Located at the confluence of the Yangtze, Huangpu, and Yunzaobang rivers, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal serves as a gateway for cruise passengers to explore Shanghai, one of the most popular cities in China. As one of the largest terminals in Asia, Wusongkou berths both international liners and smaller China-bound ships.
Ambling along the shore of Tai Hu Lake, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area offers classically beautiful landscapes that epitomize China’s Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze) style. Come cherry-blossom season, the scent of the flowers fills the air and petals dress bridges in carpets of pale pink. It’s one of China’s most impressive displays.
Sun Yat-sen is considered the “Father of Modern China,” and this impressive mausoleum, set in Nanjing’s Purple Mountains, is a memorial to this Chinese revolutionary who overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Visitors can explore the mausoleum and the grounds, where there are several more landmarks, but first, they need to climb almost 400 stairs to reach them.
One of Fuzhou’s most popular scenic locales, Drum Hill—also known as Gushan Mountain—overlooks the Minjiang River, just east of the city center. Known for its distinct rock formations, as well as its viewpoints, walking trails, and the impressive Yongquan Temple (whose history dates back to the 8th century), the hill and surrounding park make for an idyllic nature escape.
The Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hu Qing Yu Tang)—located off Hangzhou’s historic Qinghefang Ancient Street—is a part of Hu Qing Yu Tang, a still functioning pharmacy from the Qing dynasty. Learn about traditional Chinese medicine while appreciating the historic architecture of the 29,000-square-foot (2,700-square-meter) complex.
Daming Lake, continuously fed by natural springs, is one of Jinan’s most defining landmarks. The city’s largest lake, with Lixia Pavilion in its center, is surrounded by willow trees. Over centuries, Daming Lake has been the inspiration for authors, artists, poets, and scholars. Invite inspiration as you wander among temples, pavilions, gardens, and scenic bridges.
Set in a historic urban area in Yangzhou, Slender West Lake is a perfect place for a quiet boat ride with a loved one, or a wander through the manicured gardens along the edges of the narrow lake. The site showcases ancient Chinese style, with stone bridges, pagodas, and pavilions, and was originally part of the moats and canal system dating back to the Qing dynasty.
May Fourth Square (Wu Si Guang Chang) is a large and lively square in Qingdao’s central business district. Flanked by high-rise buildings, government offices, and Fushan Bay, it’s known for the large and striking May Wind sculpture, and is a popular place to enjoy expansive sea and skyline views.
Taishan UNESCO Global Geopark lies a few hours from Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius. Mount Tai—one of China’s five sacred mountains—is worshiped and protected. Renowned for the power of renewal and birth, the peak is studied by scientists due to its geological makeup of ancient rocks, dating back through several ages.
Part of Shanghai Port International, Waigaiqiao is located northeast of Shanghai, and offers berthing for ships too large to navigate past the low bridges on Huangpu River. A cosmopolitan and dynamic city, Shanghai is one of the most popular cities in China to visit and is a highlight of any cruise in the region.
When Shanghai’s Lupu Bridge was completed in 2003, it was the world’s longest spanning steel arch bridge. The bridge with a total length of 12,795 feet (3,900 meters) and a main span of 1,805 feet (550 meters) takes its name from the two districts that it connects, Luwan and Pudong, and it extends across the Huangpu River.
There are around 72 natural springs in Jinan, but Baotu Spring holds the prize for being the top one—that is, according to Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty—and it is still one of the most visited and impressive sites in town today. There are three bubbling springs, plus several pavilions, gardens, and memorial halls to explore.
Conveniently located only 30 minutes from downtown Shanghai, Jinjiang Action Park offers a great alternative to city sightseeing. With more than 40 rides encompassing roller coasters, flywheels, water rides, bumper rides, a 4D cinema, an arcade, and the tallest Ferris wheel in the city, the park promises a day of family fun.
Located on the site of the Shanghai Expo 2010 in Puxi, the World Expo Museum is the only official museum in the world entirely dedicated to World Expos. Eight permanent exhibition halls showcase around 3,000 objects related to the expos, including their history, impact, and future.
Step back in time to the Ming and Qing dynasties when you walk along Yangzhou Dongguan Street. The slate-lined street, dotted with red lanterns outside quaint shops and cafés, has a museum to explore, plus old merchant homes and courtyards to photograph. Along with admiring the little lanes and ancient gates, it’s also just fun to people-watch.
At the northwest corner of West Lake and at the foot of Jade Spring Hill, Hangzhou Botanical Garden’s 568 acres (230 hectares) offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hangzhou. In addition to its extensive collection of flowers, plants, and trees, visitors can also enjoy a number of ponds, pavilions, and promenades.
At the northwest corner of West Lake lies Solitary Hill (Gu Shan), the largest and only natural island in West Lake, covering an area of almost 50 acres (20 hectares) and rising to a height of 125 feet (38 meters). Beautifully landscaped and full of scenic and historical spots, Solitary Hill is a great place to appreciate both nature and history.
One of Fuzhou’s major tourist attractions, West Lake Park (Xihu Gongyuan) is a classical Chinese garden with 1,700 years of history. Covering 104 acres (42 hectares), the park is a tranquil escape for busy sightseers. It features lakefront scenery; several small islets; peaceful walking trails; and a handful of cultural attractions, including a museum and a temple.
The nine-story Pavilion of Prince Teng was originally built in the Tang dynasty, so it’s seen its fair share of history. Set in Nanchang, the structure is famous for its height, large size, and architectural style, which is actually related to the Song Dynasty. Inside there are bronzes, musical instruments, and other extravagant gifts given to Prince Teng.
A tiny islet linked to mainland Qingdao by a road bridge, leafy Little Qingdao (Xiao Qingdao or Qin Island) is a popular spot for a stroll and offers great views back towards the city. Highlights include a German-built lighthouse from 1900, a World War II Japanese torpedo dump, and a statue of a lady with a zither (qin).
