Qiang Huang
What You'll Find Here
I've led over 20 groups through the Yangtze River Delta, and here's the first thing I tell them: don't trust Google Maps for directions once you land. Use Apple Maps or the Alipay mini-program for AMap (it understands English). This itinerary is built from years of trial and error — I've watched too many tourists get stuck in ticket lines or lost on metro transfers. Let me show you how to do 7 days connecting Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou without rushing, while dodging the crowds and the scams.
Why This 7-Day Route Works (and What Most Guides Get Wrong)
Most online itineraries try to cram four cities in five days — Nanjing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou — and end up with exhausted clients who never actually experience the gardens or tea culture. My approach is slower: two nights per major city, with a day trip option if you're energetic. This gives you time to adjust to the pace, navigate the booking systems, and actually enjoy the food.
Here's the catch: high-speed rail tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends. Always book at least 3 days ahead via Trip.com (they have an English interface and accept international cards). I once watched a group of six get stranded in Suzhou because they thought they could buy same-day tickets — don't be that person.
Before You Go: 3 Things That Will Save You Headaches
Payments, Maps, and WeChat
Set up Alipay before you arrive. Link your foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard) — it works at most places now. But always carry some cash (100-200 RMB) for small street vendors or emergency taxis. WeChat Pay is also widespread, but the international version can be glitchy; Alipay is more reliable for tourists. For maps, Apple Maps works decently in China with English search. Download the metro map app "Metro Man" offline — it's a lifesaver in Shanghai's sprawling system.
VPN and Translation
You need a VPN installed before you leave — Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked in China. I recommend ExpressVPN or Astrill. Also download Baidu Translate or Apple's built-in translator for menus and signs. Don't assume English is common at train stations or attractions.
Insider Advice: At major sights like The Bund or West Lake, vendors may approach you for "original" silk or tea — they're almost always overpriced fakes. Buy from trusted stores like Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory or Hangzhou Longjing Tea Village.
Packing for Changeable Weather
Spring and autumn are stunning but unpredictable. Always bring a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes. In summer (June-August), expect heat and humidity; carry a portable fan and sunscreen. Winter (Dec-Feb) is cold and damp — thermal underwear and waterproof boots are advisable.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Shanghai – The Gateway
Day 1: Arrival and Bund Sunset
Arrive at PVG or SHA. Take the Maglev train from PVG to Longyang Road station (8 min, 50 RMB) then switch to metro Line 2 to your hotel. Check into a hotel near People's Square or East Nanjing Road — central and walkable. By 4 PM, head to the Bund for sunset. The best photo spot is near the intersection of Yan'an East Road, away from the main crowds. Walk across the Waibaidu Bridge to the Pudong side for dinner at Din Tai Fung in IFC mall — they have English menus and take credit cards.
Day 2: Old Town and French Concession
Start at Yu Garden (adult 40 RMB, book via Trip.com — passport required). Go at 8:30 AM opening to avoid the tour groups. Afterward, walk through the bazaar (don't buy anything here; it's tourist-priced). Then take metro Line 10 to Xintiandi for lunch at Lost Heaven (Yunnan fusion, ~200 RMB/person). Stroll through the French Concession alleys — Wukang Road is lovely. Evening: Huangpu River night cruise (book on Klook, 120 RMB, 45 min).
Pro Tip: The cruise boarding point at Shiliupu Pier is chaotic after 7 PM. Go to the VIP lounge on the second floor — quieter and with a better view.
Day 3: Suzhou – Gardens and Silk
Take the 7:30 AM high-speed train from Shanghai Station to Suzhou (30 min, 40 RMB). Leave luggage at the station left-luggage service (20 RMB per bag). First stop: Humble Administrator's Garden (adult 80 RMB, need passport for booking — use Klook). Arrive by 9 AM right after opening — the small pathways get packed by 10. Spend 2 hours. Then walk to Pingjiang Road, a quaint canal street. Lunch at Song He Lou for the famed Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish (sweet and sour, ~150 RMB). In the afternoon, visit Suzhou Museum (free but must reserve via their WeChat mini-program — ask your hotel to help; it's Chinese-only). Evening: check into a hotel near Guanqian Street for dinner and local snacks.
Insider Advice: The museum is free and outstanding, but the reservation system is a pain. If you can't get a spot, go to the Lingering Garden instead (45 RMB) — less crowded and just as beautiful.
