Suzhou and other Towns on The Grand Canal
Between Shanghai and the Yangtze River are a large number of small towns. Rarely visited by tourists, these towns retain the charm and tranquility of bygone days. Romantic stone bridges are a common sight. Tongli, for example, had over fifty and twenty are still in existence, the oldest being built seven hundred years ago during the Song Dynasty.
Outside the towns, traditional country life goes on. As dawn breaks, cockcrows announce the arrival of a new day. Out of the morning mist appear dim figures of farmers heading for the fields.
The famous gardens of Suzhou were originally designed for private residences for landowners, wealthy merchants, noblemen and high dignitaries. Walls, bridges, streams, pavilions, rockeries, trees and plants were set around the living quarters to provide a balanced and serene mini-world. Great skill was required of the landscape gardener to present fresh scenes of great beauty at each aspect, and all within a confined area.
This is a leisurely itinerary, with time for reflection and additional impromptu excursions. It can be operated for individual travellers by private car or by mini-bus or motor coach for groups.
Day 1	Depart Hong Kong by air Arrive Shanghai Met on arrival and drive directly to Suzhou, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. Hotel:
	Afternoon at leisure After dinner at a local restaurant, make an evening tour to the garden of the "Master of the Nets". This small, but exquisite garden has perfectly proportioned buildings of almost lacy delicacy. This effect has been achieved by the fine fretwork craftsmanship applied to the intricate latticework windows. The overall balance of this tiny Garden is of such excellence, a replica was re-constructed for the Paris Expo.
Day 2	After breakfast at the hotel, visit the "Humble Administrator's Garden". Water has been used as a major feature of this garden, using sixty percent of the area. All pavilions and buildings appear as if in a small lake, thus affording many reflections including idyllic bridges and shaded streams.
	Continue to Tiger Hill just outside the city reportedly man-made and the burial site of the thousands who built it centuries ago. Because they knew its secrets, they were silenced forever. Other legends await your discovery. The hill has a lush growth of ancient trees, the roosting spot of thousands of birds. At its summit is an ancient octagonal leaning pagoda.
	The "Lingering Garden", one of the largest in Suzhou. is the next stop. It features a long pavilion with windows opening to the most favoured perspectives of the garden.
	After visiting Hanshou Temple, built in he Sixth Century, continue to the Silk Embroidery Research Institute and a Silk Spinning Factory. Lunch and dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Day 3	After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the small town of Tongli. Surrounded by five lakes it faces Taiku Lake and the Grand Canal. Tongli was built during the Song Dynasty, over l,000 years ago. It is famous for its fifteen islands connected by ancient bridges. Ming-Qing Street features historic buildings, which retain their original style, yet are now retail stores.
Day 4	After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the pier for a 2.5 hour cruise on the Grand Canal to famous Zhou Zhuang village. Nine hundred years old, Zhou Zhuang has preserved many Ming and Qing Dynasty residences with large courtyards. Visit the Shen Ting Chambers, the most impressive ancient structure, and the Twin Bridge, made famous when it featured on a first day cover issued by the United Nations in 1985.
Day 5	Transfer to Shanghai Airport Depart Shanghai by air Arrive Hong Kong
This is a suggested itinerary only, which can be varied to suit individual requirements.