Hangzhou + Suzhou Itinerary

Hangzhou and Suzhou are often called the “two paradises” of Jiangnan. Hangzhou is famous for West Lake and tea hills; Suzhou is celebrated for classical gardens and canal towns. Combining them into one trip gives you the best of nature, culture and history. This 5-day itinerary shows you how to do it smoothly.

Why Combine Hangzhou and Suzhou?

The two cities are only 90 minutes apart by high-speed train. Together they represent two sides of traditional Chinese beauty: Hangzhou’s open landscapes and Suzhou’s refined gardens. A combined trip is ideal for first-time visitors to East China.

How to Travel Between Hangzhou and Suzhou

• High-speed rail: The best option. Trains run frequently from Hangzhou East to Suzhou Railway Station or Suzhou North. Journey time: 70–100 minutes.
• Private car: About 2.5 hours, useful for groups with luggage.
• Bus: Cheaper but slower and less comfortable.

5-Day Hangzhou + Suzhou Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hangzhou & West Lake

Morning:

• Arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station or Xiaoshan Airport.
• Check into your hotel near West Lake.

Afternoon:

• Walk along the Bai Causeway and Su Causeway.
• Take a boat cruise on West Lake.

Evening:

• Dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
• Optional: watch Impression West Lake night performance.

Day 2: Temples, Tea and Hills

Morning:

• Visit Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng.
• Walk to Yongfu Temple.

Afternoon:

• Travel to Longjing Village for tea tasting.
• Walk through the tea terraces.

Evening:

• Explore Hefang Street for dinner and snacks.

Day 3: Train to Suzhou & Classical Gardens

Morning:

• Take a high-speed train to Suzhou.
• Check into your hotel near Pingjiang Road or Shiquan Street.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan), the largest classical garden in Suzhou.
• Walk to the Suzhou Museum, designed by I. M. Pei.

Evening:

• Stroll Pingjiang Road, a historic canal street.
• Dinner by the canal.

Day 4: More Gardens and a Water Town

Morning:

• Visit the Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan) for its famous rockeries.
• Explore Tiger Hill Pagoda.

Afternoon:

• Take a day trip to Tongli Water Town, about 30 minutes from Suzhou.
• Walk the bridges and take a boat ride.

Evening:

• Return to Suzhou for a relaxing dinner.

Day 5: Return to Hangzhou or Depart

Morning:

• Visit the Master of the Nets Garden if time allows.
• Shop for silk or tea souvenirs.

Afternoon:

• Return to Hangzhou by train, or depart from Suzhou.

Transport Schedule Tips

• Book Hangzhou–Suzhou train tickets 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season.
• First-class seats on high-speed rail are comfortable and not much more expensive.
• Suzhou has two main stations: Suzhou Railway Station is closer to the old city.

Budget Estimate (Per Person, Excluding Flights)

Category	Budget
Accommodation (4 nights)	¥1,200–3,500
Train tickets	¥200–400
Meals	¥800–1,500
Attractions	¥500–900
Total	¥2,700–6,300

Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Pack light. You will be taking a train between cities.
• Book hotels near West Lake in Hangzhou and near the old city in Suzhou.
• Download offline maps, as mobile data can be patchy.
• Visit gardens early in the morning to avoid tour groups.

FAQ