Enjoy a comfortable, short high-speed train ride with a relaxed morning departure. Experience Shanghai at its most authentic during the early morning hours. Watch the city wake up — tai chi practitioners in parks, breakfast vendors firing up their stoves, and commuters beginning their daily routines in the golden light of dawn.

Ride a classic yellow tricycle through quiet old lanes, stepping into timeless Suzhou.

Visit the most celebrated classical garden in Suzhou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with elegant pavilions and peaceful lakes. Delve into China's intangible cultural heritage — from paper-cutting and shadow puppetry to traditional medicine and martial arts. Each craft represents knowledge passed down through generations, surviving wars, revolutions, and modernization.

Drift along historic canals on a traditional hand-rowed boat, passing stone bridges and old riverside houses.

Stroll along the well-preserved ancient city wall overlooking layers of history. Cycle atop Xian's remarkably intact Ming dynasty city wall, the most complete in China. The 14-kilometer rampart offers panoramic views of the ancient capital — watchtowers, bell towers, and the distant pagodas rising above a sea of grey-tiled rooftops.

Savor authentic Suzhou dishes in a classic water-town setting at Pingjiang Road.

Discover Suzhou silk craftsmanship and appreciate the fine art of Su embroidery.

Admire the Gate of the Orient at golden hour and take photos under the giant LED Sky Screen.

Enjoy a delightful dinner as the dazzling Sky Screen lights up the evening sky.

Take the high-speed train back to Shanghai.