Written by Natalia |
China is a large country to explore. Many visitors have had the question before traveling to China for the first time: where to start? Many people choose Shanghai as a first stop. It’s an amazing place to visit on its own, but you should know that there are also many other beautiful cities nearby.
Two of the best nearby destinations are Hangzhou and Suzhou. They are close and very easy to reach from Shanghai. They’ll show you the beautiful sceneries and dynamic life of Southeast China. Your China tour will definitely be more fulfilling. Here’s a complete guide for you on how to plan a Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou tour.
Highlights of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou
Although the three cities are located close to each other, they have different travel experiences to offer. Here’re the most notable characteristics, best attractions, and top things to do in each city.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the most representative city of modern life in China. Its rapid economic developments and urbanization have made it known across the world. The best example is the iconic Shanghai skyline. You can see the amazing skyscrapers in the day or take an evening walk along the Bund to see them all lit up.
Aside from its modernity, Shanghai is also a hub of culture and heritage. You’ll discover traditional architecture at Yuyuan Garden and Xintiandi. The old Shanghai and modern lifestyles coexist in the city. The streets are bustling with shopping scenes, entertainment, and food venues. You’ll also find all kinds of exhibitions, shows, markets, and fun events.
Read more about the top things to do in Shanghai, Shanghai Itineraries: How to Spend 1-4 Days in Shanghai
Hangzhou
For many people, Hangzhou represents the Jiangnan region. The West Lake of Hangzhou is printed on the one-yuan note of China, so you see how iconic it is. Poets have written poems about it. You find it in paintings. Countless visitors have come to witness it in person. Near the lake, there’re vast Longjing Tea Plantations where you can learn about and taste the famous tea from Hangzhou.
As the capital of South Song Dynasty, Hangzhou thrived in commerce and culture which can still be observed today. Learn about its Buddhist religious scene at Lingyin Temple, one of the most famous temples in the region and China. To discover the custom and folk culture of the city, take a walk down Hefang Street. There’re lots of handicraft stores and local food stalls.
Read more about the top things to do in Hangzhou.
Suzhou
Suzhou sits on the banks of the ancient Grand Canal. You will find some of the greatest classical Jiangnan gardens here, like Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, and Lion Grove Garden. The landscaping and architecture will show you a unique side of Chinese culture.
The canal around the city has nourished many ancient water towns. Many of the most beautiful water towns of China are located in Suzhou like Zhouzhuang Water Town and Tongli Water Town. Life is simple in these ancient towns. People live in traditional residences connected by stone alleyways and small bridges over the water. They run their family stores selling handicrafts or local foods.
Read more about the top things to do in Suzhou.
How Many Days for a Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou Tour?
5-6 days is usually enough for a great trip to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. You can spend more time in Shanghai and Hangzhou because they are larger in size. And Shanghai is the most accessible city if you’re arriving from your home country. You’re likely to start your trip there.
Shanghai Itinerary (2 days)
Day 1: Arrival — Nanjing Road — the Bund — Huangpu River Night Cruise
Day 2: Yuyuan Garden and Yuyuan Market — Shanghai Museum — departure for Hangzhou or Suzhou
Other recommended Shanghai itineraries:
Suzhou Itinerary (1 or 2 days)
Day 1: Arrival — Humble Administrator’s Garden or Lingering Garden — Shantang Street
Day 2: Zhouzhuang Water Town — departure for Hangzhou
Other recommended Suzhou itineraries:
- One Day Suzhou Tour with Grand Canal Cruise
- Suzhou Day Tour to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town and Pingjiang Road
Hangzhou Itinerary (2 days)
Day 1: Arrival — Lingyin Temple — Hefang Street
Day 2: West Lake — Longjing Tea Plantations — departure
Other recommended Hangzhou itineraries:
Suzhou or Hangzhou if I’m short on time?
If you only have 1 or 2 days for a Shanghai side trip, you can choose between Hangzhou and Suzhou. You might want to consider:
Distance
Hangzhou is a bit further than Suzhou from Shanghai, 144 km (90 miles) vs. 100 km (62 miles), although if you’re taking a bullet train, it won’t make that much of a difference. Both are within an hour.
Theme and Activities
The highlights of Hangzhou are its landscape and culture. There’re lots of cultural activities to take part in like touring the tea plantations, which make Hangzhou a great destination for family and culture tours. While the classical gardens of Suzhou are ideal for architecture lovers, couples, and solo travelers.
