East China Itinerary 10 Days: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing + Huangshan

This East China itinerary 10 days is the “full first trip” route for first-timers: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). It’s designed as a linear, high-speed-train itinerary, so you can see the classics without rushing or backtracking.

If you want one iconic mountain experience (Huangshan) and one history-heavy city (Nanjing), this 10-day plan is the natural upgrade from the 7-day route.

East China itinerary 10 days — overview (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing + Huangshan)

• Travelers who want Shanghai + the classics plus one major mountain trip
• People are comfortable with 2–3 hotel bases (not changing hotels every day)
• Anyone who wants a single plan that links routes + bookings + “what to do.”

Days 1–3: Shanghai

3 Days in Shanghai: A First-Timer Itinerary

Key logistics:

PVG to Downtown Shanghai
Hongqiao to Central Shanghai
Shanghai Metro Guide

Day 4: Suzhou (day trip or overnight)

Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai
Optional deeper day:
1 Day in Suzhou: Classic Gardens + Old Town
Transport:
Shanghai to Suzhou High-Speed Train

Days 5–6: Hangzhou (West Lake + tea villages)

2 Days in Hangzhou: West Lake + Tea Villages
Travel from Suzhou:
Suzhou to Hangzhou Train

Days 7–8: Nanjing (history focus)

2 Days in Nanjing: A History-Focused Itinerary
Metro:
Nanjing Metro Guide
Train from Shanghai (if you reorder):
Shanghai to Nanjing High-Speed Train

Days 9–10: Huangshan / Yellow Mountain (classic 2-day plan)

Use the classic 2-day mountain structure:

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in 2 Days

Tickets and cable cars:
Huangshan Tickets and Cable Cars (2026)

Where to stay decision:
Where to Stay for Huangshan: On the Mountain vs Tangkou

How to travel this East China itinerary 10 days (high-speed train routing)

Start here for the basics:

High-Speed Train Guide for Tourists

Key legs you’ll likely use:

Hangzhou to Huangshan: Best Route (Train + Bus)
Nanjing to Huangshan: How to Travel
How to Get to Huangshan from Shanghai

Trip essentials for East China (2026): tickets, ID, payments, SIM/eSIM

Payments in China for Tourists (2026)
SIM/eSIM in China for Tourists (2026)
Booking Tickets in China as a Foreigner

FAQ — East China itinerary 10 days

Is 10 days enough for all five stops?
Yes—if you keep it structured and don’t add extra cities.

Do I need to stay on Huangshan Mountain?
Not required, but it improves sunrise odds. The where-to-stay guide helps you decide quickly.

Related Guides

East China in 7 Days
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Travel Guide