Xitang Ancient Town Travel Guide for Food

 If you are traveling to Xitang, don't forget to taste the local food. Now in the third generation, the business has been expanded and Grammy Guan’s Stinky Tofu becomes a registered trademark. That is why you will see several restaurants and food stalls hanging the sign of Grammy Guan’s Stinky Tofu in the town of Xitang. They are all authentic even though they are joined businesses. The only one shop owned by Grammy Guan’s grandson is located at Shiban Road no. 92.

The Qian’s Beancurd Jelly (Qian Shi Dou Fu Hua)
At the intersection between Yanyuchanglang and Yongning Bridge top China tours, there is a small stall selling beancurd jelly, which is their specialty. They sell fried bread stick and green bean noodle as well. The beancurd is famous for its smoothness. The beancurd jelly can be consumed with either srupy or soya sauce. If you don’t state beforehand, the jelly will be served salty. You may also add other condiments such as vintage and chili for your liking.

Baked Roll with Dried Vegetable (Mei Gan Cai Shao Bing)
In a very small shop owned by a humble old man, there is a delicious snack called the baked roll with dried vegetable. The rolls are baked in a Chinese old-fashion stove. The freshly baked rolls are crispy and savory yet not greasy. Everyday there are tourists lining up in front of the shop to buy the baked roll. Many of them are returned customers. One roll costs five Yuan. It is very big. The shop is not so easy to find. It is under the Songzilaifeng Bridge.

The Lu’s Wonton (Lu Shi Hun Tun)
The wonton is with thin layer wrapping little meat ball suitable for one bite each. The comments vary: some say it is good some say it is not living up to its reputation. Most importantly the size of the wonton is not generous. The restaurant is located at Youdian Xi Road, Weitang Town popular China tour package. 

Meng Li Shui Xiang Restaurant
It is a nice place for authentic local dish. The lotus leaf chicken is their specialty. The savor of the lotus leaf is soaked into the chicken meat. The stew time for the chicken is perfect as it is thick in taste but remains soft. Steamed baishui fish is also very good. Baishui fish is an expensive kind in freshwater fish. The restaurant has fancy interior. The owner of the restaurant is also one of the cook. The place is located at the west entrance (Xi Men) of the ancient town.

Fermented Glutinous Rice Ball Soup (Jiu Niang Wan Zi)
Near the Huanxiu Bridge, there is a shop selling the best fermented glutinous rice ball soup. Cold rice ball soup is suitable snack in the summer while the hot rice ball soup is perfect for winter.

Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

The garden of peace
The famous Yuyuan garden in Shanghai lives up to its literal meaning - that is garden of contentment or peace. Visiting the extensive garden located in the north east of the equally intriguing City God Temple should give any visitor a lot of contentment.

The garden is believed to have been constructed by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan. The garden was meant to give Pan's parents a place for enjoyment of peace and tranquility especially in their old age. It has however undergone many changes in the four hundred years it has been in existence. It for instance became dilapidated after the downfall of the Ming dynasty.

It also fell into private hands at some point, and was also severely damaged during the opium war. The garden as seen to date is a product of restoration efforts that started in 1956. The five acre Yuyuan garden has six main points of interest i.e. the Sansui Hall, Yuhua Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Huijing Hall, Dianchun Hall, and the Inner Garden which have several scenic spots. Notably, on entering the garden, one is presented with a rockery, the Great Rockery, that stands about fifty feet high. You can get on top of this and get a bird’s eye view of the entire garden. At the foot of the rockery is the Cuixiu Hall surrounded by beautiful plants.

All the other scenic areas or interesting items in the garden have a story or myth attached to them with the most of them shrouded in mystery. Take for instance the Exquisite Jade Rock, which is rumored to have been meant for the imperial palace but was salvaged after the boat sank in Shanghai.

