A Complete Travel Guide to Suzhou and Hangzhou

Hey everyone! Here's a super compact 5-day itinerary for exploring the beauty of Jiangnan! Day 1: Head straight to Wuzhen. Start with Dongzha to explore the old shops and experience authentic water town life. In the evening, move to Xizha and make sure to take a gondola ride to enjoy the night view. The lanterns on both sides of the river light up, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene! Day 2: Dive into two ancient towns in one day! In the morning, visit Nanxun to check out the fascinating old mansions with a blend of Chinese and Western styles. For lunch, savor a bowl of Shuangjiao noodles! In the afternoon, seamlessly transition to Xitang, stroll along the misty rain corridor, and in the evening, find a riverside bar to enjoy the breeze and relax with a drink. Day 3: Return to Hangzhou for an in-depth exploration of West Lake! Rent a bike and cycle around the lake, stopping at iconic spots like Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway. When you're tired, find a lakeside café to unwind. Day 4: Head to Suzhou! Start at Pingjiang Road and eat your way from one end to the other—don’t miss the famous Yaba Shengjian and Chicken Head Rice Soup! In the afternoon, visit the exquisite Zhuozheng Garden, and in the evening, enjoy the river night view at Shantang Street. Day 5: Wrap up your trip at Qiandao Lake! Buy a boat ticket to explore the islands, climb Meifeng Island for panoramic views, and take stunning photos at Moonlight Island. For lunch, indulge in a bowl of incredibly fresh fish head soup! The itinerary is packed with highlights—grab your travel buddy and set off! Practical Tips: • Transportation: Hangzhou and Suzhou have convenient transportation options. You can take buses between ancient towns, and there are dedicated shuttle buses between Qiandao Lake and the cities. Some travelers prefer self-driving for more flexibility. • Accommodation: Stay in unique guesthouses within the ancient towns, choose city hotels in Hangzhou and Suzhou, or opt for lakeside hotels at Qiandao Lake for stunning views. • Best Season: March to November is ideal. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, summer is perfect for lotus viewing, and winter is best for avoiding the damp cold.