9-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Shanghai and Suzhou in October

Day 1: Explore Shanghai city

Shanghai, China on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fu 1088

Enjoy a traditional Shanghainese breakfast with local flavors in an elegant historic setting. Fu 1088 opens at 8:00am providing a great start for the day.
CNY100, 1h0m

9:30am

The Bund

Stroll along the Huangpu River waterfront for iconic views of Shanghai’s skyline and colonial-era buildings. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and capture photos with soft light.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Yu Garden

Explore the classical Chinese garden featuring pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds. Open from 8am to 5:30pm, it is a peaceful retreat in the Old City.
CNY40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Savor famous Shanghai-style xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in the bustling Old City near Yu Garden.
CNY60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shanghai Museum

Visit this world-class museum showcasing ancient Chinese art, ceramics, and calligraphy. Open from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Nanjing Road East

Walk along China’s premier shopping street, illuminated beautifully at night, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Experience upscale Yunnan cuisine with exotic flavors and elegant presentation in a stylish setting.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Shanghai

Shanghai, China on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Start the day with fresh artisan breads and organic coffee in Shanghai’s French Concession area.
CNY80, 1h0m

9:30am

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Explore Shanghai’s urban development through 3D models and multimedia exhibits. Open from 9am to 5pm daily.
CNY30, 1h30m

11:30am

Jing’an Temple

Visit this serene Buddhist temple, a peaceful contrast to the surrounding modern skyscrapers. Open 7am to 5pm.
CNY20, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung, Jing’an

Enjoy excellent Taiwanese dim sum including steamed dumplings in a clean, contemporary restaurant.
CNY100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Ascend the second tallest building in the world for panoramic views of the city. Open from 8:30am to 9pm.
CNY180, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Lujiazui Skyline

Walk around the financial district, marveling at futuristic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund

Enjoy French cuisine with modern twists, offering spectacular river views. Reservations recommended.
CNY300, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Shanghai, China on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wujiang Road Food Street

Try a variety of local street breakfast specialties like scallion pancakes and soy milk.
CNY40, 1h0m

9:00am

Longhua Temple and Pagoda

Visit Shanghai’s oldest and largest temple complex, open from 7am to 5pm.
CNY10, 1h30m

11:00am

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Discover a unique museum showcasing historic Chinese propaganda posters from the Mao era. Open 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
CNY30, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Taste some of Shanghai’s best soup dumplings in this no-frills local favorite.
CNY50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tianzifang Arts and Crafts Lane

Explore narrow alleys filled with boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and street art in the French Concession.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Taian Table

Experience innovative Chinese dishes in a chic ambiance; reservation necessary.
CNY350, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Shanghai, China on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax with a comforting breakfast before your water town adventure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Take a 1-hour train or taxi ride west from Shanghai to this beautiful ancient water town known for canals, bridges, and traditional architecture.
CNY30, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Zhujiajiao Historic Streets

Wander charming streets and take boat rides along the canals; shops and tea houses open from 9am to 6pm.
Boat ride CNY80, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fang Sheng Lou

Dine on local Jiangnan cuisine with river views, renowned for fresh fish dishes.
CNY120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kezhi Garden

Enjoy this serene classical garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, open 8am to 5:30pm.
CNY40, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Shanghai

Head back to the city for a restful evening.
CNY30, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Xintiandi

Enjoy a variety of cuisines in this vibrant district built from restored traditional Shikumen houses.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 5: Transfer to Suzhou

Suzhou, China on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before check-out and travel to Suzhou.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train Shanghai to Suzhou

Take a fast train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Suzhou, approximately 30 minutes journey.
CNY60, 0h30m

10:00am

Check-in at hotel in Suzhou

Settle into your accommodation near the city center or gardens.
Varies, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Songhelou Restaurant

Taste authentic Suzhou cuisine featuring sweet and delicate flavors.
CNY80, 1h0m

1:00pm

Humble Administrator's Garden

Explore Suzhou’s largest and most famous classical garden, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY70, 2h0m

3:30pm

Suzhou Museum

Designed by I.M. Pei, this museum combines modern architecture with Suzhou themes, displaying local art and history. Open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk on Pingjiang Road

Stroll historic canal-side streets lined with shops, cafes, and traditional houses.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at De Yue Lou

Elegant restaurant specializing in Suzhou delicacies and freshwater fish dishes.
CNY150, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Gardens and Canals

Suzhou, China on October 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light, hotel-provided breakfast to begin your day fresh.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Lingering Garden

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for exquisite landscaping, rock formations, and water features, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY70, 1h30m

11:00am

Master of Nets Garden

Relax in the intimate and artistically designed garden considered a pinnacle of Suzhou garden design, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY70, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Wangshi Yuan Restaurant

Savor authentic local dishes in a serene garden setting.
CNY100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Suzhou Canals

Take a guided boat tour through Suzhou’s scenic canal network, highlighting historic bridges and waterside architecture. Boats typically operate until sunset.
CNY100, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Panmen Gate

Explore the ancient city gate combining water and land defenses, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY40, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Song Helou

Return to this traditional restaurant to try additional local specialties.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 7: Water Town Experience

Suzhou, China on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day in the water towns with a nourishing breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Tongli Water Town

A 30-minute drive from Suzhou, Tongli offers a charming and authentic water town experience with canals and classical gardens.
CNY50, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Tongli Water Town

Wander the ancient stone bridges, waterways, and narrow streets. Visit key sites like Retreat & Reflection Garden (open 7:30am-5:30pm).
Garden Entry CNY50, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at local Tongli restaurant

Enjoy fresh river delicacies and traditional Jiangsu dishes in a quaint setting.
CNY80, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Tongli canals

Take a relaxing boat ride to fully appreciate the town’s waterways and atmosphere.
CNY70, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Suzhou

Travel back to Suzhou city center.
CNY50, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Jinji Lake area

Dine in a modern setting with views of the scenic Jinji Lake waterfront.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 8: Suzhou Modern & Traditional

Suzhou, China on October 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Suzhou Silk Museum

Discover Suzhou’s famous silk heritage through exhibitions on history and silk production. Open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Shantang Street

Stroll this historic commercial street along a canal, filled with shops and teahouses. Best enjoyed in the morning before crowds peak.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Huangtianyizhi Restaurant

Try Suzhou-style snacks and dishes in a restaurant known for quality and local flavors.
CNY80, 1h0m

2:00pm

China Suzhou Silk Factory Tour

Tour an active silk factory to see traditional silk weaving and processing techniques.
CNY30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Jinji Lake Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bike to explore this beautiful urban park with lake views and gardens.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at M One Restaurant

Taste contemporary Suzhou and Asian fusion cuisine with a stylish atmosphere.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 9: Departure Day

Suzhou, China on October 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax and enjoy your final breakfast in Suzhou.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Check-out & Transfer to Shanghai

Travel by train back to Shanghai for onward departure or connections. Allow at least 1 hour travel time plus transit to airport or next destination.
CNY60, 1h30m
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