Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Discover Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou’s Diverse Charm

Experience the perfect blend of modern skylines, classical gardens, and poetic lakes in this Shanghai 5-day itinerary. From Shanghai’s futuristic towers to Suzhou’s tranquil canals and Hangzhou’s serene West Lake, this carefully planned trip lets international visitors explore the diverse charm of Eastern China with ease.

Accommodation Golden Rule: Stay in Strategic Areas

Shanghai: Jing’an Temple / Nanjing West Road

• Nights 1–3: This area is a major transit hub (Metro Lines 2, 7, 12), making it easy to reach any attraction. Surrounded by commercial streets, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it’s convenient for morning departures and evening strolls.
• Recommended Hotels: Options range from high-end luxury to budget-friendly chain hotels, all within walking distance to metro stations.

Suzhou: Pingjiang Road

• Night 4: Stay near Pingjiang Road to experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns. B&Bs here are often converted from traditional Suzhou residences, preserving classical architectural features.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old Shanghai – Yuyuan Garden, City God Temple, Bund & Nanjing Road

Theme: Tradition meets modernity

Transportation: Metro Line 2 → Line 10 → Walk

Time	Activity	Highlights & Tips
Morning	Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple	Visit Yuyuan Garden early (8:30–10:30 AM) to avoid crowds. Explore Sansui Hall, Grand Rockery, Exquisite Jade Rock. Then stroll City God Temple area and try Nanxiang Xiǎolóngbāo and Ningbo Sweet Rice Balls at Lubolang.
Afternoon	The Bund & Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street	Walk along the Bund from Peace Hotel to Customs House. Nanjing Road: shop and try local treats such as tiáotóugāo at Shen Dacheng.
Evening	Huangpu River Cruise	Board around 6:30 PM to catch sunset and Lujiazui light show. Window seat on second-floor deck is ideal for photos.

Day 2: Lujiazui Modern Towers & Xintiandi

Theme: Skyscraper views and artistic city life

Transportation: Metro Line 2 → Walk → Metro Line 10

Time	Activity	Highlights & Tips
Morning	Shanghai Tower & Oriental Pearl Tower	Shanghai Tower 118th-floor observatory, glass corridor. Oriental Pearl Tower 263m main deck and sky corridor.
Afternoon	Xintiandi	Explore Shíkùmén architecture, boutique cafés, and creative shops. Relax and enjoy the bohemian vibe.
Evening	Continue enjoying Xintiandi nightlife and street ambiance.

Day 3: Shanghai Disneyland

Theme: Fairy-tale adventure

Transportation: Metro Line 11 → Disney Resort

Time	Activity	Highlights & Tips
All Day	Shanghai Disneyland	Experience all seven themed lands. Must-do: TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Enchanted Storybook Castle. Use the official Disney app to plan rides and check show times.

Day 4: Suzhou Gardens – Humble Administrator’s Garden & Pingjiang Road

Theme: Classical elegance

Transportation: HSR Shanghai → Suzhou → Metro Line 4 → Walk/Bus

Time	Activity	Highlights & Tips
Morning	Humble Administrator’s Garden	Appreciate water-centered garden design, pavilions, terraces, and rockeries.
Afternoon	Pingjiang Road	Stroll along ancient canal street, enjoy small boat rides, and sample Osmanthus Sticky Rice Porridge or Plum Blossom Cake (Méihuā Gāo). Stay overnight near Pingjiang Road.

Day 5: Hangzhou – West Lake & Lingyin Temple

Theme: Poetic landscapes

Transportation: HSR Suzhou → Hangzhou → Metro Line 1 → Walk/Bus

Time	Activity	Highlights & Tips
Morning	West Lake	Optional boat tour to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Sāntán Yìnyuè) and Mid-Lake Pavilion (Húxīn Tíng). Stroll along lakeside paths to enjoy tranquility.
Afternoon	Lingyin Temple	Visit historic Zen temple, experience serene Buddhist atmosphere.
Evening	Return to airport or train station to conclude your trip.

Local Insider Tips

• Transit cards: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou all support Alipay QR code scanning for metro and buses.
• Disneyland: Use Early Access Pass to enter 1 hour before general opening.
• Suzhou Gardens: Joint tickets for multiple gardens save money. Wear comfortable shoes.
• West Lake: Parking is limited, public transportation recommended. Apply sunscreen and mosquito repellent in summer.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Mix of Classics, Modernity, and Nature in this Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary

This itinerary offers the perfect blend of Shanghai’s modern skylines, Suzhou’s classical charm, and Hangzhou’s poetic landscapes. By following this Shanghai 5-day itinerary, you’ll experience the essence of Eastern China efficiently while fully immersing yourself in culture, history, and scenic beauty. Explore each city’s highlights, enjoy local delicacies, and make unforgettable memories!

For more detailed options, see our Shanghai Travel Itineraries page, including one-day, three-day, and multi-day plans.