HangzhouSuzhou
Find your perfect Hangzhou & Suzhou travel guide with a 5D4N itinerary. Travel between the two cities by high-speed train in around 1 hour! Explore Hangzhou’s scenic West Lake and rich tea culture before discovering Suzhou’s classical gardens, ancient water towns, and elegant Jiangnan charm.
- 5-Day 4-NightItinerary
- About 1 hourHigh-speed train
- From S$10.27High-speed train price
Day 1–3
Hangzhou
2 nights · West Lake / Lingyin Temple / Hefang Street
Direct High-Speed Train
About 1 hour
Day 4–5
Suzhou
2 nights · Humble Administrator’s Garden / Pingjiang Road / Tongli Water Town
Trip.Pulse
💬 What You Need to Know About Hangzhou & Suzhou
Plan your Hangzhou and Suzhou trip with ease. From itinerary ideas, transport options to accommodation recommendations, discover useful tips for your two-city getaway.
How many days are enough for a Hangzhou and Suzhou trip?
A 5-day 4-night itinerary is ideal for exploring both cities at a comfortable pace. You can spend 2 nights in Hangzhou and 2 nights in Suzhou to experience Hangzhou’s scenic West Lake, tea culture and historic sites, followed by Suzhou’s classical gardens, ancient water towns and Jiangnan charm.
Is it better to take a high-speed train or other transport from Hangzhou to Suzhou?
The high-speed train is the most convenient way to travel between Hangzhou and Suzhou. Direct high-speed trains connect major stations in both cities, with travel time taking around 1 hour. With frequent departures and comfortable journeys, it is the best option for travellers exploring both destinations.
Where is the best area to stay in Hangzhou for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, staying near West Lake, Wulin Square or Hefang Street is recommended. These areas offer easy access to scenic spots, shopping areas and local dining experiences, with convenient transport connections. Popular hotels include Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou, Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang, and Grand Hyatt Hangzhou.
Where should I stay in Suzhou for a first visit?
For first-time visitors, staying near Guanqian Street, Pingjiang Road or Suzhou Industrial Park is recommended. These areas provide convenient access to classical gardens, historic streets and modern attractions. Popular stays include InterContinental Suzhou, Kimpton Bamboo Grove Suzhou, and Crowne Plaza Suzhou.
What is the best time to visit Hangzhou and Suzhou?
The best time to visit Hangzhou and Suzhou is generally from March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Spring is perfect for enjoying gardens, lakes and flowers, while autumn offers cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Should I visit Hangzhou first or Suzhou first?
Both routes work well depending on your travel plans. Starting in Hangzhou and ending in Suzhou is a popular choice, as you can enjoy Hangzhou’s natural scenery and cultural attractions first, then continue to Suzhou for classical gardens, ancient towns and Jiangnan experiences. You can also extend your trip to nearby cities such as Shanghai for more exploration.
Hangzhou & Suzhou: Two Cities, Two Experiences
Discover two charming cities in Jiangnan, combining Hangzhou’s scenic landscapes and tea culture with Suzhou’s classical gardens and water town charm. Travel between the two cities easily by direct high-speed train in around 1 hour.
杭州 HANGZHOU
West Lake Views · Tea Culture
Hangzhou is a city where natural beauty meets traditional culture. First-time visitors can explore West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Hefang Street, while experiencing Longjing tea culture and local cuisine. From peaceful lakeside scenery to historic neighbourhoods, Hangzhou is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace through its landscapes, heritage and flavours.
苏州 SUZHOU
Classical Gardens · Jiangnan Charm
Suzhou offers an elegant travel experience with its classical gardens, ancient streets and water town scenery. Visit Humble Administrator’s Garden, stroll along Pingjiang Road, explore Tongli Water Town, or enjoy the city’s traditional architecture and canals. With its relaxing atmosphere and rich heritage, Suzhou is a perfect addition to a Hangzhou trip.
📅 Hangzhou & Suzhou 5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary
Start planning your Hangzhou and Suzhou trip now!
Hangzhou
Arrive in Hangzhou · West‑Lake, Broken Bridge & Hefang Street Night Tour
Kick‑off your Jiangnan adventure with West‑Lake landmarks, sunset at Leifeng Pagoda and evening snacks on ancient Hefang Street.
