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What are the best places to visit and things to do in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou? Explore the detailed 8-day travel itinerary here!
The blend of modernity and tradition in the Yangtze River Delta region, which includes Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, captivates every traveler who visits. This area not only symbolizes strong economic development but also preserves a rich history and culture.
In Shanghai, you’ll experience the vibrant pace of one of the most developed cities in the world. Hangzhou, on the other hand, offers a poetic setting with the breathtaking beauty of West Lake. Suzhou charms with its elegant, historic ambiance, and winding canals.
If you’re planning to visit these three renowned cities, take a look at this detailed 8-day Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou travel itinerary, curated for you by Mytour Vietnam!
Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Shanghai from Vietnam
Your journey to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou begins with a flight from Vietnam to Shanghai. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and other major carriers offer direct flights to Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai.
Upon landing at PVG, you can head to your hotel using various transportation options, including the subway (Lines 2 or 10), buses, taxis, or airport car rentals.
The afternoon of your first day is a great opportunity to explore Shanghai. The Chenghuang Temple, a 600-year-old Taoist temple, is located in a bustling area and is a perfect stop. Afterwards, visit the Nanpu Bridge, an iconic structure that crosses the Huangpu River.
Don't forget to capture the moment at the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the top three tallest TV towers in the world. To experience the city's vibrancy at night, enjoy a meal at the tower and visit the observation deck for stunning views of the city lights.
Day 2: Explore Shanghai - Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, Nanjing Road, The Bund, Jin Mao Tower, Huangpu River
The second day begins with the peaceful atmosphere of Yuyuan Garden, where classic Ming Dynasty architecture blends beautifully with tranquil ponds, grand pavilions, and ancient trees. As you stroll along the winding paths and admire the carefully arranged stones, you'll fully appreciate the harmony of traditional Chinese garden art.
Next, the lively Nanjing Road, about 2 kilometers from Yuyuan Garden, welcomes you with a plethora of shops, shopping malls, and restaurants. This bustling street is a symbol of commercial success, offering an exciting shopping and cultural exploration experience.
Leaving Nanjing Road behind, head to The Bund, where the urban landscape comes to life with a fusion of historic Western architecture and modern skyscrapers in Pudong. Gothic, Baroque, and Roman styles add a unique charm to this area.
The Jin Mao Tower is another impressive stop. From the top of the tower, you’ll get a panoramic view of Shanghai, a dynamic and vibrant city. To end the day, take a cruise along the Huangpu River for a perfect moment to enjoy the glittering city lights.
Day 3: Shanghai - Hangzhou - West Lake, Flower Harbor, Mai Jia O Tea Hill, China National Tea Museum
On the third day of your journey, head to Hangzhou, a paradise on Earth in China. To travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou, you can choose from high-speed trains, regular trains, or long-distance buses.
The high-speed train is the best option, offering an affordable cost and a travel time of just 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Trains depart from Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai South, or Shanghai stations and arrive at Hangzhou, Hangzhou South, or Hangzhou East stations.
Start your first day in Hangzhou with a boat ride on the tranquil waters of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Choose between a motorboat or a rowing boat to enjoy the picturesque scenery, with temples, pagodas, and beautiful artificial islands dotting the lake.
Next, take a bus to the Sudi stop and visit the Flower Harbor Park. Famous for its vibrant red koi ponds, peony gardens with hundreds of blooming species, and lush greenery, it's the perfect place to capture some stunning photos. Be sure to wear a lovely outfit for a photo op!
After lunch, head to Mai Jia O Tea Village, the birthplace of Longjing tea. Here, you can witness the traditional tea harvesting and processing methods. At the end of the day, don't miss the China National Tea Museum, where the rich tea culture is preserved in a beautiful fusion of architecture and nature. Be sure to pick up some premium Longjing tea as souvenirs!
Day 4: Hangzhou - Lingyin Temple, Bamboo Path of Yunxi, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Qinghefang Ancient Street
Day 4 offers a great opportunity to explore the unique culture and nature of Hangzhou. Your first stop is Lingyin Temple, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in China, with a history of over 1,600 years. The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and you can conveniently take Bus No. 7, 807, or Y2 to the Lingyin stop.
Continuing on your journey, hop on bus number 324/K324, Y4, or K658 and get off at the Yunqi Zhujing station. Your destination is the Bamboo Road in Van Khe, surrounded by the serene greenery of endless bamboo forests. This 1km stretch takes you through a cool forest filled with ancient trees, some thousands of years old, offering a peaceful and calming experience.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda, a symbol of harmony in Buddhism. This majestic tower not only attracts with its unique architecture but also offers a stunning panoramic view of the Tiantang River.
Your evening adventure leads you to stroll along Thanh Ha Phuong Street, a historic neighborhood that still carries strong cultural significance. Wander past the preserved ancient houses, explore the traditional souvenir shops, and savor local Hangzhou dishes such as stir-fried shrimp tea, Donghua pig, and West Lake fish in vinegar sauce.
Day 5: Hangzhou - Suzhou - Liu Garden, Pan Gate, Hanshan Temple, Pingjiang Ancient Street
Suzhou, located just 155km away from Hangzhou, is a tranquil and beautiful destination waiting for you to explore. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by high-speed train, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Start your trip by visiting the Liu Garden, one of the four famous classical gardens in China and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The delicate architecture, perfectly blended with nature, creates a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking tranquility. This is also a wonderful place to admire the unique landscape art of the Chinese people.
Continue your journey with a 6-minute drive from Liuyuan Garden to Panmen Gate, your next stop. This historical site, over 2,500 years old, still retains the most intact sections of the ancient city wall of Suzhou. From the top of the gate, take in a breathtaking view of the city, with Wumen Bridge and the Wei Guang Pagoda in the distance.
