Today we had two focuses…the Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Local Food...we opted to change the shopping for local food and had the experience of a lifetime. We were picked up at our hotel right on time by our host Cathy and our professional driver. We start by exploring the ancient Qing dynasty water town of Zhujiajiao. It was established about 1,700 years ago. It features 36 stone bridges as numerous rivers line Zhujiajiao. Many ancient buildings still line the riverbanks with shops nestled into the historic buildings. We walked the stone streets lined with bustling food vendors and all forms of merchandise. We took a gondola ride along the canals as this was a perfect way to experience how local residents traveled for hundreds of years. We several local foods from the many shops including sticky rice dumpling (zong zi) and steamed pork wrapped in bamboo leaves (zha rou) as well as traditional stinky tofu. We then visited the City God Temple which originated as the Jinshan God Temple and was converted into a City God Temple in 1403, during the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, the temple grew, and its popularity led many businesses being set up in the area, turning the surrounding streets into a busy marketplace. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple was closed down and for many years, the main hall was used as a jewelry shop. We then set out to Old Shanghai and the Yuyuan Garden. This garden dates back to 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. A classic Chinese Garden rich in history…halls, statues, rock structures, water features as well as the famous Grand Rockery and Exquisite Jade Rocks. Then the Old City Temple of Shanghai and some time for Shanghai Street Food…Shanghai Xiaolongbao, fried dumplings, Xinjiang skewers, and Shanghai noodles. Then the Jade Buddha Temple which was founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. These were a sitting Buddha (1.95 meters tall, 3 tons), and a smaller reclining Buddha representing the Buddha's death. The temple now contains a much larger reclining Buddha made of marble, donated from Singapore. Before calling it a day we walked the Bund which is an area along the Huangpu River separating new Shanghai from the old. An absolutely packed day with Cathy but we were incredibly relaxed. The experience was incredible from start (booking) to finish. Highly recommend!!