🗼
Attraction
3 Recommendations
14:30
Broken Bridge
断桥
Famous West‑Lake scenic spot featured in the Legend of White Snake, perfect for lakeside photos and gentle waterfront walks.
Free Entry
Photo Spot
Recommended Stay 1–1.5 Hours
17:00
Leifeng Pagoda
雷峰塔
Iconic landmark overlooking West‑Lake. Head up to the top platform for spectacular sunset panoramic lake views.
Ticket Required
Cultural Landmark
Book Now
19:00
Hefang Street
河坊街
Vibrant ancient pedestrian street filled with local snacks, heritage handicraft stalls and well‑preserved old‑Hangzhou architecture.
Free Entry
Best After Sunset
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Huangfaner · Wang Runxing Restaurant (Hefang Branch)
皇饭儿·王润兴酒楼(河坊街店)
Time‑honoured Hang‑bang eatery located right on Hefang Street, well‑known for its signature Qianlong Fish‑Head stew and Dongpo Pork.
Qianlong Fish‑Head / West‑Lake Vinegar Fish
Mid‑range
Kuiyuan Guan (Hefang Street Branch)
奎元馆(河坊街店)
Century‑old noodle shop famous for authentic Pian’erchuan noodles, ideal for quick, casual local dinner.
Pian’erchuan Noodles / Shrimp‑Eel Noodles
Affordable
🏨
Accomodation
Day 1
Atour Hotel Hangzhou West Lake Lakeside Yintai
★★★★
📍 Jingjin Building, No. 228 Zhonghe Middle Road
S$ 62
1 night
Book Now →
🚇
Transport
Day 1
Airport / Train Station → City Centre — From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Metro Line 1 connects you directly to downtown West‑Lake zones. Hangzhou East Railway Station links to Broken‑Bridge area via Metro Line 1.
With large luggage or travelling in a group — Taking a taxi or ride‑hailing service such as DiDi is recommended for a more comfortable journey.
Broken Bridge → Leifeng Pagoda — Travel along the south‑bound lakeside road; taxi ride takes roughly 20 minutes, or you can take bus number 4.
Leifeng Pagoda → Hefang Street — Short 10‑15‑minute taxi ride, downhill towards the old‑town Wushan district. Walking is also possible on cooler evenings.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou · Lingyin Temple, Faxi Temple & Canal‑Side Nightlife
Visit sacred mountain temples in the morning, then explore historic canal lanes and lively night markets in northern Hangzhou.
🗼
Attraction
4 Recommendations
09:30
Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak
灵隐寺&飞来峰
World‑famous ancient Buddhist temple surrounded by forested hills and intricate cliff‑side stone carvings.
Ticket Required
Cultural Heritage
Recommended Stay 2 Hours
Check Details
12:45
Faxi Temple (Shang Tianzhu)
法喜寺(上天竺)
Serene hilltop temple popular for blessings, peaceful courtyards and panoramic views over the surrounding tea‑plantation hills.
Ticket Required
Buddhist Landmark
Recommended Stay 1.5 Hours
Check Details
16:30
Xiaohe Zhijie Historic Street
小河直街
Quiet, well‑preserved canal‑side old neighbourhood with traditional waterside houses, boutique cafes and art shops.
Free Entry
Canal Heritage
Recommended Stay 1.5‑2 Hours
19:00
Wulin Night Market
武林夜市
Bustling outdoor night market with street‑food stalls, handicraft vendors and lively local Hangzhou evening atmosphere.
Free Entry
Night Market
Recommended Stay 1.5‑2 Hours
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Qiaoshi Courtyard Restaurant
樵食庭院餐厅
Peaceful countryside‑style eatery near Faxi Temple, serving home‑style Hangzhou dishes in a garden setting surrounded by tea hills.
Farm‑fresh Local Dishes / Seasonal Vegetables
Mid‑range
Xiaohe Noodle House
小河面馆
Popular local family‑run noodle shop right beside Xiaohe Zhijie canal, famous for pork‑liver and pork‑kidney stir‑fried noodles.
Pork‑Liver Noodles / Crispy Small Yellow Fish
Affordable
🏨
Accomodation
Day 2
🚇
Transport
Day 2
Hotel → Lingyin Temple — Board bus No.7 from downtown West‑Lake area; journey takes around 30 minutes, or take a 20‑minute taxi ride.
