6 days · Unhurried · March–April, or October

Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou on short hops. Gardens, a lake, and enough train rides to feel easy rather than epic.

1. Shanghai
2. High-speed rail · 25–40 minSuzhou
3. High-speed rail · 1.5–2 hHangzhou

1. Day 1

   Arrive at Hongqiao if you can

   Shanghai · 上海

   Concession walk and soup dumplings. Save the Bund for tomorrow morning when you are not hauling a suitcase.

2. Day 2

   The city, then a short rail

   Suzhou · 苏州

   Morning in Shanghai, midday train to Suzhou. Pingjiang Road in the late light, when the day-trippers thin.

3. Day 3

   Two gardens, not four

   Suzhou · 苏州

   A famous garden at opening and a smaller one after lunch. Museum if it rains. Noodles, not a banquet.

4. Day 4

   Toward the lake

   Hangzhou · 杭州

   Train to Hangzhou East. West Lake on foot before dinner. Stay near the water if you can.

5. Day 5

   Tea hills

   Hangzhou · 杭州

   Longjing or Lingyin, not both at a sprint. Longjing shrimp for lunch if the kitchen is known for it.

6. Day 6

   Back through Shanghai

   Shanghai · 上海

   Train to Hongqiao and fly, or one last Shengjian breakfast if the flight is afternoon.