Over the last 20 years, I have had the opportunity to visit 35 countries, 43 states, and 4 continents. Next month I’ll visit my 36th country as I’ll finally be checking China off my Bucket List! I can’t remember being as excited about an upcoming trip as I am for this one.

Technically, I have been in China before. I had a 1 hour layover at the Beijing airport in 2011. But in adhering to my own rule, I won’t say that I have officially visited a destination unless I use the restroom off of airport property. 

The cities of Suzhou and Nanjing will be hosting me on the trip. Suzhou is known for its beautiful canals and gardens and is known as the “Venice of China.” Nanjing served as the capital city of 10 Chinese dynasties for over 1800 years.

I will be sharing my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the #TravelSuzhou and #GoToNanjing hashtags so be sure to follow along. Here are some highlights from a recent press trip itinerary that I hope to experience in each city. 

Shanghai

• Visit Yu Garden and bazaar
• Visit Shanghai Museum
• Bullet Train to Suzhou

Suzhou

• Tia Chi exercise lesson in a public park
• Humble Administrator’s Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Visit Suzhou Museum
• Tour Pinging Road by rickshaw
• Visit Couple’s Retreat Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Visit Tiger Hill and see a bonsai presentation
• Visit the Wedding Dress Market
• Boat trip in canal
• Walking tour of Shantung Street
• Demonstration at the Embroidery Institute
• Visit Suzhou Center and browse the city’s largest mall
• Tour of W Suzhou
• Tongli boat trip and walking tour
• Visit the Moxibustion Institute
• Rice Dumpling workshop
• Visit Lingering Garden
• Visit Hanshan Temple
• Visit Silk Factory
• Stroll on the Moat Ring Trail and view the city wall
• AND mixed in with all of this are some incredible culinary experiences!

Here are Suzhou’s social links: 

• Facebook: @VisitSuzhou
• Twitter: @VisitSuzhou
  Instagram: @VisitSuzhou
• YouTube: @VisitSuzhou
• Website: https://www.traveltosuzhou.com

Nanjing

• Visit Niushou Mountain
• Visit the Ming City Wall
• Fan painting activity
• Visit Confucius Temple 
• Visit Imperial Museum of China
• Cruise down the Qinhuai River
• Visit Cloud Brocade Museum
• Visit the Grand Bao’en Temple (Porcelain Tower)
• Visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum
• Activity making Nanjing snacks like Duck Xiaolongboa
• AND mixed in with all of this are some incredible culinary experiences!

Here are Nanjing’s social links:

• Facebook: @GoToNanjing
• Twitter: @GoToNanjing
• Instagram: @GoToNanjing
• Website: https://www.gotonanjing.com

What would you like to experience in China?