Ningbo, which means "calm waves", is one of China's oldest cities. It boasts the country's earliest extant library building, dating back to the 16th century, and is a busy shipping port for foreign trade, especially textiles, while Shaoxing is known for its water towns and yellow rice liquor.

Huzhou, the only city in China named after the Taihu Lake, is a pioneer in building beautiful countryside attractions, with many boutique hostels. Wenzhou, known in recent decades for its entrepreneurship, is the "land of natural poetry", while Jinhua is famous for its ham, a local specialty.

While a return trip to the co-host cities within a day is possible, it is recommended to set aside at least two days for Shanghai. Spend a day exploring the city's downtown, including the Bund, the skyscrapers in Lujiazui, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum and the city's former French Concession area. The extra day is needed to visit either Shanghai Disney Resort or Zhujiajiao Water Town in the suburbs.

A longer tour can go on to include the cities of Jiangsu, such as Suzhou, Wuxi, Yangzhou and Nanjing, all within an hour on the train from Shanghai.

Suzhou has earned a reputation as a tranquil haven thanks to its intricate gardens, smooth silk and picturesque water towns.