Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou form a triangle no more than an hour apart by bullet train. Together they show both faces of East China: the ultra-modern Modu and the classical Jiangnan of gardens and canals.
How many days do you need?
- 5 days: 2 Shanghai · 1 Suzhou · 2 Hangzhou — compact but complete.
- 6–7 days: add a night in a water town (Wuzhen or Xitang) and a slower pace.
- 8+ days: add Wuxi and Nanjing.
The best order
Start in Shanghai (where most international flights land), go to Suzhou, then travel through the water-town country to Hangzhou. From Hangzhou you can fly home directly or take the train back to Shanghai Pudong. This avoids backtracking and saves a travel day.
Sample 6-day route
- Arrive Shanghai, evening on the Bund
- Shanghai: Yu Garden, French Concession, Shanghai Tower
- Train to Suzhou: gardens and Pingjiang Road
- Car to a water town, then on to Hangzhou
- Hangzhou: West Lake and Longjing tea village
- Depart
Our Hu Shang Jiangnan group tour follows a similar route — adding Wuxi, Wuzhen and Puyuan, from US$299 — or we can tailor a private version to your dates and interests.
Private tour or on your own?
East China is safe and well connected, so independent travel is possible. A private guide saves time in queues, unlocks places without English signage and takes care of payments, tickets and transfers — especially valuable on a first trip or with children and seniors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Suzhou worth a day trip from Shanghai?
Yes — it is only 30 minutes away. But staying one night lets you see the gardens early, before tour groups arrive.
Let a local plan it for you
Tell us your dates and we'll send a free, tailor-made itinerary within 24 hours.
