One of the cities on the Grand Canal, Suzhou is often seen as a day trip from Shanghai (it's two hours by train). Suzhou is best known for its Chinese gardens dating from the 11th century. Each is intended to represent an idealized model of the natural world. For instance, the rocks of one garden represent mountains; the ponds of another symbolize oceans. Some of the gardens are quite small, but others, like the paradoxically named Garden of the Humble Administrator, are grand, spacious parks.

Our favorites are the Lion Garden and the Master of Nets (Fisherman's) Garden. If you're going on a day trip from Shanghai, you'll have to rush to try to see them all in one day, so we recommend one night in Suzhou. 350 mi/565 km southeast of Beijing.