This is a 7-day trip to Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, allowing you to experience the unique charm of these three regions.

Day 1: First Taste of Shanghai’s Urban Charm

– Morning: Explore the Bund, admiring the “International Architecture Exhibition” along the waterfront.
– Afternoon: Head to the Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views from the observation deck.
– Evening: Wander Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to soak in the bustling commercial vibe, then visit Yuyuan Garden (or City God Temple) to try local snacks like Nanxiang xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Day 2: Shanghai’s Culture & Modern Fusion

– Morning: Visit the Shanghai Museum to discover ancient Chinese art, from bronzes to calligraphy.
– Afternoon: Stroll Wukang Road Historic District, snapping photos of iconic buildings like the Wukang Mansion.
– Evening: Explore Tianzifang, a labyrinth of lane houses filled with boutique shops and artisanal stalls, then relax in Xintiandi, where restored shikumen (stone-gate) houses host trendy bars and restaurants.

Day 3: Shanghai → Suzhou (30 mins by high-speed rail) – Garden Elegance

– Morning: Tour Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s most famous classical gardens, to experience the “changing scenery with each step” design philosophy.
– Afternoon: Challenge the rock maze at Lion Grove Garden, then wander Pingjiang Road, a historic street with canals—take a gondola ride to admire the evening lights.
– Evening: Dine on local specialties like squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and Aozao noodles.

Day 4: Suzhou → Hangzhou (1.5 hrs by high-speed rail) – West Lake Panorama

– Morning: Explore West Lake—take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (familiar from China’s 1-yuan banknote), then walk the “Broken Bridge” and Bai Causeway.
– Afternoon: Climb Leifeng Pagoda for sweeping views of the lake, then逛 Hefang Street to shop for silk and Longjing tea.
– Evening: Try local snacks like dingsheng gao (glutinous rice cakes) and congbao hui (spring onion pancakes) at Qinghefang Ancient Street.

Day 5: Hangzhou – Nature & Zen

– Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist monastery—briefly explain temple etiquette (e.g., no photos in certain areas).
– Afternoon: Hike through Jiuxi Stream, where streams wind through forests, offering a peaceful taste of Jiangnan’s natural beauty.
– Evening: Relax with tea at a lakeside café or revisit West Lake to watch the sunset.

Day 6: Hangzhou → Wuzhen (1.5 hrs by car) – Water Town Serenity

– All Day: Explore Wuzhen West Scenic Zone—wander stone lanes, visit Mao Dun’s Former Residence, and take a gondola through the waterways.
– Evening: Stay in a riverside guesthouse and admire the town lit up by lanterns, a magical blend of tradition and tranquility.

Day 7: Wuzhen → Shanghai (2 hrs by car) – Departure

– Morning: Browse Wuzhen East Scenic Zone’s morning market to observe local life, then head back to Shanghai.
– Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, squeeze in a visit to a Shanghai-style boutique for souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, tea sets) before concluding the trip.