Shanghai & East China Destinations
Welcome to our Destinations hub—your starting point for the Shanghai & East China trips that are most comfortable, most worthwhile, and easiest to plan.
Whether it’s your first time in China or you’re returning for a second visit, these six pillar guides focus on what truly matters: what to do, how long to stay, how to get around, and how to connect cities efficiently.
Pick a destination by travel style
- First time in China (easy & iconic): Shanghai
- Classic gardens & old-town walks: Suzhou
- West Lake scenery & tea culture: Hangzhou
- History-focused city break: Nanjing
- Bucket-list mountains & sunrise views: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
- Water-town atmosphere & night views: Wuzhen
Featured destinations
Shanghai
Best for: first-timers, skyline, neighborhoods, food
Recommended stay: 2–4 days (or use as a base)
Top highlights: The Bund, Former French Concession, Pudong skyline
Suzhou
Best for: classical gardens, canals, day trips from Shanghai
Recommended stay: 1–2 days (or a full-day trip)
Top highlights: Humble Administrator’s Garden, old town lanes, canal streets
Hangzhou
Best for: West Lake walking loops, weekend escapes, tea villages
Recommended stay: 1–2 days (or a day trip)
Top highlights: West Lake, Longjing Tea Village, lakeside viewpoints
Nanjing
Best for: history, city wall walks, a deeper Jiangsu experience
Recommended stay: 1–2 days
Top highlights: Purple Mountain area, historic sites, Qinhuai River evenings
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Best for: iconic mountain scenery, sunrise/sea of clouds, hiking
Recommended stay: 2 days (most comfortable first-timer plan)
Top highlights: cable car routes, ridge-line viewpoints, sunrise strategy
Wuzhen
Best for: water-town vibes, night scenes, photography-friendly streets
Recommended stay: day trip or 1 night (best for night views)
Top highlights: choosing East vs West Scenic Area, canals, and evening atmosphere
Easy East China route ideas (low-stress combos)
- Shanghai + Suzhou (2–3 days)
- Shanghai + Hangzhou (2–3 days)
- Shanghai + Suzhou + Hangzhou (4–6 days)
- Shanghai + Nanjing (3–5 days)
- Hangzhou + Huangshan (3–4 days)
- Shanghai + Wuzhen (2–3 days, best with 1 night in Wuzhen)
Planning essentials (start here)
Payments in China for Tourists (2026)
SIM/eSIM in China for Tourists (2026)
Booking Tickets in China as a Foreigner (ID, Names, Common Issues)
High-Speed Train Guide for Tourists
Destinations FAQ
Which destinations are best for a first trip?
Start with Shanghai, then add Suzhou or Hangzhou for a calm, high-value side trip.
I only have one extra day from Shanghai—where should I go?
Suzhou (garden and old town) or Hangzhou (West Lake). Choose based on your interests.
Is it worth spending a night in a water town?
Yes—Wuzhen is the most worthwhile for an overnight stay because the night views are a big part of the experience.
What’s the most “worth it” mountain trip near Shanghai?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)—most travelers find 2 days is the most comfortable way to do it.