Reading this? Trust me—you’re one step closer to becoming China-obsessed!

Hello everyone! I’m Aya from Malaysia, and I just wrapped up my trip to China! After deciding to visit China, my family and I spent a lot of time planning the trip but couldn’t quite figure it out—until we came across Ascendia Tour’s itinerary for the "Poetic Jiangnan" tour, without hesitation, we signed up!

Our choice was absolutely right! Even now, as I write this travel guide, we are still soaking in the wonderful memories of China’ s Jiangnan water towns. During this in-depth tour of Jiangnan, our professional guide, Xixi, provided comfortable and thoughtful service—from detailed sight explanations to food and lodging arrangements—that our family was thoroughly satisfied!

Through this trip, I not only enjoyed Chinese delicious food and stunning scenery—but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the charm of traditional Chinese culture. I’m sure you’ll be fascinated by China after reading my blog!  

We visited some of China’ s cities and attractions, every day had its highlights—whether it was shopping in Nanjing, strolling through Suzhou’ s gardens, sipping tea by Hangzhou’ s West Lake, or soaking in the Jiangnan charm amid Wuzhen’ s bridges and flowing water. Each day was packed with unforgettable moments. Throughout our Jiangnan trip, sharing delicious food and beautiful sights, our family and Xixi become good friends.  

As our plane landed in Pudong Airport, the viral "Pudong Trio" skyscrapers glittered in the twilight. Our warm and attentive driver greeted us, our journey was about to begin under Shanghai’ s dazzling night lights! Shanghai’ s Chenghuang Temple is a must-visit historic street. Its red-walled, upturned-eave buildings hide local snacks like Nanxiang steamed buns and pear syrup candy, plus traditional crafts. At night, lanterns light up the old Shanghai vibe—perfect for eating, shopping, and photos!    

The moment we stepped into the Niushou Mountain Buddha Summit Temple's underground palace, its majestic grandeur left us awestruck. Xixi, our guide, explained the glazed pagoda enshrining Buddhist relics: "This ancient pagoda, encircled by a thousand golden Buddha statues, has a dome inlaid with tens of thousands of gemstones and luminous pearls. Bathed in soft Buddhist light, it resembles a celestial river cascading down."

As lanterns light up the Tang and Song-style architecture in Nianhua Bay, the entire town transforms into a "Zen-themed photo studio." Visitors dressed in Hanfu holding paper lanterns perfectly frame the dazzling drone shows in the night sky—surreal yet harmonious. This Zen-inspired town in Wuxi offers mesmerizing light displays at night, while daytime brings tea ceremonies and scripture copying—a true sanctuary for relaxation.

As lanterns light up the Tang and Song-style architecture in Nianhua Bay, the entire town transforms into a "Zen-themed photo studio." Visitors dressed in Hanfu holding paper lanterns perfectly frame the dazzling drone shows in the night sky—surreal yet harmonious. This Zen-inspired town in Wuxi offers mesmerizing light displays at night, while daytime brings tea ceremonies and scripture copying—a true sanctuary for relaxation.

Meijiawu is Hangzhou’ s authentic Longjing tea village, with lush green tea terraces covering the hills—perfect for a spring visit. Here, you can watch tea farmers roast leaves and sip freshly brewed Longjing—so fragrant and refreshing! After exploring, Xixi took us to a farmhouse restaurant by the fields, where we tried tea-infused dishes and soaked in the slow-paced tea village life.  

This trip was truly full of surprises and joy—I’ ll cherish every single day of it for years to come. Xixi saw us off at the airport. Thank you for your attentive service and patient guidance! We hugged goodbye, already planning our next adventure in China’s mountains and rivers.