Travel Route Map
A thoughtfully designed route connecting key cultural and natural highlights across Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.
Itinerary Details：
DAY 1: Shanghai | Classic Landmarks
Morning: Arrive in Shanghai, private transfer to hotel
Private transfer will pick you up from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) according to your flight schedule.
Afternoon: The Bund Walking Tour
Stroll along the iconic Bund, admiring the historic colonial architecture along the waterfront.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street & People's Square Free Time
Experience the bustling shopping haven and enjoy free time in the city's central square.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
EVENING: Bund Night View → Return to Hotel
Witness the illuminated skyline of the Bund and Lujiazui, a mesmerizing spectacle after dark.
DINNER: Shanghai No.1 Restaurant (Braised Pork with Brown Sauce, Fried Shrimps) Indulge in authentic Shanghainese dishes like Braised Pork with Brown Sauce and Fried Shrimps.
DAY 2: Shanghai | Modern Metropolis
Morning : Hotel Breakfast → Lujiazui Financial District Sightseeing (Exterior of "Shanghai Trio") → Pudong Riverside Promenade Stroll
Admire the futuristic skyline from the outside (including the "Shanghai Trio") and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Pudong Binjiang Avenue.
Afternoon: Yu Garden Bazaar & City God Temple Area
Explore the traditional Chinese garden, ancient architecture, and bustling market surrounding the City God Temple.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Afternoon : Huangpu River Cruise (Departing from Shiliupu Dock) → Return to Hotel
Embark on a relaxing cruise from Shiliupu Dock, enjoying panoramic views of both the Bund and Pudong skylines at night.
Dinner: Nanxiang Mantou Dian (Yu Garden Main Store, Crab Roe Soup Dumplings)
Savor the famous Crab Roe Soup Dumplings at this historic eatery
DAY 3: Shanghai | West Bund Art
Morning: Hotel Breakfast → West Bund Art Museum Exterior & Surrounding Stroll → Tank Shanghai Art Center (Exterior)
Appreciate the exterior of the museum and take a leisurely walk in the vibrant art district. Also, see the exterior of the Tank Shanghai Art Center.
Afternoon: Long Museum West Bund Exterior → Xuhui Riverside Green Space Stroll
View the exterior of the impressive Long Museum and enjoy the serene greenery along the Xuhui Riverside.
Lunch : Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: Xuhui Riverside Night Walk → Return to Hotel
Enjoy an evening stroll along the beautifully lit Xuhui Riverside, a calm contrast to the city's bustle.
Dinner : The Lighthouse or M Stand Café (Light Meal)
Choose between a fine dining experience or a casual, trendy meal along the riverside.
DAY 4: Shanghai | Artistic Wutong
Morning: Hotel Breakfast → Wukang Road Stroll (Wukang Mansion) → Anfu Road Art District Exploration
Wander through the historic Wukang Road, famous for its unique architecture including the Wukang Mansion, and explore the trendy Anfu Road.
Afternoon: Xintiandi Shikumen & Sinan Mansions Exploration
Explore the well-preserved Shikumen architecture in Xintiandi and the elegant garden houses of Sinan Mansions.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: Huaihai Road Shopping Area Night View Stroll → Return to Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll, admiring the illuminated shops and vibrant atmosphere of Huaihai Road.
Dinner : Crystal Jade Palace or Jesse Restaurant
Experience exquisite Cantonese cuisine or classic Shanghainese dishes at these respected establishments.
DAY 5: Water Town Charm
Morning: Hotel Breakfast → Take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Water Town
Take Metro Line 17 to the picturesque ancient water town of Zhujiajiao.
Afternoon: Fangsheng Bridge, North Street Ancient Lanes Stroll → Kezhi Garden Visit or Gondola Ride → Return to City
Stroll across the Fangsheng Bridge, explore the North Street ancient lanes, and visit Kezhi Garden or enjoy a traditional gondola ride.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: Return to Hotel to Rest
Relax at your hotel after a day of exploring the water town.
Dinner: Ren He Guan (Zhaojiabang RoadSquirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish) Store, Local Cuisine)
DAY 6: Shanghai → Suzhou · Garden Introduction
Morning: Hotel Breakfast, Check-out → Travel to Suzhou by High-speed Rail (approx. 30 minutes) → Check-in Luggage at Hotel
Enjoy a comfortable high-speed train journey to Suzhou (approx. 30 minutes) and check in your luggage at the hotel.
Afternoon: Pingjiang Road Historical District Stroll & Guanqian Street Commercial Area Exploration
Wander through the charming Pingjiang Road, known for its canals and historic houses, and explore the bustling Guanqian Street commercial area.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: Pingjiang Road Night View Stroll → Return to Hotel
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Pingjiang Road illuminated at night.