To experience the old-world charm of Suzhou, take a leisurely stroll through Pingjiang Ancient Street. Walk along cobbled paths, admire the ancient homes, sip fragrant tea at roadside tea houses, or explore local artisan shops. This is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of the locals, and also an opportunity to savor Suzhou's culinary delights like sweet and sour mandarin fish, crab tofu, and braised pig's trotters in soy sauce.
Day 6: Suzhou - Tongli Ancient Town, Tuixi Garden, Three Bridges, Grand Canal
The second day in Suzhou is a perfect time to visit an unmissable destination: Tongli Ancient Town, often called the 'museum of ancient architecture.' Just a 50-minute trip away, Tongli reveals its nostalgic beauty with homes and temples from the Ming and Qing dynasties, peacefully nestled along cool, green canals.
Another must-visit is the meticulously preserved Tuixi Garden, built between 1885 and 1887. The garden harmoniously blends architecture with nature, featuring ponds, pavilions, stone bridges, and lush trees offering shaded retreats.
Next, head to the Three Bridges, where the ancient Changqing, Taiping, and Jili bridges meet over the canal. These stone bridges are not only architecturally stunning but also hold deep cultural significance for the local people.
After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you can spend the remaining time exploring, shopping, or relaxing by the canal. End your journey with a boat ride along the canal, quietly admiring the ancient houses and stone bridges from a completely new perspective.
Day 7: Suzhou - Nanjing - Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall, Confucius Temple Area, Qinhuai River - Shanghai
On the seventh day, you will depart from Suzhou and head to explore Nanjing. The fastest way to travel is by high-speed train, taking about 2-3 hours depending on the schedule. Tickets can be booked online or purchased directly at the train station.
Your first stop in Nanjing is the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the resting place of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This mausoleum impresses with its Sacred Way lined with majestic stone animal statues and the exquisitely carved main tomb. You can reach it via Metro Line 2, get off at Muxuyuan station, and walk for about 20 minutes.
Next, continue your exploration with the Nanjing City Wall, a grand historical structure that stretches for miles, bearing the marks of ancient Chinese history. In the afternoon, take Metro Line 3, alight at Fuzimiao Station to reach the Confucius Temple area – the cultural and spiritual heart of Nanjing. Here, you’ll admire the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties and visit the Royal Examination Museum.
To end the day, relax on a boat cruise along the Qinhuai River, taking in the beautiful scenery on both shores, with ancient buildings shimmering in the glow of the night lights. The dock is conveniently located right in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple, just a short walk from the old city.
In the evening, leave Nanjing and take the high-speed train back to Shanghai, bringing an end to a day full of exploration.
Day 8: Shanghai - Vietnam
The last day in China presents a wonderful opportunity to savor unforgettable experiences before returning to Vietnam.
Start your morning by indulging in the 'Four Great Diamonds,' a traditional breakfast consisting of fried dough (youtiao), rice dumplings (cifantuan), pancakes (dabing), and soy milk (doujiang). Good Morning Hill is an ideal spot to enjoy this meal in a cozy atmosphere. Next, don't miss the famous black sesame noodles (májiàng miàn) at Wei Xiang Zhai, which have a distinct sweet flavor.
After breakfast, take time to explore the bustling streets. Tianzifang, with its charming alleys, is a great place to find handmade crafts and souvenirs. The area also boasts many cafes and restaurants with a classic European style. Visit Hinichijou for an interesting service experience, or Shanghailander for a creative menu and their famous pastries.
Conclude your tour and head quickly to the airport to check in for your flight back to Vietnam.
Travel Costs for Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou 8-Day Tour
For those who have never traveled to China, it may be hard to estimate the cost of an 8-day, 7-night trip. To help you plan your budget, take a look at the cost table below for your reference.
Loại Chi Phí | Chi Phí dự kiến (VND) | Ghi chú |
Vé máy bay khứ hồi | 5.000.000 - 7.000.000 | Tùy thuộc vào thời điểm đặt vé và hãng hàng không. |
Chỗ ở (7 đêm) | 6.000.000 - 12.000.000 | Khách sạn/homestay, tùy thuộc vào loại phòng và vị trí. Lưu ý chi phí khách sạn sẽ khác nhau tùy vào từng thành phố. |
Di chuyển nội địa | 4.000.000 - 8.000.000 | Bao gồm tàu cao tốc giữa các thành phố (Thượng Hải - Hàng Châu - Tô Châu - Nam Kinh - Thượng Hải), taxi, metro. Mua vé tàu cao tốc online có thể rẻ hơn. |
Ăn uống (8 ngày) | 8.000.000 - 15.000.000 | Nếu muốn tiết kiệm bạn nên kết hợp chọn các khu ẩm thực địa phương thay vì các nhà hàng sang trọng hoặc nhà hàng trong khu du lịch. |
Vé tham quan | 6.000.000 - 12.000.000 | Mua vé online trước để được giá hời và tránh xếp hàng. |
Quà lưu niệm | 1.000.000 - 3.000.000 | |
Chi phí khác | 3.000.000 - 6.000.000 | Sim du lịch, phí dịch vụ, mua sắm quà lưu niệm. |
Tổng cộng | 37.000.000 - 63.000.000 | Phạm vi chi phí dự kiến cho một người. Có thể cao hơn nếu lựa chọn khách sạn cao cấp và ăn uống tại các nhà hàng sang trọng. |
The Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou tour is a journey that lets you fully experience the beauty of 'the land of a billion people.' The iconic Shanghai Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower represent China's world-class economy, while the stunning West Lake in Hangzhou and the peaceful ancient town of Dongli in Suzhou are also highlights.
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Be sure to book your flight tickets in advance for a memorable trip to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou!
