"What are the must-see attractions in Shanghai?"

"In Shanghai, don't miss The Bund (best at sunrise/sunset for skyline photos), Nanjing Road (pedestrian shopping street; combine with People’s Square), Yu Garden (timed entry; visit Yuyuan Bazaar for snacks), the French Concession (tree-lined streets, Fuxing Park, Tianzifang, Xintiandi), and Shanghai Tower for stunning views (alternatives: SWFC Observatory, Jin Mao). Add the Shanghai Museum, Longhua Temple, or a Huangpu River night cruise."

"What is Hangzhou famous for?"

"Hangzhou is renowned for West Lake (classic boat rides, Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda at sunset), Lingyin Temple (ancient grottoes; combo tickets for nearby sites), Meijiawu/Longjing Tea Plantations (tea tasting, village walks), and vibrant Hefang Street (local snacks and crafts). Add the China National Silk Museum and Xixi Wetland for quieter nature walks."

"What should I see in Suzhou?"

"Suzhou is famous for Classical Gardens: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of Nets. Stroll Pingjiang Road canals, visit Suzhou Museum (I.M. Pei), and Tiger Hill (leaning pagoda, bonsai). Consider a canal boat ride at dusk and explore the silk culture."

"What’s the best time to visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou?"

"Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) offer mild weather and clearer skies. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold but less crowded. West Lake mist in spring is photogenic; The Bund sunsets in autumn are spectacular."

"How do I travel between Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou?"

"Use high-speed trains: Shanghai↔Hangzhou ~45–60 min; Shanghai↔Suzhou ~25–35 min. Buy tickets in advance during weekends/holidays. From stations, metro and taxis are convenient. Day trips are easy from Shanghai."

"How many days should I allocate to each city?"

"Shanghai: 2–3 days for major highlights plus a night cruise. Hangzhou: 1–2 days for West Lake, Lingyin, tea villages. Suzhou: 1–2 days for gardens and canals. Adjust if you prefer museums/food or slower walks."

"Do I need to pre-book tickets for attractions in Suzhou and Hangzhou?"

"Pre-book popular spots on weekends/holidays: Yu Garden timed slots, Shanghai Tower/SWFC observatories, Impression shows, and some Suzhou gardens. West Lake areas are mostly free; boat rides sell on-site."

"What local foods should I try in Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou?"

"Shanghai: xiao long bao (soup dumplings), shengjian bao (pan-fried buns), hairy crab (seasonal), scallion oil noodles. Hangzhou: Dongpo pork, Longjing shrimp, West Lake vinegar fish. Suzhou: squirrel fish, sweet pastries, noodles. Ask for less spicy or vegetarian options when needed."

"What’s a typical budget for attractions and food in Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou?"

"Observatory decks: ~$20–40 per person. Yu Garden: ~$5–10. West Lake boat: ~$10–25 depending on route. Suzhou gardens: ~$5–15 each. Local meals: $5–12; specialty restaurants more."

"Is it family-friendly and accessible in Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou?"

"Yes. Metro access is broad; strollers work on promenades like The Bund and West Lake paths. Some gardens have steps—check accessibility maps; choose larger parks and wide paths for easier navigation."

14-Day China Itinerary: Explore Shanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou

2025-10-24

Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou China Travel China Itinerary Classical Gardens West Lake

14-Day China Itinerary: Explore Shanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou

2-Week China Itinerary: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou - Modern Cities and Classical Gardens

This 14 day China itinerary focuses on the dynamic cities of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, offering a blend of modern marvels and classical Chinese gardens. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the economic powerhouse of Shanghai alongside the serene beauty of Hangzhou’s West Lake and Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed gardens, this 2 week China itinerary Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou promises a diverse and unforgettable journey. For a complete overview, see our main guide to China Travel Itinerary: The Ultimate 2-Week Guide for First-Timers.

Day 1-4: Shanghai - Modern Marvels and Cultural Gems

Shanghai, a dazzling metropolis, is your starting point. This leg of your Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou itinerary immerses you in the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant culture.

The Bund: Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade, admiring the stunning skyline and colonial-era architecture.
Nanjing Road: Experience the energy of Shanghai’s premier shopping street, a pedestrian paradise brimming with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Yu Garden: Escape the urban bustle in this classical Chinese garden, a tranquil oasis of ponds, pavilions, and rockeries.
French Concession: Explore the charming streets of the former French Concession, lined with tree-shaded avenues, art deco buildings, and trendy boutiques.
Shanghai Tower: Ascend to the observation deck of one of the world’s tallest buildings for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Day 5-7: Hangzhou - West Lake and Tea Plantations

From Shanghai, take a high-speed train to Hangzhou, a city renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Your China garden itinerary 2 weeks adventure continues here.

West Lake: Cruise on the serene waters of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the picturesque scenery of pagodas, bridges, and gardens.
Lingyin Temple: Visit this ancient Buddhist temple, one of the most important and revered temples in China.
Meijiawu Tea Plantation: Immerse yourself in the world of Chinese tea at Meijiawu Tea Plantation, where you can learn about the tea-making process and sample different varieties of Longjing tea.
Hefang Street: Explore this historic street, lined with traditional shops, restaurants, and teahouses, offering a glimpse into Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 8-10: Suzhou - Classical Gardens and Canals

Continue your journey to Suzhou, a city celebrated for its exquisite classical gardens and picturesque canals. This is the heart of your China city itinerary 2 weeks.

Humble Administrator’s Garden: Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site, considered one of the finest examples of classical Chinese garden design.
Lingering Garden: Discover the beauty of Lingering Garden, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its elegant architecture, serene ponds, and meticulously crafted landscapes.
Tiger Hill: Climb Tiger Hill, a prominent landmark offering panoramic views of Suzhou and home to the iconic leaning Yunyan Pagoda.
Pingjiang Road: Stroll along the charming canalside street of Pingjiang Road, lined with traditional houses, shops, and restaurants.

Day 11-12: Water Towns Near Suzhou (e.g., Zhouzhuang, Tongli)

Escape the city and explore the enchanting water towns surrounding Suzhou. Zhouzhuang and Tongli are popular choices, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese life along the canals. These towns perfectly complement your 14 day China itinerary Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou.

Day 13-14: Return to Shanghai for Departure or Further Exploration

Return to Shanghai for your departure, or extend your stay to further explore this dynamic city. You could revisit your favorite spots or discover new hidden gems. This itinerary provides a fantastic foundation for experiencing the best of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.