Embark on a journey through Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou unveils a tapestry of cultural richness, historical grandeur, and natural splendor.

itinerary for trip to Shanghai

Table of Contents



Introduction

Embarking on a journey through Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou unveils a tapestry of cultural richness, historical grandeur, and natural splendor. Shanghai, a bustling metropolis, captivates with its modern skyline, vibrant street life along The Bund, and the serene Yuyuan Garden. In Suzhou, the “Venice of the East,” ancient canals wind through classic gardens like the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden and picturesque streets, showcasing timeless beauty. Hangzhou, famed for West Lake, exudes tranquility, where boat rides unveil scenic landscapes, and historic temples like Lingyin Temple add a spiritual touch. These destinations harmoniously blend tradition and modernity, offering a compelling narrative of China’s past and present. Whether exploring the futuristic allure of Shanghai, the timeless charm of Suzhou’s canals, or the scenic serenity of Hangzhou, each city beckons with a unique allure, making this journey an enriching exploration of China’s diverse cultural and natural wonders.

Day 1 : Arrival in Shanghai

  • Timing: Afternoon
  • Activities:
    • Explore the local culture around your hotel.
    • Enjoy dinner at a nearby authentic Shanghai restaurant.
  • Accommodation: Check into a centrally located hotel in Shanghai.

Day 2 : Shanghai Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the Bund and Nanjing Road for shopping.

  • Afternoon: Explore the French Concession and have lunch at a local cafe.

  • Evening: Take a Huangpu River cruise to see the city lights.

    Oriental Pearl TV Tower (东方明珠电视塔)

    • Activity: Begin your exploration at the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Pudong [1 ].
    • Route: Ascend the tower for panoramic views of the city and the Huangpu River.

    M on the Bund (米氏西餐厅)

    • Activity: Head to M on the Bund, a renowned restaurant with a fantastic view of the Pudong skyline [2 ].
    • Route: Enjoy a delightful brunch while taking in the scenic surroundings.

    Yu Garden (豫園)

    • Activity: Visit the historic Yu Garden in the Old City for classical Chinese garden architecture [2 ].
    • Route: Explore the serene landscapes, intricate pavilions, and vibrant market nearby.

    Di Shui Dong (滴水洞)

    • Activity: For dinner, experience local flavors at Di Shui Dong, known for its authentic Chinese cuisine [3 ].
    • Route: Indulge in traditional dishes in a charming setting.

    🌐 References

    1. wikipedia.org - Pudong, Shanghai
    2. wanderlog.com - 2-Day Shanghai Itinerary
    3. readysetpto.com - 2 Days in Shanghai | Weekend Shanghai Itinerary

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Day 3 : Travel to Hangzhou

  • Morning: Check out from the Shanghai hotel.
  • Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Hangzhou.
  • Evening: Check into a hotel in Hangzhou and explore the West Lake area.

Day 4 : Hangzhou Highlights

  • Full Day: Explore West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Leifeng Pagoda.

  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Hangzhou cuisine for dinner.

    West Lake (西湖)

    • Activity: Explore the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Route: Wander around the lake, enjoying scenic views and visiting key spots like Broken Bridge and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
    West Lake, Hangzhou
    West Lake (西湖)

    Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)

    • Activity: Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most significant Buddhist temples.
    • Route: Marvel at intricate sculptures and architecture, and take a peaceful walk through the surrounding forest.
    Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou
    Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)

    Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)

    • Activity: Ascend Leifeng Pagoda near West Lake.
    • Route: Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the lake from the pagoda’s top.

    Song Dynasty Town (杭州宋城)

    • Activity: Explore Song Dynasty Town for a cultural experience.
    • Route: Immerse yourself in ancient Chinese architecture, performances, and traditional crafts.

