Yangtze River Delta Travel Guide: Explore Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang & Anhui
China is strengthening its transportation network over the next 15 years, shaping a new domestic transport framework that makes weekend trips across city clusters easier than ever. This guide focuses on the eastern Yangtze River Delta (YRD)—a region of vibrant economy, rich culture, and stunning scenery—perfect for a memorable Tomb Sweeping Festival getaway.
Shanghai: Birthplace of the CPC & Symbol of Opening-Up
Shanghai is a pioneer in integrating foreign cultures, fostering a unique "Shanghai-style culture." Since the 1920s, Marxism and communism took root here, making the city one of the birthplaces of the Communist Party of China (CPC). This year (marking a key CPC anniversary), visiting sites like the First, Second, and Fourth CPC National Congress Memorial Halls is a meaningful way to retrace the party's history.
Sihang Warehouse— a memorial to China's 1937 resistance against Japanese aggression—gained renewed popularity after the 2020 blockbuster The Eight Hundred. A visit here offers a powerful glimpse into the nation's heroic past.
As a symbol of China's opening-up, Shanghai boasts iconic landmarks: its stunning skyline, the China Art Museum (formerly the 2010 Shanghai World Expo China Pavilion), and Shanghai Disneyland Resort— a beloved destination for families and children of all ages.
Jiangsu: Classical Gardens & Cradle of Kunqu Opera
"My friend has left the west where the Yellow Crane towers,
For River Town veiled in green willows and red flowers."
This famous Tang Dynasty poem by Li Bai refers to Yangzhou— a city in Jiangsu where the Yangtze River meets the Grand Canal. Historically thriving on the salt trade, Yangzhou is renowned for its elegant gardens (like Slender West Lake and Geyuan Garden) and ancient bridges, all sponsored by wealthy salt merchants of the past.
When it comes to private gardens, Suzhou stands unrivaled. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou— a UNESCO World Heritage Site (added in 1997 and 2000)—reflect Chinese wisdom in miniaturizing natural landscapes. Must-visits include the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, and Master of the Nets Garden.
After exploring the gardens, don't miss a Kunqu Opera performance. Known as the "ancestor of Chinese dramas," Kunqu originated in Kunshan (Suzhou) in the mid-14th century and dominated Chinese theater for centuries. This blend of drama, opera, ballet, and poetry offers deep insight into Chinese artistic traditions.
Zhejiang: West Lake & Ancient Water Towns
The Chinese saying "Above there is heaven; below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou" speaks to the unparalleled beauty of Zhejiang's capital, Hangzhou. West Lake— a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has inspired poets, painters, and garden designers for millennia, with its serene waters, historic relics, and Leifeng Pagoda (tied to the folk tale The Legend of White Snake).
In the triangle formed by Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Shanghai lie charming ancient water towns like Wuzhen and Xitang. With crisscrossing waterways, stone bridges, and traditional wood-brick houses, these towns offer a glimpse into how locals have lived in harmony with water for generations. A boat ride through the canals is the perfect way to soak in their tranquil beauty.
Anhui: Yellow Mountain & Hui-Style Architecture
The Chinese saying "Yellow Mountain puts all other mountains in the shade" captures the reverence for this Anhui landmark. Renowned for its grotesque rocks, ancient twisted pines, and sea of clouds, Yellow Mountain has inspired artists and writers for centuries—even shaping the traditional Chinese landscape painting genre shanshui (mountains and waters). After a day of hiking, relax in the mountain's therapeutic hot springs.
At the foot of Yellow Mountain, the 900-year-old villages of Xidi and Hongcun preserve intact Hui-style architecture— characterized by white walls, black tiles, and intricate carvings. Spending a night here feels like stepping back in time, far from the hustle of cities, surrounded only by natural beauty and ancient charm.
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