Last week, my best friend and I embarked on a delightful journey to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuzhen, and Xitang. Today, I’m excited to share our wonderful travel experience and a carefully curated itinerary guide with you all.
“Just as there is paradise in heaven, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth.” These destinations are renowned for their unique charm, featuring water towns, ancient villages, serene lakes, exquisite gardens, and vibrant cityscapes. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a getaway with kids, or a romantic escape, these places are perfect. The rich cultural essence of Jiangnan (southern China) is so captivating that it’s a must-experience in one’s lifetime.
Take just 3 minutes to read through this guide—it will help you save 50% on costs, avoid 80% of common pitfalls, and skip 90% of the unnecessary detours. This is a heartfelt recommendation based on firsthand experience!
1.When is the best time to visit, and what are the must-see attractions?
The best time to hit up Suzhou and Hangzhou is definitely between March and October. The weather’s perfect, everything’s in full bloom, and the views are just stunning. We just got back last week from a girls’ trip, and let me tell you, the scenery was next-level gorgeous—every spot was a photo op! If it’s your first time visiting, you can’t miss these must-see spots: Hangzhou’s West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Qiandao Lake, Nanxun, Xitang, Wuzhen’s Xizha, Suzhou’s Lion Grove Garden, Hanshan Temple, and Shantang Street. We hit up all the iconic spots and even got to try some cool local experiences like pipa performances, Suzhou pingtan (it’s like storytelling mixed with singing), and cruising around on those classic Wupeng boats. Honestly, our cameras and GoPros were working overtime—we couldn’t stop snapping pics!
2. How to Save Money and Still Have an Amazing Time?
The attractions in Hangzhou and Suzhou are pretty spread out, so if you don’t plan your route ahead of time, you’ll end up wasting a ton of time and money—and let’s be real, you’ll be exhausted. We just got back from a 5-day, 4-night trip, and originally, our budget was around $300 per person. But guess what? We ended up spending only about 1,000 RMB each, saving almost half! The secret? A huge shoutout to my friend in Hangzhou who hooked us up with a local guide, Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu was an absolute lifesaver. She planned our entire itinerary in advance and took care of everything—from picking us up at the station, to booking hotels, arranging transportation, securing tickets, and even recommending where to eat. She was with us the whole time, making sure we had a blast. Plus, she offered 24/7 free pickup service, which made everything super stress-free. Oh, and she even threw in complimentary tickets for a luxury cruise on West Lake! Seriously, she made the trip so smooth and enjoyable without breaking the bank.
3. Is Independent Travel or Group Tour Better?
This time, we tried a new travel model arranged by Xiao Yu: family-style small group travel. Let me break it down and compare it to traditional group tours:
Family-Style Small Group Travel:
- Group size: 5-8 people.
- Plenty of time to explore each attraction.
- The itinerary is well-planned and relaxed.
- The guide is attentive and takes great care of everyone.
- Cost-effective and budget-friendly.
Traditional Group Tours:
- Group size: 40-50 people.
- Rushed visits to attractions—more like a quick glance.
- Most of the time is spent in shopping stops, with forced purchases.
- The guide is overwhelmed and can’t give proper attention to everyone.
About Self-Driving Tours:
- Parking spots in scenic areas are limited, and non-local vehicles are charged by the hour, which can get really expensive.
- Not worth it, especially during peak seasons when parking fees can cost more than fuel!
- Xiao Yu gave us a great tip: If you’re driving, park your car at the hotel (usually free) and then explore from there. This solves the big headache of self-driving.
My Personal Recommendation:
Go for the family-style small group travel, just like I did. This new travel style really won me over. The hotels were fantastic (some even had pools!), and everything was arranged so well—saving money, staying comfortably, and having a blast. It’s the perfect balance!
Here’s the itinerary for our Suzhou-Hangzhou trip:
Day 1:After arriving in Hangzhou, Xiao Yu arranged a private car to pick us up from the station. We headed straight to Wuzhen’s Xizha, the filming location for the famous drama “Years of Passionate Love”. We spent the day exploring the picturesque water town and stayed to enjoy its stunning night views. We spent the night in a cozy water town homestay right in the heart of the scenic area.
Day 2:
We kicked off the day by heading to Nanxun, known as the wealthiest water town in Jiangnan and hailed as the “Capital of Chinese Calligraphy Brushes.” The town’s rich history and elegant architecture gave us a glimpse into its glorious past.
In the afternoon, we made our way to Xitang, a place that truly captures the essence of Jiangnan’s original charm. Fun fact: Xitang was a filming location for Mission: Impossible 3, and it’s easy to see why—its ancient canals, stone bridges, and narrow lanes make it one of the most photogenic water towns in China.
We spent the night in a charming homestay right in the heart of Xitang’s scenic area, soaking in the tranquil vibes of this timeless water town.
Day 3:
We left Xitang and headed back to Hangzhou, where the highlight of the day was a leisurely stroll around the iconic West Lake. Thanks to Xiao Yu, we even got complimentary tickets for a West Lake cruise—such a treat!
We explored the Top Ten Scenes of West Lake, including:
- Leifeng Pagoda, with its fascinating history and stunning views.
- Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, a surreal sight especially as the sun began to set.
- Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset, where the golden hues of the setting sun made the pagoda glow.
- Curved Yard and Lotus Pool, a serene spot filled with blooming lotus flowers.
We also took a peaceful walk along Su Causeway and visited Hua Gang Guan Yu (Viewing Fish at Flower Pond), where the vibrant koi fish and lush gardens were a delight.
The day ended with us checking into a luxurious 5-star hotel in Hangzhou, where we relaxed and reflected on the beauty of the day.
Day 4:
We explored Suzhou, starting with a visit to one of the Four Great Gardens of Jiangnan—Lion Grove Garden. Its maze-like rock formations, tranquil ponds, and elegant pavilions were absolutely mesmerizing.
Next, we made our way to Hanshan Temple, located just outside the ancient city. Famous for its poetic charm and the soothing sound of its evening bell, it was a peaceful escape filled with cultural significance.
In the afternoon, we strolled along Shantang Street, a historic canal-lined street often called the “Miniature of Old Suzhou.” Stretching seven miles and connecting to the legendary Tiger Hill (known as the “Number One Scenic Spot in Wu”), this area was alive with traditional charm, bustling shops, and picturesque waterways.
We ended the day by checking into a 5-star hotel in Suzhou, where we relaxed and soaked in the refined elegance of this timeless city.
Day 5:
On our final day, we headed to Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake), the famous water source for Nongfu Spring. We started at the dock, where we boarded a traditional painted boat for a relaxing cruise around the central lake area. The crystal-clear waters and lush green islands were absolutely breathtaking.
After the cruise, we made our way to Tianyu Island, where we climbed to the top for a panoramic view of the entire lake. The sight of countless islands dotting the shimmering water was nothing short of spectacular—a perfect way to wrap up our trip.
Personally, I think this 5-day itinerary is truly fantastic. It covers a wide range of iconic destinations, including West Lake in Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang (known as the “First Water Town”), Hengdian, Tongli Ancient Town, Xitang Ancient Town, and the classical gardens of Suzhou. Each spot offers its own unique charm, blending natural beauty, rich history, and cultural depth.
This trip was a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and immersion in the timeless allure of Jiangnan. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to experience the best of this region!
a super relaxed three-day itinerary—hope it helps you，my friends!