    🌐 References

    1. trip.com - How to Spend 4 Days in Hangzhou - A Complete Itinerary
    2. wanderlog.com - 4-Day Hangzhou Itinerary
    3. myshoesabroad.com - Hangzhou Attractions & 4-day Itinerary , China
    4. chinatours.com - 4 Day Shanghai + Hangzhou Highlights Tour

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Day 5 : Hangzhou to Suzhou

  • Morning: Check out from the Hangzhou hotel.
  • Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Suzhou.
  • Evening: Check into a hotel in Suzhou and explore the city’s gardens.

Day 6 : Suzhou Gardens and Canals

  • Full Day: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden, and take a canal boat ride.

  • Evening: Experience local Suzhou cuisine.

    Lingering Garden (留园)

    • Activity: Start your day at Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its classical Chinese landscaping [1 ].
    • Route: Stroll through pavilions, corridors, and lush greenery, experiencing the essence of traditional Chinese garden design.

    Suzhou Museum (蘇州博物館)

    • Activity: Visit the Suzhou Museum, designed by I. M. Pei, showcasing Suzhou’s rich cultural history and art [2 ].
    • Route: Explore the museum’s exhibits and architecture, gaining insights into the city’s past.

    Shantang Street (山塘街)

    • Activity: Head to Shantang Street to experience Suzhou’s historic canalside atmosphere [3 ].
    • Route: Walk along the picturesque canals, shop for local crafts, and enjoy the charming surroundings.

    Pingjiang Road (平江路)

    • Activity: Conclude your day at Pingjiang Road, another ancient street with well-preserved architecture and traditional shops [4 ].
    • Route: Take a leisurely stroll, savor local snacks, and appreciate the tranquil ambiance.

    🌐 References

    1. trip.com - How to Spend 6 Days in Suzhou - A Complete Itinerary for …
    2. asiaodysseytravel.com - Suzhou Travel Guide
    3. twobrownfeet.com - Falling in Love with Suzhou’s Dreamy Canals
    4. chinadiscovery.com - How to Plan a Trip to Suzhou

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Day 7 : Return to Shanghai

  • Morning: Check out from the Suzhou hotel.

  • Afternoon: Take a high-speed train back to Shanghai.

  • Evening: Check into your final hotel in Shanghai.

    South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market (南外滩轻纺面料市场)

    • Activity: Tailor-made men’s and women’s wear. With more than ten years of experience in the bespoke industry, customers are all over the world, they have their own tailors and factories for both shirts and suits.
    • Address: 399 Lujiabang Lu, Huanpu District, Shanghai 黄浦区陆家浜路 399 号(近南仓街). Opening Hours: 09.00-18.00

    AP Plaza (亚太盛汇旅游购物广场)

    • Activity: AP Plaza is Pudong’s biggest “fake market”, located underground in Metro Line 2’s Science & Technology Museum station. The northern half of AP Plaza, called Xinyang, is a collection of stalls selling mostly counterfeit goods. As a general rule of thumb, be prepared to walk away from a bunch of stalls before settling on a price.
    • Address: Inside Metro Line 2, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, 2000 Shiji Da Dao, near Yingchun Lu Pudong District

    Shanghai International Glasses Mall (国际眼镜铖)

    • Activity: It is currently the largest and highest-quality eyewear-themed shopping mall in Shanghai, and one of the largest professional glasses wholesale market in China.
    • Address: Easily reachable via subway, with convenient access provided by Line 1 to the Shanghai Railway Station. 1688 Zhongxing Road 中兴路 1688 号火车站北广场长途客运总站 1-4 楼(近恒丰路桥).

Day 8 : Departure

  • Timing: Depending on your departure time.
  • Activities:
    • Free time for last-minute shopping or exploration.
    • Check out from the hotel and proceed to the airport.

🌐 Sources


  1. tripstoshanghai.com - 8-Day Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou & Nanjing Tour Package
  2. chinadiscovery.com - 8 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Nanjing Tour
  3. hangzhouprivatetour.com - 8 Days Shanghai Huangshan Suzhou Hangzhou Tour

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