XITANG

Notes: Xitang is an ancient water city lying Jiashan county. The city is based on a canal and consists of shops selling Chinese knick knacks, restaurants and watering holes. The canal, covered corridors, bridges and the people lend an irresistable charm to this tourist attraction. A bus will take you there in an hour's time. This is one of the must-see stops. If you've seen Mission Impossible III, you've seen Xitang.

Cost: 30 to 60 Yuan, depending on the sites you want to see

Accessibility: It is accessible in the sense that you if you stay along one side of the canal, you're fine. But, the little bridges have steps and some are just plain awkward, steep and curvy. Also, some of the restaurants have steps to enter.

Getting There: Get to section 5 of Shanghai gymnasium in Xuhui District. Take a bus from Shanghai to Jiashan, then, hop into another bus to Xitang or a cab