14 Days Exploring Suzhou and Shanghai Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to Lion Grove Garden. Known for its intricate rock formations and labyrinthine pathways, this garden offers a unique experience compared to other classical gardens in Suzhou.

Have lunch at Song He Lou before heading to Tiger Hill. This historical site is famous for its leaning Yunyan Pagoda and beautiful landscapes. Climb up to enjoy panoramic views of Suzhou.

Conclude your day with an evening performance at Suzhou Opera Museum. Experience traditional Kunqu Opera or Pingtan storytelling performances that reflect Suzhou's rich cultural heritage.

Kick off your third day with a visit to Master of Nets Garden. Despite being one of the smallest gardens in Suzhou, it is renowned for its exquisite design and use of space.

Enjoy lunch at De Yue Lou before exploring Pingjiang Road. This ancient street is lined with traditional houses, teahouses, shops selling local crafts, and cafes where you can relax by the canal.

End your day with a night tour of Shantang Street. Illuminated by lanterns at night, this historic street offers a glimpse into old Suzhou with its well-preserved architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to Canglang Pavilion. This is the oldest garden in Suzhou and offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful rock formations, ancient trees, and tranquil ponds. The garden's design reflects the harmony between man and nature.

After enjoying lunch at Wu Men Ren Jia, head to the Suzhou Silk Museum. This museum provides an in-depth look into the history of silk production in Suzhou, which has been a significant industry for over 4,000 years. You can see traditional silk weaving techniques and exquisite silk products.

In the evening, take a stroll along Jinji Lake. This modern area offers stunning views of the skyline and is perfect for an evening walk. You can also enjoy some light shopping or dining at one of the many restaurants around the lake.

Begin your day with a visit to Panmen Gate. This ancient city gate is part of Suzhou's old city wall and offers a glimpse into the city's historical defenses. The surrounding area includes beautiful gardens and water features.

Have lunch at Fu Xiang Lou before heading to Hanshan Temple. This famous Buddhist temple is known for its bell ringing ceremony on New Year's Eve. Explore its serene courtyards, pagodas, and halls while learning about its rich history.

Conclude your day with an evening visit to Shiquan Street. Known for its vibrant nightlife, this street is lined with bars, cafes, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy some local delicacies or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.

Kick off your sixth day with a visit to Zhuozhengyuan Garden. Also known as the Humble Administrator's Garden (a different section), this part offers more secluded areas that are less crowded but equally beautiful.

Enjoy lunch at Bao Long Lou before visiting the Suzhou Art & Design Technology Institute. This institute showcases contemporary art exhibitions from local artists as well as students' works. It's a great place to see modern interpretations of traditional Chinese art forms.

End your day with an evening performance at Jiangsu Kunqu Theatre. Kunqu Opera is one of China's oldest forms of opera and has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The performances here are top-notch and provide deep insights into Chinese culture.

Begin your final day in Suzhou with a visit to Garden of Cultivation. This lesser-known garden offers a tranquil escape with its beautiful ponds, rockeries, and ancient trees. It's a perfect spot for some quiet reflection before you leave the city.

After lunch at Lu Yang Cun, take a leisurely walk along the Suzhou Ancient City Wall. This historical site provides great views of the city and offers insights into Suzhou's past as a fortified city.

Conclude your time in Suzhou with an evening visit to Shantang Street. This historic street is beautifully illuminated at night and offers a vibrant atmosphere with its shops, teahouses, and traditional performances.

Arrive in Shanghai and start your day with a visit to The Bund. This iconic waterfront area offers stunning views of Shanghai's skyline and is home to numerous historical buildings. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and soak in the city's dynamic atmosphere.

Have lunch at Din Tai Fung before heading to Yu Garden. This classical Chinese garden is located in the heart of Shanghai's Old Town and features beautiful pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and ancient trees. It's a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.

In the evening, enjoy an acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World. The performances here are world-renowned for their breathtaking stunts and artistic choreography. It's an unforgettable experience that showcases China's rich tradition of acrobatics.

Start your second day in Shanghai with a visit to Oriental Pearl Tower. This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. You can also explore its museum which provides insights into Shanghai's history.

Enjoy lunch at Jesse Restaurant before exploring Nanjing Road. This famous shopping street is lined with both modern malls and traditional shops offering everything from high-end fashion to local souvenirs.

End your day with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River. The cruise offers spectacular views of both Pudong's futuristic skyline and Puxi's historic buildings illuminated beautifully at night.

Begin your day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple. This famous Buddhist temple houses two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma and is a serene place for reflection and spiritual exploration. The temple's architecture and tranquil gardens provide a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

After lunch at Lost Heaven, head to the Shanghai Museum. Located in People's Square, this museum is renowned for its vast collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

Conclude your day with an evening visit to Xintiandi. This trendy area is known for its beautifully restored Shikumen houses that now host chic cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Enjoy dinner at one of the many dining options while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to M50 Art District. This contemporary art district is housed in converted industrial buildings and features galleries showcasing works by both emerging and established artists. It's a great place to explore modern Chinese art.

Have lunch at Kommune before heading to Tianzifang. This artsy neighborhood is located in the French Concession area and is known for its narrow alleyways filled with art studios, boutique shops, cafes, and bars. It's perfect for an afternoon of leisurely exploration.

End your day with an evening performance at Shanghai Grand Theatre. This iconic venue hosts a variety of performances ranging from opera and ballet to modern dance and theater. Check their schedule ahead of time to catch a show that interests you.

Begin your day with a visit to Longhua Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple dates back over 1,700 years and is one of the oldest religious sites in Shanghai. Explore its beautiful pagodas, halls, and gardens while learning about its rich history.

Enjoy lunch at Chun before visiting the Former French Concession area. Stroll through tree-lined streets filled with colonial-era buildings that now house trendy boutiques, cafes, galleries, and restaurants. It's a charming area that offers a glimpse into Shanghai's cosmopolitan past.

Conclude your day with an evening visit to Tianzifang. This lively arts district comes alive at night with its bustling bars, live music venues, and vibrant street life. Enjoy dinner at one of the many eateries while soaking in the energetic atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to Chenshan Botanical Garden. This expansive garden features a wide variety of plant species, beautifully landscaped areas, and serene walking paths. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

After lunch at Gaia2, head to the Shanghai Natural History Museum. Located in the Jing'an Sculpture Park, this museum boasts an impressive collection of exhibits that cover everything from dinosaurs to human evolution. The modern architecture and interactive displays make it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Conclude your day with an evening visit to the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel. This unique attraction offers a futuristic ride under the Huangpu River with mesmerizing light shows and visual effects. It's a fun and quirky way to end your day in Shanghai.

Begin your final day in Shanghai with a visit to Fuxing Park. This beautiful park is located in the former French Concession area and offers lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and tranquil ponds. It's a great place for a morning stroll or some relaxation before you leave the city.

After lunch at M on the Bund, take some time to explore the nearby Rockbund Art Museum. This contemporary art museum features rotating exhibitions by both Chinese and international artists. The building itself is an architectural gem, blending historical elements with modern design.

End your trip with an evening visit to Lujiazui Skyline. Head to one of the observation decks in buildings like Shanghai Tower or Jin Mao Tower for breathtaking views of Shanghai's skyline illuminated at night. It's a fitting farewell to this vibrant city.