountain, Ningbo, Fenghua Xikou, Yandang Mountain, and Mount Tai. It has become an ideal place for leisure and a transit hub for sightseeing. In recent years, the phrase "people flow endlessly along the mountain paths" has become a reality, with domestic tourists numbering in the hundreds of thousands annually, and international tourists in the thousands. The trend shows this number is still increasing year by year.
As a historic and cultural city and a tourist destination, many of Shaoxing's landmarks are being meticulously restored to preserve their original charm and appearance. Several important historical sites and relics are being gradually repaired. As a key city in the Shanghai Economic Zone, its tourism and economic development are rapidly advancing. Under the bright sunlight, the scenery of Jishan and Jingfen is exceptionally beautiful. This water town, with its rich and lovely ancient city and the warm hospitality of the Yue people, is truly a desirable tourist destination.
Zhoushan has become a major pillar industry of the city, known for its "paradise of the sea and the Buddha, marine culture, seafood cuisine, and coastal leisure." The island tourism of Zhoushan combines Buddhist pilgrimage, mountain and sea sightseeing, seafood dining, coastal sports, environmental therapy, leisure and vacation, and business conferences. With its superior geographical location, abundant tourism resources, well-equipped reception facilities, convenient transportation, and hospitable customs, it attracts nearly 6 million domestic and international tourists annually, with an annual growth rate of 15%. This has made it one of the most richly endowed tourism regions in East China, a focal point of China's marine tourism on islands, and a renowned coastal tourist destination in eastern China.
Shanghai tourism can be summarized in two words: "metropolitan." It includes "metropolitan scenery," "metropolitan culture," and "metropolitan commerce," forming a city sightseeing, business, and shopping tourism circle centered around People's Square and both sides of the Huangpu River; a metropolitan cultural tourism circle around public activity centers and communities; and a suburban leisure and vacation tourism circle focused on Mount She, Dianshan Lake, the deep-water port, and Chongming Island.