You will experience two picturesque towns, Suzhou and Zhouzhuang, each unique in the splendors they reveal. Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze basin, founded in about 600 BC. With its interconnected waterways and beautiful environment, the city is often referred as ?The Venice of the East?. Suzhou was one of the few city's in China to escape the ravages of the cultural revolution and its famous gardens survived almost intact. It is the gardens here, which are the most famous attraction in the city. The gardens embody the harmonious principles of Chinese garden construction which dictate that gardens should attempt to create a microcosm of the universe in a confined space.

Upon arrival in Suzhou, the first stop is Net Master Garden, one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty Gardens in all of China. Then it's on to Silk Embroidery Research Institute, famous for its traditional techniques of double-sided and double-faced embroidery. The Institute is world renowned for its stunning animals, birds, butterflies and flower embroidery. No visit to Suzhou would be complete with a visit to the Ancient City Wall and Grand Canal.

After lunch, it's on to the water town of Zhouzhuang where you'll board a Chinese-style gondola to cruise on the waterways of the city. Zhouzhuang is well known for its beautiful environment and simple architecture, well preserved for over 900 years. The majority of the town's residences were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and nearly 100 classic courtyards and 60 carved-brick archways are still in use. In this water village, locals live life on waterways, still doing everyday activities from washing clothes to shopping from vendors in boats.

Suzhou highlights include:

• Net Master Garden
• Ancient City Wall
• Grand Canal

• Water Village
• Boating on water ways

Which ever nickname you prefer, 'Paris of the Orient' or 'Pearl of China', Shanghai captures the essence of new China, as well as its centuries of history and culture. Your tour begins with classic sights from the Ming and Qing dynasties, when you visit the enchanting Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Old Street. The tour then stops at the Bund on Shanghai's waterfront, a showcase of pre-1949 architecture. Here you'll tour the Museum of Ancient Chinese Art and its collection of more than 120,000 precious and rare works.

After lunch is a drive along the former French Concession District, characterized by beautiful, tree-lined streets and weathered European architecture. You destination is the Arts and Crafts Shop where you'll bargain for all kinds of traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Next you'll visit the Jade Buddha Temple with its priceless collection of jade statues from Burma. Finally, you'll be able to stretch your legs in Shanghai's hottest new entertainment district, Xin Tian Di. The brick buildings on these two-square blocks have been preserved and transformed into trendy clubs, restaurants and boutiques. You will have time on your own here, or can go back to your hotel with the group.

Tour Highlights:

• Bund
• Yuyuan Garden
• Shanghai Old Street
• Shanghai Museum
• Lunch
• Former French Concession District
• Shanghai Arts and Crafts Shop
• Jade Buddha Temple
• Xin Tian Di

This might be the fastest and most fun airport transfer you'll ever experience. Shanghai's magnetic levitation (MagLev) train opened for service in November 2004, and makes the 32 kilometre trip between Pudong Airport (PVG) and downtown Shanghai in only 8 minutes.

You will be met upon arrival at Pudong Airport by a Gray Line representative and accompanied aboard the MagLev. Once you arrive in downtown Shanghai you will be driven to your hotel. Or alternatively for your return transfer you will be met at your hotel in Shanghai, transferred the meet the MagLev train, then accompanied to your departure flight at Pudong Airport.

When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details (Flight numbers and times) and your Shanghai accommodation details (Hotel name and address). Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.

One-way and return trips available. Please select which service you require.