Perhaps, it is these rumors and mystery that make the rock to be the “true treasure of Yuyuan garden.” Yuyuan Garden was established first at Ming dynasty by the mandarin called Pan yunduan who was the Sichuan governor and expanded greatly. Yuyuan Garden was been considered as best garden in the south east China. He enjoyed the history more than 400 years from the first establishment by yunduan who brought happiness & pleasure to his relatives and parents.

It then became headquarters of a dagger association and sword group uprising (uprising at 1853 led by dagger association, secret organization, against foreign imperialists at Shanghai & Xiamen of the Fujian province). Now huge number of home-made coins, weapons, and announcements that were used by dagger association are in display at spring hall of this garden. The big scale restoration of Yuyuan garden was been conducted after establishment of prc & was opened to public formally at 1961.

What you can see
Sansui Hall Named originally "leshou hall", sansui hall was made with 5 commodious rooms at qing dynasty for treating & entertaining their guests. Grand Rockery Grand rockery, made by Zhang nanyan, celebrated rockery artist at Ming dynasty, can be seen as a best treasure of Yu garden and best rockery of south China. Jade Rock Exquisite Jade Rock at Yuhua hall is the 3 known rocks of China. Other two are Suzhou & "Zhouyun Rock" at Hangzhou flower nursery and "Ruiyun Rock" at Liu garden.

Top Attractions in Shanghai

Shanghai is a beautiful city in China which is also a top-notch destination for holidays. Travelers from all round the world visit this luxurious city during the holidays so that gain some cherishing moments enjoyed with their loved ones.

This metro-polis, energetic and vigorous city welcomes individuals from all round the world. This city is a place of rich cultural history and there is much more which can be explored by the visitors.

The panoramic views of the landscapes, rich historical building, eye catching architecture and golden sandy beaches offer a lot to the travelers. In this article, we are going to discuss some Shanghai attractions which are worth a visit.

Yuyuan Garden

This beautiful garden holds historic importance in the city and is one of the largest gardens located in the city of Shanghai. The garden is amazingly designed in Qing and Ming architectural styles. The garden is divided into six different areas each of which has its own look and charm. The centre portion of the garden also known as the Grand Rockery is the most appealing portion of this garden. The surroundings of the garden are beautifully decorated with a city temple and shops.

Jade Buddha Temple

This Temple was established in the nineteenth century when White Jade Budhdhas were brought to this place from Burma. Among the various Shanghai attractions, this Buddhist shrine is very popular. The jade Buddhas are placed in different positions. One is placed in a recumbent position while the other is seated. You can also see the images of the heavenly kings on the walls of the temple. Generally,most of the visitors are attracted towards this temple.

Shanghai Bund

This beautifully designed waterfront also called as the Bund is a must to visit place. This place is surrounded by various buildings which are designed in diverse architectural styles. These include Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, Classicism and the Romanesque. Examine the creativity and architectural skills of the resident of this place by visiting this place.

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is a place where you can find various artifacts and other remains reflecting the history of this place. The people interested in the history of this place can get to know more by visiting this museum.A guided trip across this museum can be the best way to know more about the rich history of China.

Shanghai City Beach

Located at the northern banks of the Hangzhou Bay, this stunning Jinshan Beach is the best place to relax and enjoy water activities. This place is the best place for having ultimate enjoyment. This place offers a perfect blend of beautiful landscapes, golden sandy beaches and blue waters. The visitors can either enjoy a sun bath on the golden sands or enjoy swimming or enjoy some water activities. You can really have lots of fun here.

So,these are some of the most popular Shanghai attractions which should be visited by you during your trip to this amazingly beautiful place. You can also experience dining in some of the themed restaurants and taste the delicious cuisine of this place. This place offers an ultimate fun and you can make your trip an everlasting one by visiting this place.

Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou

The Suzhou travel from shanghai is irresistible. Suzhou is an ancient city with a history stretching over 2,500 years. Efforts have been made over time to retain the uniqueness of the city and it remains a good show of its long and intriguing history. 

