11 day itinerary for Hangzhou Wuxi Suzhou Shanghai

Itinerary

An 11-day adventure through Hangzhou, Wuxi, Suzhou, and Shanghai sounds like a fantastic journey filled with culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Let’s dive into an ideal itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and local experiences!

## Day 1: Arrival in Hangzhou

• Morning: Arrive in Hangzhou. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk around the lake. Don’t miss the iconic Broken Bridge and the beautiful Su Causeway.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Hangzhou cuisine dinner, perhaps trying the famous Dongpo Pork. After dinner, consider a boat ride on West Lake to see the illuminated scenery.

## Day 2: Explore Hangzhou

• Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China. Explore the beautiful surroundings and the nearby Fei Lai Feng grottoes.
• Afternoon: Head to the Longjing Tea Plantations. Take a guided tour to learn about tea picking and enjoy a tea tasting session.
• Evening: Stroll through the Hefang Street, a historic pedestrian street filled with shops, snacks, and local crafts. Try some street food!

## Day 3: Hangzhou to Wuxi

• Morning: Take a train to Wuxi (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the famous Taihu Lake. You can take a boat ride or simply enjoy the lakeside parks.
• Evening: Explore the Nanchan Temple area, where you can find local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.

## Day 4: Wuxi

• Morning: Visit the Liyuan Garden, a beautiful classical garden with stunning landscapes and traditional architecture.
• Afternoon: Head to the Grand Buddha at Ling Shan, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding area, including the Brahma Palace.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying Wuxi’s famous sweet and sour spare ribs.

## Day 5: Wuxi to Suzhou

• Morning: Take a train to Suzhou (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of the most famous gardens in China. Take your time to wander through its beautiful landscapes.
• Evening: Explore the Pingjiang Road, a historic street lined with shops and tea houses. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 6: Suzhou

• Morning: Visit the Lingering Garden, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite design and beautiful scenery.
• Afternoon: Head to the Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the city’s silk production history. You can even buy some silk products!
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kunqu Opera performance if you’re interested in local arts.

## Day 7: Suzhou to Shanghai

• Morning: Take a train to Shanghai (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the iconic Bund, where you can admire the stunning skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Bund, and then consider taking a Huangpu River cruise to see the city lights.

## Day 8: Explore Shanghai

• Morning: Visit the Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions and rockeries. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar for snacks and souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Head to the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square to see an impressive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife in the Xintiandi area, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops.

## Day 9: Shanghai

• Morning: Visit the Shanghai Tower for breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck.
• Afternoon: Explore the French Concession, known for its tree-lined streets and charming architecture. Stop by Tianzifang for artsy shops and cafes.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner or try some local Shanghai cuisine.

## Day 10: Day Trip from Shanghai

• Option 1: Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, a picturesque ancient water town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture.
• Option 2: Explore the ancient city of Hangzhou if you want to revisit or explore more of its beauty.
• Evening: Return to Shanghai and relax at your hotel or explore more of the city.

## Day 11: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Consider visiting the Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl Tower if you haven’t yet.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: High-speed trains are efficient and comfortable for traveling between cities. Make sure to book tickets in advance.
• Language: While many signs are in English, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can enhance your experience.
• Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, having some cash for small purchases and street food is handy.

Enjoy your trip! Each city has its unique charm, and you’re sure to create unforgettable memories! 🌏✈️