Dinner: Songhelou (Guanqian Street Store, Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish) Taste the famous Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish at this renowned restaurant.
DAY 7: Suzhou · Gardens & Ancient Town
Morning: Hotel Breakfast → Lingering Garden Stroll → Xiyuan Temple Area Walk
Explore the exquisite Lingering Garden, one of Suzhou's classical gardens, and stroll around the Xiyuan Temple.
Afternoon: Shantang Street Historical District Stroll & Tiger Hill Area Walk (Exterior of Yunyan Pagoda)
Wander along the picturesque Shantang Street and visit the scenic Tiger Hill, viewing the Yunyan Pagoda from outside.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: Shantang Street Night View Stroll → Return to Hotel
Enjoy a nighttime stroll along the beautifully lit Shantang Street, soaking in its ancient charm.
Dinner: Deyuelou (Stir-fried River Shrimp with Biluochun Tea, Cherry Pork) Relish local delicacies like "Stir-fried River Shrimp with Biluochun Tea" and "Cherry Pork."
DAY 8: Suzhou → Hangzhou · West Lake Scenery
Morning: Hotel Breakfast, Check-out → Travel to Hangzhou by High-speed Rail (approx. 1.5 hours) → Check-in Luggage at Hotel
Take a comfortable high-speed train to Hangzhou (approx. 1.5 hours) and store your luggage at the hotel.
Afternoon: West Lake Lakeside Stroll → Bai Causeway Walk (Broken Bridge in Snow → Autumn Moon over Ping Lake) → Su Causeway Walk or Leifeng Pagoda Sunset View from Changqiao Park
Walk along the West Lake lakeside, stroll on Bai Causeway (Broken Bridge in Snow → Autumn Moon over Ping Lake), and then on Su Causeway or view the Leifeng Pagoda sunset from Changqiao Park
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: Hubin Yintai Commercial Area or Nanshan Road Night View Stroll → Return to Hotel
Enjoy modern shopping or elegant evening lights along Nanshan Road.
Dinner: Louwailou (Gushan Road Store, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Dongpo Pork) Taste iconic Hangzhou dishes suchs as West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy and Dongpo Pork.
DAY 9: Hangzhou · Xixi Wetland Slow Life
Morning: Hotel Breakfast → Head to Xixi Wetland Zhoujia Village Entrance → Xixi Wetland Outer Area Stroll
Explore the outer areas of Xixi Wetland from Zhoujia Village entrance, enjoying its serene natural beauty.
Afternoon: Xiaohe Street Historical and Cultural District Stroll → Gongchen Bridge Canal Area Walk
Wander through the historic Xiaohe Straight Street and explore the area around Gongchen Bridge on the Grand Canal.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: Grand Canal Night View Stroll → Return to Hotel
Enjoy the peaceful and beautifully lit scenery along the ancient Grand Canal at night.
Dinner: Sizao'er Private Cuisine (Crispy Intestines with Rice Wine Buns) Sample unique local dishes like "Crispy Intestines with Rice Wine Buns."
DAY 10: Hangzhou · Zen Lingyin & Departure
Morning: Hangzhou · Zen Lingyin & Departure Temple Surrounding Area Stroll → Hefang Street/Southern Song Imperial Street Walk
Explore the tranquil area around Lingyin Temple and wander through the historic Hefang Street or Southern Song Imperial Street.
Afternoon: Private Transfer to Airport/Train Station based on Departure Time
Private transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), or Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) or high-speed rail station based on your flight/train schedule.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure, discovering local flavors.
Evening: End of Itinerary
A fond farewell after a memorable journey through China's cultural heartland.
Dinner: Sizao'er Private Cuisine (Crispy Intestines with Rice Wine Buns) Sample unique local dishes like "Crispy Intestines with Rice Wine Buns."
ATTRACTION ANALYSIS
The Bund (Shanghai) | HISTORIC WATERFRONT WITH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE AND M ODERN SKY L INE
The Bund, or Waitan, is a waterfront area in central Shanghai. The word "Bund" means "embankment" or "quay". It iswell known as a symbol of Shanghai for decades. It features dozens of historical buildings, which once housed numerous banks and trading houses. Its architecture ranges from Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Neoclassical to Beaux-Arts, making it a "museum of international architecture". At night, the buildings are gorgeously lit, offering a stunning contrast to the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. A private guided walk allows for a deeper appreciation of its history and the stories behind these grand structures. For an elevated experience, we arrange a private boat trip for unparalleled views of both sides of the river.