About Suzhou

The city has a mild climate that makes it a nice place to be all year long. The city is in the Yangtze Delta, west of Shanghai. It has one of the largest fresh water lakes in China and several scenic spots. The Suzhou travel from shanghai might also be inspired by the fact that the city is the cradle of Wu Culture. This means that the city is important in Chinese cultural history.

As one of the famous tourist cities, Suzhou has improved greatly in terms of facilities and services. There is however no international airport in the area making the journey a little more tricky. Hongqiao Airport is 86 kilometers away from the city. You can however simply walk to the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and take a bullet train to get to Suzhou a journey that hardly lasts 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can also go to the Hongqiao West Traffic Center that offers bus services to the city.  

The city of Suzhou has world class hotels with excellent services. There are also economical options for those that need them. Either way, do not miss out on the wide variety of tasty local dishes. Authentic local cuisines and snacks can easily be found alongside Guanqian Street. On this street the people are kind and the service is simply great. When night falls, the city is quiet and peaceful. You can enjoy it while sipping a cup of tea in any teahouse. Therefore Suzhoutravel from Shanghai is a great experience that anyone visiting Shanghai must not miss.

Attractions To Look at in Suzhou

Suzhou enjoys huge fame internationally for the elegant gardens. The small private gardens and delicate layouts, the decorations scatter all over the city. Most beautiful & popular ones comprise of Humble Administrator's Garden, Garden of the Master of Nets, Lion Grove, Lingering Garden or more. While in Suzhou, the travelers might consider visiting other sights except city's garden architecture - Suzhou Silk Museum, Hanshan Temple and Panmen Gate, are the good selections.

Accommodations in Suzhou

Being the famous tourist cities of China, Suzhou is very proud of the hotels, the luxurious accommodations as well as budget hostels that are scattering all over the place around this city. It’s generally simple to find one. Please get advised not all hotels will accommodate the foreign visitors. Try and stay in the nice one and avoid any trouble that might ruin your tour.

Food of Suzhou

Suzhou can be the paradise for gourmets and Suzhou cuisine features sweetness in the taste with seasonal and fresh vegetables as the raw materials. Vegetable & fish dishes of this region are famous and famous restaurants includes Deyuelou restaurant, Songhelou restaurant, Wanjiadenghuo restaurant, Nankai restaurant, and many more to look at. 

Victoria Cruises Ships

My first trip on the Yangtze River was aboard a Victoria cruise ship. It was the Victoria Jenna, which was the biggest and newest ship of the fleet. Being a very meticulous planner, it took me weeks to research about the company and its fleet before making a decision. I have to tell you, I was never wrong about the choice I made. That was probably the reason why I went back for a second and third cruise.

About The Victoria Cruise Line
Before I’ll tell you about my experience on the Jenna, let me do a quick introduction about the Victoria cruise lines in general.
Victoria is an international cruise line, and is the only American managed one that provides cruise services in the Yangtze. Unlike local boat services, the Victoria implements Western standards and employs cruise directors who speak English, German and Indonesian.
As a luxury liner, passengers get internet access on all ships as well as international television channels in all cabins. Some of the vessels are older than the others, but they were recently refurbished to keep up with its newer vessels.

They Victoria Cruise line consists of eight vessels, varying in size and capacity. These are the:
-          Victoria Anna
-          Victoria Empress
-          Victoria Jenna
-          Victoria Katarina
-          Victoria Lianna
-          Victoria Prince
-          Victoria Rose
-          Victoria Selina
Victoria Jenna: Our Cruise Ship Of Choice
We spent four days and three nights on the Victoria Jenna, which was inaugurated back in 2009. It was the largest and newest ship on the fleet and consisted of five passenger decks, almost two hundred cabins and had a total passenger capacity of three-hundred seventy eight people. The Jenna is so huge that it is almost 50% bigger than the Anna, which is the second biggest ship on the Victoria cruise fleet.

