Traveling to Shanghai – Hangzhou – Suzhou: Detailed Itinerary

These cities are known for their beautiful natural scenery and charming outdoor attractions, making the best time to visit them when the weather is cool and pleasant:

• Spring (March – May): The weather is warm, flowers bloom everywhere, and traditional festivals like Lunar New Year and Qingming Festival are in full swing. This is a great time to go shopping in Shanghai or admire the stunning landscapes of Hangzhou and Suzhou.
• Autumn (September – November): This is when trees across China change color to brilliant shades of yellow and red, creating a romantic atmosphere like scenes from a movie. The weather is also very cool and comfortable. You can explore Shanghai without the heat and enjoy the dreamy scenic spots of Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Flying is the fastest, safest, and most convenient way to get to China. Currently, Vietjet operates numerous direct flights from Vietnam to Shanghai, departing from major international airports across the country. Ticket prices start from only 490,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees). You can check detailed fare info HERE.

Vietjet currently operates many direct flight routes from Vietnam to Shanghai with super attractive prices.

There are three most convenient transportation options for tourists:

• Taxi: Fast and convenient, especially for families or groups of friends. Taxis in China operate 24/7, so getting around even late at night is no issue. Fares range from 10–20 CNY/km (about 35,000–70,000 VND), depending on the city, traffic, and time of day.
• Bus: The most budget-friendly option, with tickets costing only around 7,000 VND per person.
• Subway: A popular choice among travelers for its convenience, low cost (around 10,000 VND per ride), and availability. Subways operate from early morning to late evening with frequent departures, making it easy to access key attractions.

See more: Detailed guide to transportation in China

Let Vietjet introduce you to some of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks:

• Jade Buddha Temple: This is one of the most sacred and well-known temples in Shanghai, home to two large jade Buddha statues carved from pure white jade, and features a unique and majestic architectural style.
• Oriental Pearl Tower: Known as the “pearl” of Shanghai, this is the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world. It is also a bustling entertainment complex with museums, restaurants, shopping centers, and amusement areas.
• Shanghai City God Temple: This temple worships three historical figures honored as the city gods of Shanghai: Huo Guang, Qin Yubo, and Chen Huacheng.
• The Bund (Waitan): Nicknamed the “Paris of the East,” this area beautifully blends the old and the new. It is a bustling port and one of the most important commercial hubs in Asia.

The Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai.

See more: How much does it cost to travel to Shanghai? A 4D3N trip breakdown.

It takes only about 2 hours to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou, so you can easily combine visits to both cities in one trip. There are three main transportation options from Shanghai to Hangzhou: by plane, high-speed train, or regular train.

Here are the must-see attractions in Hangzhou:

• West Lake Boat Ride: Known as the "Jewel of Hangzhou" and one of the “Four Great Lakes” of China, West Lake frequently appears in poetry and legends from the Tang and Song dynasties. It’s also the fabled setting where Liang Shanbo met Zhu Yingtai, and Bai Suzhen met Xu Xian.
• Broken Bridge and Long Bridge: These two iconic bridges at West Lake are associated with famous love legends like Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, or Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian.
• Yue Fei Temple: This temple is dedicated to General Yue Fei, a loyal general of the Song Dynasty. It features a statue of Yue Fei, poems honoring his legacy, the tombs of him and his son, and bronze statues of Qin Hui and his wife—conspirators in Yue Fei’s death—sculpted in chains as a symbol of eternal condemnation.
• Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: These are three stone pagodas built in West Lake. Shaped like calabashes with spherical hollow bodies and five round holes, their tops are lit at night and partially covered with paper. The light reflects on the lake surface, creating the illusion of multiple moons in a magical scene.
• Longjing Tea Garden: Visit to enjoy Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China’s “Top Four Imperial Teas,” once offered to emperors.

West Lake in Hangzhou is one of the “Four Great Lakes” of China.

See more: What’s beautiful in Hangzhou? Transportation tips for traveling in China.

The final stop in this journey is Suzhou, known for its poetic ancient villages and charming natural scenery. Many travelers wonder, "How far is Suzhou from Shanghai?" Suzhou is only about 110 km from Shanghai, and with a high-speed train, it takes just 25 minutes to return to Shanghai and head to the airport back to Vietnam.

Don’t miss the following stunning attractions in Suzhou:

• Hanshan Temple: One of China’s oldest Buddhist temples, built during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang. It is famous for its bell tower with a single 2-ton bronze bell, along with other structures such as Hanshan Pavilion, Abbot's Library, Grand Hall of Mahavira, Arhat Hall, and the Temple of the Precious Light.
• Lion Grove Garden: The most famous scholar garden in the Jiangnan region, known for its intricate and dreamlike rockeries and classical landscaping.
• Zhouzhuang Ancient Water Town: One of China’s most famous water towns, showcasing beautiful seasonal scenery, Ming and Qing-era architecture along riverbanks, grand mountains, and distinctive wooden bridges.
• Suzhou Silk Museum: Known as “Heaven on Earth,” this museum displays luxurious silk products and offers insights into the history, technology, and process of creating Suzhou’s finest silk.

Zhouzhuang Ancient Water Town in Suzhou is one of the most famous water towns in China.

See more: What’s beautiful in Suzhou, China?

Here are some essential travel tips for your trip to Shanghai – Hangzhou – Suzhou:

• Passport and Visa: Apply for a Chinese visa 1–2 months in advance, and ensure your passport is still valid.
• Cash and Credit Card: Carry cash, as not all tourist areas accept cards. Also bring a credit card as backup for additional expenses.
• Install a Translation App: Most locals do not speak English, so having a translator app will make communication easier.
• Local SIM Card: Buying a SIM as a foreigner in China can be complex, so consider purchasing through third parties or directly at official carrier stores.
• Bring a Power Adapter: China uses 3-prong plugs, different from the 2-prong ones in Vietnam.
• Dress Modestly: Especially when visiting sacred temples or places of worship.
• Bargain When Shopping: Always negotiate prices to avoid overpaying.
• Bring Necessary Medications: Pack all essential medications for the trip.

See more: China Travel Tips for Non-Chinese Speakers

If you don’t know how to organize your trip, check out Vietjet’s recommended 4-day, 3-night itinerary for Shanghai – Hangzhou – Suzhou, starting from Ho Chi Minh City:

Estimated Cost for 4 Days 3 Nights Trip to Shanghai – Hangzhou – Suzhou (Self-Guided)Your total cost will depend on several factors like accommodation, meals, transportation, etc. Below is a reference cost estimate:

• Round-trip airfare: 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND depending on the airline and booking time
• Accommodation: 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND depending on location and hotel type
• Transportation: 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 VND depending on transport type and distance
• Meals: 300,000 – 500,000 VND/day
• Entrance tickets: 70,000 – 400,000 VND depending on the attraction and timing

In total, the estimated cost for a 4-day, 3-night self-guided trip to Shanghai – Hangzhou – Suzhou ranges from 16,000,000 to 18,000,000 VND, depending on your preferences and travel period.

We hope this information helps you plan a detailed and budget-optimized trip.Don’t miss the chance to grab 0 VND air tickets to Shanghai, China and other international and domestic flight promotions during the 12:00–14:00 time slot daily for the best fares

You can check the latest flight schedules and promotional programs for international tickets on Vietjet’s official information channels.

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