Unlike any other city in China, or in all of Asia for that matter, Shanghai is an intoxicating blend of ancient culture and a modern, progressive city. This half-day tour concentrates on the can't-miss highlights that all visitors must experience. You begin with a visit to the Bund, on Shanghai's waterfront. This bustling area boasts impressive, early-20th century architecture and is the heart of Shanghai sightseeing.

Your next segment will be like taking a time machine through the history and architecture of Shanghai. Yuyuan Garden is a classic creation from the Ming Dynasty, and Shanghai Old Street takes you back to the Qing Dynasty. From there you drive through the former French Concession District, green with trees and architecture of a more European-style. Those who have been waiting for a shopping experience, will get their wish with a visit to the Arts and Crafts Shop, with all kinds of traditional arts and crafts, available at bargain prices. Your last stop is Xin Tain Di, a lively new entertainment district. You can stay and enjoy the cafes, restaurants and shops or travel back to your hotel with the group.

Tour Highlights:

• Yuyuan Garden
• Shanghai Old Street
• The Bund
• Shanghai Arts and Crafts Shop
• Xin Tian Di
• Former French Concession District

Located in a suburb of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town that shines like a pearl on the Dianpu River. In fact, Zhujiajiao is sometimes called 'Pearl Stream'. It is famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, ancient bridges, and quaint courtyards. Walking along the zigzag of narrow streets and past the shops in the center of town, you will see how the locals really live as they go about their daily labors, sit in the sun and chat, or play cards with their neighbors. You will also enjoy a leisurely boat ride, taste the local food, or just relax by the river under majestic willow trees.

Seven Treasure Town is another ancient village located outside of Shanghai. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Seven Treasures became a prosperous marketplace, known for its cloth, yarn, carpentry, rice wine and water. The textiles were treasured all over the world, with samples from the era still being displayed at the Great Museum of London. Some of the other sights you'll enjoy on the tour include a unique wedding hall inside the textile mill, a shop producing traditional rice wine, and other trades such as blacksmithing, bamboo craft and fine carpentry.

Highlights:

• Zhujiajiao Water Town
• Boat Ride
• Seven Treasure Town

The picturesque water village of Zhouzhuang is admired for its beautiful landscape 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 feature nearly 100 classic courtyards and 60 carved brick archways. Among the historic temples and scenic bridges, two grand halls stand out. Shen Hall and Zhang Hall are classic examples of the wealth associated with Zhouzhuang during the height of its culture. Your visit will also include a boat ride up and down the scenic waterways of this well-preserved, traditional Chinese water village.

On your trip back to Shanghai, you'll also get a chance to stop and learn about the silk making process, and bargain for clothes, quilts and silk rugs at the Silk Mill.

Highlights:

• Zhouzhuang Water Village
• Double Bridges
• Quan Fu Temple
• Zhang Hall
• Shen Hall
• Boat Ride on Water Ways
• Silk Mill