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Yu Garden (Shanghai) | CLASSICAL CHINESE GARDEN IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Yu Garden, meaning "Garden of Happiness," is an exquisite classical Chinese garden located beside the City God Temple in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai. First established in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, it covers an area of 2 hectares. The garden boasts traditional Chinese architecture, intricate rockeries, ornate bridges over tranquil ponds, and pavilions dedicated to various purposes. It's a serene oasis demonstrating classical garden design elements, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city around it. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore the various halls, rockeries, and ponds, and learn about the Ming and Qing dynasty aesthetics. The adjacent Yu Garden Bazaar offers a chance to experience local crafts and snacks, like the famous Nanxiang steamed buns.
Lingering Garden (Suzhou) | UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND M ASTERPIECE OF CLASSICAL CHINESE GARDENS
The Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan) is a renowned classical Chinese garden, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents the best of Suzhou's garden art, celebrated for its unique layout and refined beauty. Built in the Ming Dynasty, the garden is famous for its intricate integration of buildings, hills, waterways, trees, and stones. It is divided into four distinct sections: East, Central, West, and North, each with its own characteristics and charm. The central garden is particularly captivating with its beautiful rock formations and serene ponds. A stroll through the Lingering Garden offers a peaceful journey through meticulously designed landscapes, reflecting the literati aesthetics of ancient China. It provides valuable insight into the harmony between nature and traditional architecture, making it a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts.
West Lake (Hangzhou) | PICTURESQUE FRESHWATER LAKE WITH POETIC SCENERY
West Lake is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou, surrounded by hills and dotted with pagodas, temples, and gardens. It has been immortalized by poets and painters, and has influenced garden design in the rest of China and East Asia for centuries. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lake is adorned with numerous scenic spots, including the Ten Scenes of West Lake, such as "Broken Bridge in Snow," "Autumn Moon over Ping Lake," and the "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon." Boating on the lake is a popular activity, offering different perspectives of its beauty. Visiting West Lake provides an opportunity for leisurely walks along its causeways and shores, allowing you to absorb the tranquil beauty and artistic atmosphere that has inspired generations. The area is perfect for photography, capturing the timeless charm of Hangzhou.
Zhujiajiao Water Town (Shanghai) | ANCIENT CANAL TOWN WITH PICTURESQUE BRIDGES AND CANALS
Zhujiajiao, known as Shanghai's Venice, is a well-preserved ancient water town with a history of over 1,700 years. It offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese river life with its charming canals, ancient bridges, and classic residences. The town features 36 ancient bridges, with Fangsheng Bridge (Setting Free Bridge) being the largest and best-preserved stone arch bridge in the area. Winding waterways, traditional houses, and narrow lanes create a picturesque setting, perfect for exploration. A highlight of visiting Zhujiajiao is taking a traditional gondola ride along its canals, allowing you to appreciate the town's unique charm from the water. You can also wander through the North Street (Beidajie), experiencing local crafts, snacks, and historical sites like Kezhi Garden.
Xixi Wetland (Hangzhou) | CHINA'S F IRST NATIONAL WETLAND PARK, KNOWN FOR ITS
NATURAL BEAUTY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Located in the western part of Hangzhou, Xixi National Wetland Park is China's first national wetland park, a perfect blend of natural and cultural landscapes. It is renowned for its pristine wetland scenery, rich biodiversity, and profound historical and cultural heritage. The park features intricate waterways and lush greenery, with well-preserved wetland ecosystems. You can take a boat tour, winding through dense reeds, and experience the poetic charm of "a stream, a wisp of smoke"; or stroll along the park's paths, enjoying seasonal beauties like plum blossoms and persimmon forests. Xixi Wetland is not only a natural reserve but also rich in cultural connotations, such as dragon boat races and Yue Opera performances. It is an excellent destination to experience the slow-paced life of Hangzhou and the unique charm of Jiangnan water towns.
Lingyin Temple (Hangzhou) | ONE OF CHINA'S OLDEST AND M OST FA M OUS BUDDHIST TE M PLES, KNOWN FOR ITS ZEN AT M OSPHERE AND GROTTO ART
Lingyin Temple, located in front of Feilai Peak to the northwest of Hangzhou's West Lake, is one of China's most famous and oldest Buddhist temples, founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326 AD). The temple is situated in a picturesque valley, surrounded by mountains and ancient trees, creating a serene environment. Lingyin Temple is renowned for its magnificent halls, exquisite Buddhist statues, and the grotto art on Feilai Peak. The grottoes of Feilai Peak preserve numerous Buddhist sculptures from the Five Dynastasties and Song-Yuan periods, showcasing superb carving skills and profound religious culture. Visiting Lingyin Temple not only allows you to experience a strong Buddhist cultural atmosphere but also to relax in the tranquil mountain forests, finding peace away from the bustling world. It is an excellent destination for those seeking spiritual contemplation and cultural experience.
NOTES & TIPS
