Anchored by Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, East China is the country’s most prosperous region, offering a dazzling mix of classical water towns, sacred mountains, and cutting-edge coastal megacities.

The staggering economic power of Shanghai and the historic coastal hubs of Zhejiang and Fujian engage the senses with a mix of high-speed modern bustle and deep, mercantile history. But before getting lost in the neon-lit waterfronts, allow yourself to discover East China’s tranquil side. The classical gardens of Suzhou and Hangzhou, the ancient Confucian heritage of Shandong, and the dramatic, cloud-wrapped peaks of Anhui operate right on the region’s doorstep.

The mist-shrouded Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) offer a breathtaking alpine getaway with twisted pines, granite peaks, and raw, untouched wilderness. East China’s culinary options are as diverse as its landscape—venues serving delicate, sweet-tinged Jiangnan dishes, fiery Fujianese seafood, and the rich, complex flavors of Shandong cuisine abound at every price point, offering a masterclass in eastern Chinese gastronomy.