The futuristic megalopolis of Shanghai is an absolute must-see to get an idea of China's great leap forward into the 21st century. While Shanghai has the biggest reputation, it would be a shame to bypass Suzhou, nicknamed the 'Venice of China' by Marco Polo; Nanjing, the capital of the Jiangsu province and of six feudal dynasties including the Ming Dynasty; Wuxi, famous for the beautiful landscapes of Lake Taihu; and Yixing, renowned for its clay used in pottery making and in particular teapots.