Accommodations
We booked a superior cabin, which was very clean and furnished with two beds, a 26-inch flat screen television, in-room safe, refrigerator, and a private bathroom. I loved the fact that our room was facing outwards (as all the cabins are) and had a huge picture window that allowed us to enjoy the view of the river even while we were inside the room.

At around 225 square feet, we had our own little space along the Yangtze River. Sure, the cabin wasn’t that huge, but it was good enough to provide us with plenty of comfort and privacy during the cruise.

The vessel also had executive, deluxe and Shangri-la suites which were larger (and more expensive). Suite passengers had access to an executive deck which had concierge service, as well as complimentary dining to the ship’s alternative restaurant, the VIP club. While the extra space and other added benefits, I didn’t think we would need those, but if you’re willing to spend a little more for some added luxury, I’d definitely recommend any of the suites because you would definitely get what you pay for.

Dining Options
There were two dining options in the Victoria Jenna. The main dining room was huge – and we were assigned a specific table for the duration of the trip. Breakfast was buffet style, and we had the usually Western breakfast options as well as Chinese fare like noodles. Lunch meals were more Chinese than usual, but there were salads and cold cuts, too. Dinner on the other hand involved multiple courses, which were either also Western on Chinese. It’s a good idea to mix and match or try out different meals as you can – all of them are prepared by well trained chefs! One of our table companions was diabetic, and she had special meals served for her.
Downstream Itinerary

Our trip was downstream, boarding at Chongqing on Sunday and arriving at Yichang on Wednesday.

Day One – We boarded the ship at 7:00 PM, and the rest of the night was spent cruising on the river. They did not serve meals, so I suggest you have dinner earlier in Chongqing.

Day Two – After breakfast, we docked at Fengdu Ghost City for a shore excursion. They say that Fengdu is the home of the devil, so the place is eerie and mysterious with its empty streets and deserted structures. After boarding, we spent the rest of the day cruising on the river and seeing river-side sights such as the Three Gorges of Yangtze.

Day Three - After breakfast, we had another shore excursion on Shennong Stream. This stream is a tributary of the Yangtze. While it is smaller, the stream is known for its crystal clear waters, deep gorges, karsts formations and hanging coffins. We had to go off the Victoria cruise liner and ride smaller “peapod” boats, which are steered by several boatmen. Apart from the crowd, the waters are very peaceful and serene.

Day Four – We had a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam site, which we were able to see up close from the river, and also from the top of the dam. We eventually arrived in Yichang a little close to lunch time.

My Thoughts On Other Victoria Cruise Ships
While the Victoria Jenna is the newest and biggest, I have seen great reviews about other Victoria Cruise ships as well. Some friends say that the rooms, amenities and accommodations were comparable. It is also good to note that the ships have a gym, library, massage room, beauty salon and gift shop.

The reason why we chose this ship was not really because of its size or because it was new, it was also due to the fact that we were arriving in Chongqing on a Sunday, and that was the ship that left Chongqing on a Sunday, too.

That said, I do not just recommend the Victoria Jenna, but any other ship from their line. Mind you, the cost is a bit steep in comparison to local service providers, but if you are willing to pay for good service, great amenities, clean accommodations and good food, don’t think twice about it. 

Trip to Shanghai

Lying at the mouth of the Yangtze River is the majestic city of Shanghai.  A leader in the world of commerce, art, media, and fashion, this is one of the most well-known cities in China. For centuries a major administrative, shipping, and trading town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to European recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. The city was one of several opened to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the First Opium War and the subsequent 1842 Treaty of Nanking which allowed the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement. The city then flourished as a center of commerce between east and west, and became the undisputed financial hub of the Asia Pacific in the 1930s. The Chinese reforms of the ‘90s reinforced the role of Shanghai in terms of commerce and finance.

