Exploring the Natural Wonders of Zhejiang Province, Shanghai, Suzhou, Fuzhou, and Nanjing

1. Day 1: West Lake, Hangzhou
   1 hour 30 minutes (105 km) from Shanghai

   Start the day with a boat ride on West Lake while enjoying the scenic view of the surrounding hills. Visit Gu Shan, a small island with beautiful gardens and temples. In the afternoon, hike up Solitary Hill and explore the Leifeng Pagoda.

2. Day 2: Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou
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   30 minutes (13 km) from West Lake

   Explore the natural beauty of Xixi National Wetland Park with a boat ride through the canals and a walk on the boardwalks. In the afternoon, visit the Longjing Tea Plantations and learn about the local tea culture.

3. Day 3: Mount Huangshan, Huangshan City
   4 hours (350 km) from Hangzhou

   Rise early for a breathtaking sunrise at Mount Huangshan, known as the Yellow Mountains. Spend the day hiking through the misty peaks and admiring the unique rock formations. Stay in a mountain lodge to experience the serene atmosphere of the mountain at night.

4. Day 4: Tianmushan National Nature Reserve, Lin'an City
   4 hours (250 km) from Mount Huangshan

   Visit Tianmushan National Nature Reserve, home to countless species of flora and fauna. Take a hike to the top of Tianmu Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Buddhist temple of Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and wealthiest temples in China.

5. Day 5: Qiyun Mountain National Scenic Area, Huangshan City
   4 hours (300 km) from Tianmushan Reserve

   Hike through the lush greenery of Qiyun Mountain, located in Anhui Province and enjoy the amazing views of the valley and waterfalls. Visit the ancient village of Hongcun to learn about traditional Chinese architecture and culture.

6. Day 6: Suzhou Classical Gardens and Canal System, Suzhou
   4 hours (380 km) from Qiyun Mountain

   Explore the beautiful classical gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the ancient art of Chinese garden design. Take a boat ride on the Grand Canal, the longest and oldest canal in the world.

7. Day 7: Purple Mountain, Nanjing
   2 hours (120 km) from Suzhou

   Hike up the scenic Purple Mountain to visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the tomb of the first Ming emperor, and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the tomb of the father of modern China. In the afternoon, explore the Nanjing City Wall, the longest city wall in the world, with stunning views of Nanjing city from the top.

Recommendations

Consider visiting Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient water town located outside of Shanghai. Side trips to Wuzhen Water Town, and Tongli Water Town are also worth considering. To maximize your fun, try different local street foods and attend a Chinese acrobatics show. For more natural attractions, visit Moganshan Mountain and Thousand Island Lake in Zhejiang Province.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Boat ride on West Lake (1 hour, CNY 50)
• Admission to Gu Shan (2 hours, CNY 60)
• Hike up Solitary Hill (2 hours, free)
• Xixi National Wetland Park entrance fee (4 hours, CNY 80)
• Longjing Tea Plantations tour (2 hours, CNY 100)
• Mount Huangshan admission fee (2 days, CNY 230)
• Tianmushan National Nature Reserve entrance fee (4 hours, CNY 100)
• Lingyin Temple admission fee (2 hours, CNY 45)
• Qiyun Mountain National Scenic Area entrance fee (4 hours, CNY 120)
• Hongcun Village admission fee (2 hours, CNY 104)
• Suzhou Classical Gardens admission fee (4 hours, CNY 70)
• Grand Canal boat ride (1 hour, CNY 30)
• Purple Mountain admission fee (4 hours, CNY 70)
• Nanjing City Wall entrance fee (2 hours, CNY 45)
• Total Estimated Costs: CNY 1049 (excluding food and lodging)