9am: Jing’an Temple 静安寺 (30mins)
Starting the day with a visit to one of the most famous temples in Shanghai. The Jing’an Temple is named after its location at Jing’an district. The temple was first built in 247AD in the Wu Kingdom, during the Three Kingdoms period of ancient China; and originally located beside the Wusong River. It relocated to its current location in 1216, during the Song Dynasty. It was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), it was turned into a plastic factory. It was returned to its original purpose only in 1983. The Jing’an Pagoda was added in 2010.
10am: Breakfast at Jian Bing Huang 煎饼黄
Next, we head to Jian Bing Huang for breakfast (grab and go). Jian Bing Huang is one of the best jian bing stores in Shanghai. Jian bing is a Chinese-style crepe filled with items like egg, doughstick, cheese, bacon, beef, sausage, floss, crabstick and vegetables.
10:30pm: to Suzhou (1.5hrs), Suzhou Museum 苏州博物馆, Humble Administrator’s Garden 拙政园 (1.5hrs)
After which, we take the train to Suzhou. Suzhou is known for its canals, bridges and ancient gardens. Some of the famous ones and UNESCO listed include Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden and Master of Nets Garden.
The first location is Suzhou Museum, a museum on ancient Chinese art, ancient Chinese paintings, calligraphy and handicraft. The museum was founded in 1960 and was originally located in the former residence of Li Xiucheng, an important general during the Taiping Rebellion. In 2006, the museum was moved to its present location, a building designed by Suzhou-born Chinese-American Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Pei Ieoh Ming.
The museum is placed between courtyards and Humble Administrator’s Garden. This garden is the largest in Suzhou and started during the Shaoxing period (1131-1162). It has then changed hands many times. It was then taken care by the Chinese government as of 1949 and opened to public. It was restored in 1952 and given the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.
1:30pm: Lunch at Taohua Yuanji 桃花源记
Next, we explore ancient Suzhou located along Pingjiang Road; but first, we have lunch at Taohua Yuanji, located at Pingjiang Road as well. It is a relatively popular and highly rated place that offers amazing and affordable Suzhou cuisine. The size of the dishes here can be quite small, which is great if you will like to try more dishes. Some of the recommended items include Wonton in Chicken Soup (八仙鸡汤馄饨), Old Pingjiang Sauce Chicken Feet (老平江酱鸡爪), Drunken Crabs (醉螃蟹) and Red Bean Paste with Mini Rice Balls (赤豆糊小圆子).
Wonton in Chicken Soup.
Drunken Crabs.
Red Bean Paste with Mini Rice Balls.
2:30pm: Ancient Suzhou at Pingjiang Road - 中国历史文化名街苏州平江路 (3hrs)
On the map of ancient Suzhou city in Song Dynasty, the Pingjiang Road was regarded as the main route. This area is nicknamed as “Venice of the Orient”, a 1.6km historical street of Suzhou from the Song Dynasty, and is still very well-preserved after 800yrs. The main street stretches from Baita East Road (near Suzhou Museum and Humble Administrator’s Garden) to Ganjiang East Road. There are 51 smaller alleys intersecting the street, 18 stone bridges and about 3km of canals within the historic district.
6pm: Dinner at Su Di Ren Jia 苏地人家
Lastly, before we head back to Shanghai, we have dinner at Su Di Ren Jia, another highly rated dining place for Suzhou cuisine. The Mandarin Fish (松鼠桂鱼) and Eggs with Silverfish (银鱼炒蛋) are must-tries, they are iconic Suzhou dishes. Other recommended items include Scallion Oil Mixed Noodles (葱油拌面), Spinach in Special Broth (上汤菠菜) and Mini Balls in Sweet Rice Wine (酒酿圆子).
Mandarin Fish.
Scallion Oil Mixed Noodles.
Spinach in Special Broth.
*Instagram is rarely used in China. Most of the photos will be from Dazhong Dianping (大众点评) instead - a China app where users can share their photos and videos, rate and review food and places.
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