China Tours
By duration
By travel style
10 daysCities & sights
Shanghai & Jiangnan
A skyline city with classical gardens, water towns and tea fields close by.
RegionEast China
Best timeMarch – May, September – November
Suggested stay3 – 5 days
By airShanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports
By railFast trains to Suzhou, Hangzhou and Beijing
Modern skyline, old Jiangnan
Shanghai mixes the 1920s buildings of the Bund with the towers of Pudong, plane-tree streets and some of China’s best food. Its classical Yu Garden sits in the old city.
The Jiangnan region around it is famous for gardens, canals and tea. Suzhou, Hangzhou and the water towns are all within an hour or two by fast train.
Yu Garden, Shanghai
Top sights
Former French Concession
Plane-tree streets, old villas and cafés, best explored on foot.
West Lake, Hangzhou
Under an hour by fast train: lakeside walks, temples and Longjing tea.
Wuzhen Water Town
Canals, stone bridges and lantern-lit lanes, best seen overnight.
When to go
Mild weather and blossom in the gardens.
Hot and humid, with a rainy season in June.
Warm, clear days and osmanthus in bloom.
Cool and damp, with few crowds.