Lingyin Temple → Faxi Temple — You can walk uphill along the scenic Tianzhu trail (30‑40 minutes) or take a short local shuttle bus or taxi ride of roughly 10 minutes.
Faxi Temple → Xiaohe Zhijie — Allow 40‑50 minutes travel time by taxi across the city towards the Gongshu canal district. Public buses require multiple transfers.
Xiaohe Zhijie → Wulin Night Market — 20‑minute taxi ride. After exploring the night market, return to your downtown hotel by taxi or metro.
Hangzhou‑Suzhou
Longjing Tea Hills · Nine Creeks & Transfer to Suzhou
Spend your morning exploring the famous Longjing tea‑growing mountains, then take high‑speed rail to historic Suzhou in the afternoon.
🗼
Attraction
2 Recommendations
10:00
Nine Creeks in Misty Forest
九溪烟树
Scenic natural valley with crystal‑clear mountain streams, shaded woodland walking trails and peaceful rural scenery.
Free Entry
Natural Scenery
Recommended Stay 1.5–2 Hours
Check Details
13:00
Longjing Tea Village
龙井村
Wander rolling green tea terraces, drop into family‑run tea houses and sample authentic Dragon‑Well Longjing tea fresh from local plantations.
Free Entry
Countryside View
Recommended Stay 1.5–2 Hours
Check Details
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Cha Ren Cun Farm Restaurant
茶人村农家菜馆
Well‑known countryside restaurant within the Longjing tea‑growing area, featuring tea‑infused Hang‑bang specialities and farm‑grown produce.
Tea‑Flavoured Shrimp / Home‑Style Hangzhou Cuisine
Mid‑range
Wufangzhai (East Station Branch)
五芳斋杭州东站店
Convenient quick‑service restaurant located inside Hangzhou East Railway Station, perfect for a simple pre‑departure meal.
Glutinous Rice Dumplings / Hand‑pulled Noodles
Affordable
🏨
Accomodation
Day 3
Suzhou City Holiday Hotel (Shiquan Street Wangshi Garden)
★★★★
📍 No. 77 North Nanyuan Road, Canglang Subdistrict
S$ 26
1 night
Book Now →
🚇
Transport
Day 3
Hotel → Nine Creeks in Misty Forest — From the West‑Lake downtown area, take a taxi, journey time approximately 30‑35 minutes.
Nine Creeks in Misty Forest → Longjing Tea Village — There is a scenic hiking trail connecting both locations, roughly 25‑30 minutes on foot. Alternatively take a 10‑minute taxi ride.
Longjing Tea Village → Hangzhou East Railway Station — Taxi journey takes 50‑60 minutes, account for potential weekend traffic delays on mountain roads.
Hangzhou East Railway Station → Suzhou North Railway Station — Board high‑speed G‑train service, journey time is approximately 1-2 hours.
Suzhou North Railway Station → Hotel — After arriving in Suzhou, take metro Line 2 heading towards the ancient old‑town district. Taxi or ride‑hailing service is highly recommended if carrying heavy luggage.
Suzhou
Suzhou Gardens · Museum & Pingjiang Canal Street
Begin your Suzhou sightseeing with world‑class UNESCO gardens, the iconic Suzhou Museum and a leisurely evening canal walk on Pingjiang Road.
🗼
Attraction
4 Recommendations
09:30
Suzhou Museum
苏州博物馆
Stunning museum designed by the world‑renowned architect I. M. Pei, showcasing precious ancient Suzhou cultural relics with modern‑Jiangnan architectural styling.
Free Entry
Cultural Museum
Recommended Stay 1.5–2 Hours
Check Details
12:30
Humble Administrator's Garden
拙政园
One of China’s most celebrated classical Suzhou gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring exquisite ponds, pavilions and artistic rockery landscapes.
Ticket Required
Garden Landmark
Recommended Stay 1.5–2 Hours
Book Now
15:30
Lion Grove Garden
狮子林
UNESCO‑listed classical garden famous for its intricate maze‑like rock‑labyrinth formations, elegant pavilions and tranquil lotus ponds.
