Looking to explore both the modern skyline of Shanghai and the tranquil beauty of Hangzhou? These two iconic cities are just one hour apart by high-speed train, making them the perfect duo for a short getaway. Whether you have 3 days or 6, this guide gives you everything you need to plan the perfect Shanghai + Hangzhou trip.
Top Attractions in Shanghai (with Metro Info)
- Yu Garden (豫园 yù yuán)
- A 400-year-old Ming Dynasty masterpiece with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries.
- Metro: Line 10, Yuyuan Garden Station, Exit 1
- Ticket: ¥55 RMB
- The Bund (外滩 wài tān)
- Enjoy a dazzling skyline view across the Huangpu River.
- Metro: Line 2 or Line 10, East Nanjing Road Station, Exit 7
- Ticket: Free
- Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路 nán jīng lù)
- One of China’s busiest shopping streets.
- Metro: Line 2 or Line 10, East Nanjing Road Station, Exit 1
- Ticket: Free
- Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦 shàng hǎi zhōng xīn dà shà )
- The tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world with an amazing 118th-floor view.
- Metro: Line 2, Lujiazui Station, Exit 6
- Ticket: ¥198 RMB
- Shanghai Disneyland
- A magical experience for families and Disney lovers.
- Metro: Line 11, Disneyland Resort Station
- Ticket: From ¥445 RMB (prices vary by date)
- Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆 shàng hǎi bó wù guǎn)
- Renowned museum of Chinese art and history.
- Metro: Line 1, 2, or 8, People’s Square Station, Exit 1
- Ticket: Free, but reservation recommended
- Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角 zhū jiā jiǎo)
- 1,700-year-old canal town with charming bridges and alleyways.
- Metro: Line 17, Zhujiajiao Station, then take a short bus/taxi
- Ticket: Free entry, attractions inside from ¥30 RMB
Top Attractions in Hangzhou (with Metro Info)
- West Lake (西湖 xī hú)
- China’s Most Romantic Lake with tranquil waters, elegant bridges and ancient temples.
- Metro: Line 1, Longxiangqiao Station, Exit A
- Ticket: Free
- Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔 léi fēng tǎ)
- Historic pagoda offering panoramic views over West Lake.
- Metro: Line 4, Sudi North Station, Exit B
- Ticket: ¥45 RMB
- Hefang Street (河坊街 hé fāng jiē)
- Historic marketplace with local snacks and crafts.
- Metro: Line 1, Ding’an Road Station, Exit B
- Ticket: Free
- Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺 líng yǐn sì)
- One of China’s oldest Buddhist temples nestled in the hills.
- Metro: Line 2, Fengqi Road Station, then take Bus Y2
- Ticket: ¥45 RMB for temple, ¥30 RMB for scenic area
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days / 2 Nights: Highlights-Only
- Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai, The Bund + Nanjing Road at night
- Day 2: Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower/Night Cruise on the Huangpu River
- Day 3: High-speed train to Hangzhou, visit West Lake, return to Shanghai or depart from Hangzhou
4 Days / 3 Nights: Balanced Experience
- Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai, The Bund + Nanjing Road at night
- Day 2: Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower/Night Cruise on the Huangpu River
- Day 3: High-speed train to Hangzhou, visit West Lake & Leifeng Pagoda
- Day 4: Lingyin Temple in the morning, departure in afternoon
5 Days / 4 Nights: Classic + Culture
- Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai, The Bund + Nanjing Road at night
- Day 2: Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower/Night Cruise on the Huangpu River
- Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town/Shanghai Disneyland
- Day 4: High-speed train to Hangzhou, visit West Lake & Leifeng Pagoda
- Day 5: Lingyin Temple in the morning, departure in afternoon
6 Days / 5 Nights: Full Immersion
- Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai, The Bund + Nanjing Road at night
- Day 2: Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower/Night Cruise on the Huangpu River
- Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town/Shanghai Disneyland
- Day 4: High-speed train to Hangzhou, visit West Lake & Leifeng Pagoda
- Day 5: Lingyin Temple + Hefang Street
- Day 6: Free morning, high-speed train or flight departure
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