Many cruises on the Yangtze end at Shanghai as it empties into the East China Sea. This city is a perfect example of the boom undergone in China over the past 20 years, mixed with an ancient splendor dating back millennia. When in this beautiful city, here are some attractions you should be sure to visit:

·         The Bund:  This is a waterfront area in central Shanghai. The area centers on a section of Zhongshan Road within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, facing Pudong, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. The beautiful monuments and beautiful buildings will certainly make an impression on any visitor.

·         City God Temple: This is a temple located in Shanghai, China, within the old walled city. Today the "City God Temple" not only refers to the large temple complex, but also the traditional district of commerce in the city, surrounding the temple. There are over a hundred stores and shops in this area, and most of these store buildings are nearly a century old. The temple connects to the Yuyuan Garden, another landmark of the old city. Built in 1403 during the Ming Dynasty, this walled city is a perfect example of classic Chinese architecture.

·         Yu Garden: Yu Garden was first conceived in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a comfort for his father, the minister Pan En, in his old age. Pan Yunduan began the project after failing one of the imperial exams, but his appointment as governor of Sichuan postponed construction for nearly twenty years until 1577. The garden was the largest and most prestigious of its era in Shanghai. This garden was damaged in 1942 by the Japanese, but rebuilt after World War II. It was declared a national monument in 1982.

·         Nanjing Road: Over 600 businesses on the road offer countless famous brands, superior quality, and new fashions. KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and other world-famous food vendors line both sides of the street. Upscale stores include Tiffany, Mont Blanc, and Dunhill. In addition, approximately a hundred traditional stores and specialty shops still provide choice silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool, and clocks. Open-air bars, abstract sculptures, and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance evening strolls. Flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and decorate the night skyline of this lively city.

·         Xin Tiang Di: It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture style. Xin Tian Di is unique because of its concept of construction. It retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai. On the other hand, its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. When you walk into it, you will get the taste of both Shanghai in the 1920's and the sonic modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century.

·         Shanghai Museum: Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Its style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land.  The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The eleven Galleries cover most of the major categories of Chinese art: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals, and Minority Nationalities.

·         Jade Buddha Temple:  In the western part of Shanghai, a very modern and flourishing city, there is a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple. In 1882, an old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928. It was named the Jade Buddha Temple.

·         Qibao Ancient Town: As the only ancient town forming part of greater Shanghai, with a history spanning over one thousand years, Qibao is more than just a living fossil of ancient Chinese conurbation and urban planning. The town was built in Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126) and grew into a prosperous business center during Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911).

·         Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town well-known throughout the country, with a history of more than 1700 years. Covering an area of 47 square kilometers, the little fan-shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the landscape of lakes and mountains. Endowed with another elegant name - 'Pearl Stream' - the little town is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai.

This city offers much for the tourist to see and experience. Cruises on the Yangtze River end at this wonderful city to show the majesty of modern China mixed with its impressive history. No trip to China and no cruise on the Yangtze would be complete without basking in this city’s glory.

Mudu Ancient Water Town

Being reputed to be the paradise on earth, Suzhou is one of the greatest residences for human. But I believe that Mudu Ancient Water Town, which located in the west of Suzhou City, is actually the highlight of Suzhou. It has a history of more than 2500 years, and it has been served as a witness of the War between Wu State and Yue State (this two states are both located around the area of Suzhou during the years around BC 221).

There is a legend for this water town. Xi Shi, the most beautiful lady in the Yue State, was presented as a spy by the King of Yue to the King of Wu in the purpose of winning the war. Captivated by the beauty of Xi Shi, the King of Wu overused the labor and prosperity of his state to build lots of palaces. A great amount of wood was delivered into Wu State, making the river blocked by wood, and the place where the river was blocked is Mudu Watertown, and that's why Mudu got its name, meaning "blocked by wood".

You can now easily plan a Suzhou tours from Shanghai. After a busy trip in Shanghai, you may now have a rest in this Chinese classic garden city, Suzhou. It is called the paradise of China in Chinese saying. Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens. Beautiful shape in different cultures of the gardens will give you a highlights of the Shanghai and Suzhou trip.