Planning your China adventure? Don’t miss this classic duo—Shanghai and Suzhou. One is China’s futuristic financial capital, the other a canal-laced city nicknamed the “Venice of the East.” Just 30 minutes apart by high-speed rail, they make for an unforgettable combo of skyscrapers and silk, dumplings and gardens.
Whether you have 3 days or 6, this guide has everything you need—from metro stops to ticket prices and sample itineraries.
📍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 Suzhou (with Metro Info)
- Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园 zhuō zhèng yuán)
- The largest and most famous classical garden in Suzhou, with ponds, bridges, and pavilions.
- Metro: Line 1, Lindun Road Station, Exit 4
- Ticket: ¥70 (peak season)
- Tiger Hill (虎丘 hǔ qiū)
- Historic hill with a leaning pagoda, bonsai gardens, and sword-testing stone.
- Metro: Line 4, Tiger Hill Station, Exit 1
- Ticket: ¥70
- Suzhou Museum (苏州博物馆 sū zhōu bó wù guǎn)
- Designed by I.M. Pei（the designer of Louvre Pyramid in Paris）, this museum blends art, history, and minimalist architecture.
- Metro: Line 1, Lindun Road Station, Exit 5
- Ticket: Free (ID required)
- Shantang Street (山塘街 shān táng jiē)
- A 1,200-year-old canal street full of shops, local snacks, and lantern-lit boat rides.
- Metro: Line 2, Shantang Street Station, Exit 2
- Ticket: Free
- Pingjiang Road (平江路 píng jiāng lù)
- A quiet historic street along a narrow canal, ideal for a relaxing stroll.
- Metro: Line 1, Xiangmen Station, Exit 1
- Ticket: Free
- Guanqian Street (观前街 guān qián jiē)
- Central pedestrian street with local Suzhou cuisine, tea houses, and souvenir shops.
- Metro: Line 1 or 4, Leqiao Station, Exit 1
- Ticket: Free
- Tongli Water Town (同里古镇 tóng lǐ gǔ zhèn)
- Quieter and less commercial than Zhujiajiao. Famous for canals and ancient bridges.
- Metro: Take Line 4 to Tongli Station + shuttle/taxi
- Ticket: ¥100
- Zhouzhuang Water Town (周庄 zhōu zhuāng)
- China’s most famous water town with stone bridges and well-preserved houses.
- High-speed train to Kunshan → taxi to Zhouzhuang
- Ticket: ¥100
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 Suzhou, visit Humble Administrator’s Garden & Shantang Street, return to Shanghai or depart from Suzhou
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 Suzhou, visit Humble Administrator’s Garden & Shantang Street
- Day 4: Tiger Hill 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 Suzhou, visit Humble Administrator’s Garden & Shantang Street
- Day 5: Tiger Hill 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 Suzhou, visit visit Humble Administrator’s Garden & Shantang Street
- Day 5: Tiger Hill + Suzhou Museum
- Day 6: Free morning, high-speed train or flight departure
