Shanghai is surrounded by destinations that are nothing like it. Suzhou, 35 minutes west by G-train, has been called the Venice of the East for its canals and classical gardens. Hangzhou, 45 minutes southwest, has West Lake: the landscape that inspired Chinese poets for 2,000 years and appears on the ¥20 note. Both are day trips from Shanghai and both are genuinely worth doing. For the rail booking: China High-Speed Rail Guide.
At a Glance
| Destination | Train Time | Cost | Best For | Hours Needed |
| Suzhou | 25 to 35 min from Hongqiao | ¥39 | Classical gardens, canals, silk | 4 to 6 hours |
| Hangzhou | 45 to 55 min from Hongqiao | ¥73 | West Lake, tea hills, cycling | 6 to 8 hours |
Suzhou: Gardens and Canals
Humble Administrator’s Garden
The largest classical garden in Suzhou and one of the finest examples of Ming dynasty garden design. Built in the early 16th century by a retired imperial censor. The garden is 51% water: pools, streams, and ponds connected by pavilions and zigzag bridges. Ancient ginkgo and magnolia trees provide shade. The UNESCO World Heritage Site listing covers four Suzhou classical gardens. Entry ¥90. Book via WeChat to avoid the queue. Allow 2 hours.
Shantang Street (山塘街)
A 7-li (3.5 km) canal-side street from Changmen Gate to Huqiu Hill. Built in the Tang dynasty (825 AD). The stone-paved street runs alongside the Shantang Canal with traditional low-rise buildings on both sides. More lived-in and less polished than some of Suzhou’s tourist areas. Boat rides along the canal: ¥70 to ¥120 per person.
Hangzhou: West Lake
West Lake (西湖) is a 6.38 km squared freshwater lake surrounded by hills, causeways, and temples. The Su Causeway and Bai Causeway are the two main walkways across the lake. Biking the circuit of the lake (about 15 km total) is the best way to experience it at a human pace. The three pagodas rising from the lake’s surface (Three Pools Mirroring the Moon) are the image on the ¥1 coin. No entry fee for the lake and causeways. For the full Hangzhou guide: Hangzhou Travel Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Hangzhou in depth: Hangzhou Travel Guide. For Shanghai overview: Shanghai Travel Guide. For rail booking: China High-Speed Rail Guide.