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Jiangnan Waterways 6-Day Canals

Suzhou · Hangzhou · Shanghai

6 days3 citiesCultureGardens

Classical gardens, canal towns and lakeside tea culture across the Yangtze delta.

China Journey
Best for
Culture seekers
Pace
Relaxed
Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group
Couple, Friends

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Suzhou

Settle into Suzhou

UNESCO classical gardens and silk heritage.

  1. MorningArrive and orient in Suzhou

    Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.

    Suzhou arrival area
  2. AfternoonClassical gardens and canals

    Bookend garden visits with short canal walks.

    Humble Administrator's Garden
  3. EveningSuzhou neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Suzhou old town or food street

Day 2Suzhou

Classical gardens and canals

UNESCO classical gardens and silk heritage.

  1. MorningClassical gardens and canals

    Bookend garden visits with short canal walks.

    Humble Administrator's Garden
  2. AfternoonClassical gardens and canals

    Bookend garden visits with short canal walks.

    Humble Administrator's Garden
  3. EveningPack and prepare the next transfer

    Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.

    Suzhou station or hotel area

Day 3Hangzhou

Settle into Hangzhou

West Lake strolls and dragon-well tea hills.

  1. MorningArrive and orient in Hangzhou

    Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.

    Hangzhou arrival area
  2. AfternoonWest Lake and Longjing tea hills

    Keep the route scenic and unhurried.

    West Lake
  3. EveningHangzhou neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Hangzhou old town or food street

Day 4Hangzhou

West Lake and Longjing tea hills

West Lake strolls and dragon-well tea hills.

  1. MorningWest Lake and Longjing tea hills

    Keep the route scenic and unhurried.

    West Lake
  2. AfternoonWest Lake and Longjing tea hills

    Keep the route scenic and unhurried.

    West Lake
  3. EveningPack and prepare the next transfer

    Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.

    Hangzhou station or hotel area

Day 5Shanghai

Settle into Shanghai

Finish with the Bund and modern skyline.

  1. MorningArrive and orient in Shanghai

    Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.

    Shanghai arrival area
  2. AfternoonThe Bund and Old City

    Mix classic skyline views with slower historic lanes.

    The Bund
  3. EveningShanghai neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Shanghai old town or food street

Day 6Shanghai

French Concession and museums

Finish with the Bund and modern skyline.

  1. MorningFrench Concession and museums

    Leave room for cafes, galleries and an easy final dinner.

    Former French Concession
  2. AfternoonFrench Concession and museums

    Leave room for cafes, galleries and an easy final dinner.

    Former French Concession
  3. EveningShanghai neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Shanghai old town or food street

Editor's note

Editor approved

A gentle delta loop with short transfers. Reviewed for garden opening hours and seasonal crowds.