Ticket Required
City Landmark
Recommended Stay 1–1.5 Hours
Book Now
18:30
Pingjiang Road Historical Street
平江路历史街区
Preserved ancient canal‑side pedestrian lane with stone footpaths, waterside residences, boutique cafes and waterside snack stalls.
Free Entry
Historic Canal District
Recommended Stay 2 Hours
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
De Yue Lou (Guanqian Road Branch)
得月楼观前街店
Iconic time‑honoured Suzhou restaurant serving classic sweet‑savoury Jiangnan Su‑style dishes, located right beside the Pingjiang canal.
Squirrel‑Shaped Mandarin Fish / Whitebait Egg Soup
Mid‑range
Tong Dexing Noodle Shop (Pingjiang Branch)
同得兴(平江店)
Famous local Suzhou noodle restaurant featured on the documentary A Bite of China, well‑known for its signature Fengzhen Braised Pork Noodles.
Fengzhen Pork Noodles / Fresh Soup Noodles
Affordable
🏨
Accomodation
Day 4
Zhuoyaju Hotel (Suzhou Pingjiang Road Guanqian Street Branch)
★★★
📍 No. 326 Baita East Road
S$ 65
1 night
Book Now →
🚇
Transport
Day 4
Suzhou North Railway Station → Hotel — After arriving from Hangzhou, take Suzhou Metro Line 2 towards the ancient town‑centre. Taxi service is recommended for luggage convenience.
Hotel → Suzhou Museum — Most old‑town hotels are within 15‑20‑minute walking distance, or take a short local taxi ride.
Suzhou Museum → Humble Administrator's Garden — These two landmarks sit side‑by‑side; a 5‑10‑minute leisurely walk through old‑town alleys connects them.
Humble Administrator's Garden → Lion Grove Garden — 10‑minute walk, located in the same historic garden cluster of northern old Suzhou.
Lion Grove Garden → Pingjiang Road Historical Street — 15‑minute walk south‑eastwards through quiet residential lanes, or a quick 8‑minute taxi ride. Return to your accommodation by taxi or metro once you finish your evening canal stroll.
Suzhou
Historic Suzhou · Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill & Shantang Night Canal
Explore more UNESCO‑listed classical gardens, the legendary Tiger Hill scenic site and finish your Jiangnan journey with a magical illuminated Shantang Street waterside experience before departure.
🗼
Attraction
3 Recommendations
09:30
Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan)
留园
UNESCO‑World‑Heritage classical Suzhou garden, celebrated for its master‑crafted rock‑gardens, winding covered corridors and peaceful water courtyards.
Ticket Required
City Landmark
Recommended Stay 1.5–2 Hours
Book Now
12:30
Tiger Hill (Hu Qiu)
虎丘
Famous historic scenic hill regarded as “the No.1 Sight of Wu”, home to the leaning Yunyan Pagoda, ancient springs and legendary Wu‑King heritage sites.
Ticket Required
Historic Landmark
Recommended Stay 2 Hours
Book Now
16:30
Shantang Street
七里山塘
Ancient canal waterfront street lined with red lanterns, traditional waterside buildings, local snack stalls and scenic boat‑cruise docks.
Free Entry
Food & Canal Street
Recommended Stay 2 Hours
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Songhelou (Shantang Street Branch)
松鹤楼山塘街店
Renowned centuries‑old Su‑style restaurant, located close to Shantang canal, serving premium authentic Suzhou classic cuisine.
Squirrel Mandarin Fish / Soy‑Braised Pork
Higher‑end
Qiujuan Snack Shop
秋娟小吃店
Well‑loved local‑run eatery near Shantang Street, offering traditional homemade Suzhou wontons, tangyuan glutinous rice balls and cheap street‑side snacks.
Fresh Pork Wontons / Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls
Affordable
🚇
Transport
Day 5
Hotel → Lingering Garden — Travel to the garden by local bus or short taxi ride from your old‑town accommodation; journey time around 15‑20 minutes.
Lingering Garden → Tiger Hill — Taxi ride takes approximately 15‑20 minutes heading north‑west along the old‑town canal road. Local bus service No. 8 also runs between these two attractions.
Tiger Hill → Shantang Street — Scenic canal‑side taxi ride of roughly 15 minutes, you can also book a one‑way canal boat cruise connecting Tiger Hill down to Shantang Street for a unique waterside journey.
