Shanghai & Hangzhou: A 4-Day Itinerary

Shanghai is the futuristic face of China; Hangzhou is its tranquil, watery soul. The 45-minute high-speed train between them makes them the perfect paired stop. Spend 2 days in each.

Day 1: The Bund & Pudong Skyline

Start early at the Bund — the art deco waterfront facing Pudong. Walk south to north when the light is soft. Cross the river to Lujiazui and go up the Shanghai Tower observation deck (not the Oriental Pearl Tower — it's dated).

Evening: walk the Bund again at night when the Pudong skyline lights up. Dinner in Waitan or head to the French Concession.

Day 2: French Concession & Food

Spend the day wandering the Former French Concession: tree-lined lanes, old villas, boutique cafes, and Shanghai's best restaurants.

• Xintiandi — renovated shikumen lanes, touristy but pretty
• Tianzifang — alley art district, better for browsing
• Jing'an Temple — golden and surprising in the middle of skyscrapers

Eat: xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Jia Jia Tang Bao, not Din Tai Fung. For dinner, Shanghai-style hongshao rou (braised pork) and scallion oil noodles.

Day 3: Hangzhou & West Lake

Take the 45-minute high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East. Drop your bags, then walk (or rent a bike) around West Lake.

The lake is large — don't try to circle it on foot. Rent a bike, or take a ferry to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (the scene on the 1 RMB note). Sunset at Leifeng Pagoda is the money shot.

Evening: Hefang Street for snacks — try Dongpo pork, longjing shrimp, and osmanthus cake.

Day 4: Longjing Tea Village

Morning in the hills above the lake: Longjing (Dragon Well) tea village. Walk through the tea terraces, visit a farmer, and drink fresh-picked Longjing tea straight from the source. Spring (April) is the best time — pre-Qingming picking is the most prized.

Afternoon: Lingyin Temple, one of China's most important Buddhist sites, set in a wooded hill.

Practical Tips

• Between cities: High-speed trains run every 10 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou. Book same-day at the station, no need to pre-book.
• Shanghai transport: The Metro is excellent. Buy a one-day pass or use Alipay/WeChat to tap in.
• Skip: World Financial Center observation deck if you're already going up the Shanghai Tower.
• When: March–May or September–November. Summer is humid; winter is gray.