China 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy
As you plan your Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou tour, keep in mind that you might be able to travel to China without a visa. China has extended the previous 144-hour visa-free policy to 240 hours (10 days). Foreign visitors from 54 countries can visit China without a visa through any of the 60 open ports and stay within the areas for 240 hours, as long as you’re traveling from China to a third country (region).
The list of 54 eligible countries includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Singapore, and Japan. And there are 3 open ports where you can enter China in these three cities, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. The policy will make your travel a lot easier.
Recommended Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou Tours:
- 5 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour by High-speed Train
- 6 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour with Tongli Water Town
- 6 Days Best Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou Exploration Tour
How to Travel Between Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou
Shanghai has the most international flights so you’re likely to start your tour from Shanghai to Suzhou and Hangzhou. The order you go in is up to you depending on where you’re going after the tour.
Transportation Options
Getting around these cities is quick and easy. The most convenient option is the high-speed rail system. There’re frequent bullet trains between all three cities for an affordable price. The major train stations in each city are Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, Hangzhou East Railway Station, and Suzhou Railway Station. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Shanghai – Hangzhou: around 50 minutes, RMB 60-70
- Shanghai – Suzhou: around 30 minutes, RMB 30-40
- Suzhou – Hangzhou: around 1.5-2 hours, RMB 110-200
If you’d like to travel by car, the driving distance and time between these cities are around:
- Shanghai – Hangzhou: 175 km (110 miles), 2.5 hours
- Shanghai – Suzhou: 100 km (62 miles), 1.5 hours
- Suzhou – Hangzhou: 160 km (100 miles), 2 hours
Best Time to Visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou
Since the three cities are not far from each other, they basically share the same climate, four distinct seasons with hot and wet summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou is spring and autumn, March to May and September to November. The temperature and weather conditions in these periods are the best for going outdoors.
Besides the weather, you’re also advised to consider the tourist traffic. The attractions tend to be very crowded during the summer or China public holidays. Hotel and travel expenses will also be higher. If you’re traveling during those times, book your trip well in advance.
Where to Stay in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou
Where to Stay in Shanghai
There’re many good areas to stay in on your Shanghai tour. Pick somewhere near a subway station in Jing’an, Xuhui, and Huangpu districts, then you’ll be able to get around easily. Near the Bund, you’ll be close to the skyline. There’re many great restaurants and stores in the area. If you’re into having fun and find all the action, Xintiandi has great dining, entertainment, and exciting Shanghai night life. >> More detailed tips on where to stay in Shanghai
Where to Stay in Hangzhou
The West Lake area is the best place to stay in on your Hangzhou tour. Most attractions are near the lake. You can take a walk along the lake early in the morning and enjoy the Impression West Lake show at night.
Where to Stay in Suzhou
On your Suzhou tour, you can stay close to the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Suzhou Railway station. That way you’ll be able to reach most attractions easily. You can also spend a night near Jinji Lake where you will have a great view of the Suzhou skyline.
What to Eat in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou
What to Eat in Shanghai
There’re lot of famous Shanghai dishes to try. For breakfast, the Xiaolongbao and Shengjianbao from small street-side shops and stalls are the best. They are steamed buns and pan-fried buns. For lunch, Shanghai locals are into all kinds of noodles like Crab Roe Noodles or Scallion Oil noodles. And for dinner, find a local restaurant for some classic Shanghai dishes like Braised Pork Belly and Hairy Crab.
What to Eat in Hangzhou
Hangzhou food is representative of Zhejiang Cuisine, one of the eight major cuisines of China. Hangzhou people care the most about the original flavors of the ingredients themselves. Dishes tend to be mild, fragrant, and refreshing with lots of freshwater ingredients. You should definitely try famous dishes like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Dongpo Pork, and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea.
What to Eat in Suzhou
Jiangsu Cuisine of Suzhou is another one of the eight major Chinese cuisines. It is all about well-balanced flavors. Dishes must be thick but not greasy, light but not thin. People cook with a lot of soy sauce and cooking wine to enhance the flavors and appearance of the ingredients. Some classic dishes are Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Brine-Boiled Duck, and Lion’s Head Meatballs.