Days 4-5: Hangzhou – West Lake and Tea
Day 4: West Lake Bike Ride
Take a morning train from Suzhou to Hangzhou East (1.5 hours, 120 RMB). Drop bags at a hotel near Longxiangqiao metro — walking distance to West Lake. Rent a public bike (scan with Alipay, 1 RMB per 30 min). Cycle the 10 km lake loop counterclockwise from the Broken Bridge. Stop at Sudi Causeway for the finest view. Lunch at Lou Wai Lou — legendary Dongpo Pork and West Lake Vinegar Fish (book ahead or queue 30 min). Afternoon: visit Leifeng Pagoda (40 RMB, arrive before 4 PM for sunset from the top). Evening: watch the Impression West Lake show (book on Trip.com, 300 RMB).
Day 5: Tea Plantation and Lingyin Temple
Take bus #7 from Jiaogong Road to Lingyin Temple (adult 75 RMB, best to book via Klook). Go early — before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Spend 2 hours among the ancient Buddhas. Then take a taxi (15 min, 30 RMB) to Longjing Village for a tea tasting at a family-run farm. I always take my groups to Grandpa's Tea House — they speak a little English and don't pressure you to buy. Walk through the terraced fields for stunning photos. Return to the city for a farewell dinner at Green Tea Restaurant (Hangzhou cuisine, ~100 RMB/person, cash or Alipay).
Days 6-7: Nanjing or Optional Detour
Day 6: Nanjing – Ming History
High-speed rail from Hangzhou to Nanjing South (1 hour, 120 RMB). Visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (free, but reserve via Trip.com — 4 hours needed, including the 392 steps). Lunch at Donglaishun for Nanjing salted duck. Afternoon: Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) area — walk the Qinhuai River and browse the shops. Evening: check into a hotel near Xinjiekou.
Day 7: Nanjing Museum and Departure
Visit Nanjing Museum (free, reserve online — one of China's best, 3 hours). Then fly out from Nanjing Lukou Airport (metro line S1 from Nanjing South).
If you're exhausted, skip Nanjing and instead spend day 6-7 in Hangzhou doing a day trip to Wuzhen Water Town (2 hours by bus, book via Klook).
Transport Between Cities: High-Speed Rail vs. Car
| Route | Train Time | Cost (2nd class) | Car Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Suzhou | 25-30 min | 40 RMB | 1.5-2 hrs | Speed; trains every 15 min |
| Suzhou → Hangzhou | 1.5 hrs | 120 RMB | 2.5-3 hrs | Scenic views; book ahead |
| Hangzhou → Nanjing | 1 hr | 120 RMB | 3+ hrs | Reliability; avoid traffic |
| Nanjing → Shanghai | 1.5 hrs | 150 RMB | 4+ hrs | Return convenience |
I strongly recommend trains. Driving in Chinese cities is chaotic, and parking is expensive. Use Didi (Chinese Uber) within cities — the app has an English version and accepts foreign cards. Never take unlicensed taxis at train stations; always use the official taxi line or Didi.
Where to Stay in Each City
Shanghai: The JW Marriott Shanghai at Tomorrow Square (near People's Square) — central, great English service, pool. Budget option: Mingtown Etour Youth Hostel near the Bund (clean, social, 150 RMB/night dorm).
Suzhou: Pan Pacific Suzhou — near the gardens, beautiful traditional design, 600 RMB/night. For budget: Suzhou Hanting Hotel on Pingjiang Road (300 RMB, simple but clean).
Hangzhou: Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake — splurge (2000+ RMB), but the location is unbeatable. Mid-range: Hangzhou Westlake Youth Hostel near music fountain (200 RMB, friendly staff).
Nanjing: InterContinental Nanjing — high-rise with city views, 800 RMB. Budget: Nanjing Jinling Hotel (300 RMB, near Confucius Temple).
All hotels listed have strong WiFi, English-speaking front desk, and accept credit cards. Always confirm elevator availability if you have heavy luggage — some older buildings lack elevators.
Insider Tips on Tickets and Reservations
- Major attractions require real-name booking with passport. Use Trip.com or Klook for English-friendly booking. Avoid WeChat mini-programs if you can't read Chinese.
- Show your passport at the entrance — they'll scan it. Keep a photocopy in case the original is needed elsewhere.
- High-speed rail tickets: Buy via Trip.com or 12306 (Chinese official site, but hard for foreigners). At the station, use the self-service kiosk with your passport to collect paper tickets (required to enter gates).
- Free museums like Suzhou Museum and Nanjing Museum need advance reservation — slots fill up 3-5 days ahead. Book immediately once you confirm your itinerary.
Pro Tip: If you can't get a reservation for Suzhou Museum, go to the Suzhou Silk Museum instead (free, no reservation needed) — equally fascinating and less crowded.
FAQ – Yangtze River Delta Multi-City Itinerary
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