Shantang Street → Suzhou Airport / Railway Station — Travellers can board metro services for budget‑friendly transfers. If you carry luggage or have a tight departure schedule, a taxi or DiDi ride is strongly recommended. Allow around 40–60 minutes travel time to Suzhou North Railway Station depending on road traffic.
Hangzhou to Suzhou Transport & Route Map
Hangzhou and Suzhou are around 160 km apart and connected by frequent high-speed trains. The journey takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it easy to explore both cities in one trip with convenient transport and flexible travel options.
🏨 Hangzhou & Suzhou Accommodation Recommendations
Stay comfortably in both cities with carefully selected hotels in convenient locations, offering easy access to attractions, dining areas and transport links.
Hangzhou · 2 Nights Recommended
Popular Areas to Stay
A
West Lake / Hubin Area
Stay by the iconic West Lake and enjoy easy access to scenic walks, lakeside attractions, shopping streets and local restaurants. This area is a top choice for first-time visitors who want to experience Hangzhou’s highlights.
Scenic Stay
B
Wulin Square / City Centre
Located in the heart of Hangzhou, this neighbourhood offers excellent transport connections, modern shopping malls and a wide selection of dining options, making it ideal for travellers who value convenience.
Convenient Transport
C
Hefang Street / Shangcheng District
For a more traditional atmosphere, choose this historic area near Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street, where old neighbourhoods, local snacks and cultural landmarks are within walking distance.
Local Culture
Suzhou · 2 Nights Recommended
Popular Areas to Stay
A
Guanqian Street / Gusu District
Perfect for travellers visiting Suzhou for the first time, this central area puts you close to Guanqian Street, classical gardens, traditional shops and local dining spots.
Historic Centre
B
Pingjiang Road Area
Wander through ancient lanes and peaceful canals while staying in one of Suzhou’s most charming historic neighbourhoods. This area is ideal for travellers looking for a classic Jiangnan experience.
Cultural Experience
C
Suzhou Industrial Park / Jinji Lake
Choose this modern district for waterfront views, stylish hotels, shopping centres and a more contemporary city atmosphere around Jinji Lake.
Modern Lifestyle
💬 Hangzhou & Suzhou Traveller Reviews
See what travellers who have visited Hangzhou and Suzhou have to say about their experiences.
Enrico Dicki
5 / 5It is often said that the warmth of everyday life and all kinds of gentleness are found in Jiangnan. After countless visits to Suzhou and Hangzhou, I am more convinced: the real Jiangnan is not in the crowded trendy spots, but in the deserted gardens at dawn, the soft light of West Lake at dusk, and the gently flowing streams in ancient town alleys late at night.
xaviera.c
5 / 5Hangzhou and Suzhou is the most nice places, the place quite big, need to spend more time to visit otherwise, can't finish the go around... the weather at Suzhou is too hot whereas, Hangzhou change the weather to around 22degree...
jc668109
5 / 5Hangzhou is a low-key city, a place with connotation, and a luxurious and story-filled blessed land. There are scenery everywhere and surprises from time to time. There is a small mountain village at random, which is full of rich historical and cultural atmosphere. For example, Yangmeiling Village is located in deep mountains and dense forests. In that long-ago era when transportation was inconvenient, it was full of legendary chapters.
❓FAQs About Hangzhou Suzhou Travel
Get answers to your Hangzhou and Suzhou trip planning questions, from transport and accommodation to itineraries and travel tips.
Can I visit Hangzhou and Suzhou in one trip?
Yes. Hangzhou and Suzhou are two popular Jiangnan destinations located close to each other and connected by direct high-speed trains, making it easy to combine both cities in one itinerary.
Is Hangzhou to Suzhou train better than taking a bus?
The high-speed train is usually the preferred option as it is faster, more comfortable and more convenient compared with buses. Frequent train services make it easy to travel between the two cities.
How many days should I spend in Hangzhou and Suzhou?
A 5-day 4-night trip is a comfortable duration for exploring both Hangzhou and Suzhou. You can spend more time in Hangzhou to enjoy West Lake, tea culture and scenic attractions, then visit Suzhou for classical gardens, ancient streets and Jiangnan charm. A shorter 4-day 3-night trip is also possible with a more compact schedule.
Should I visit Hangzhou or Suzhou first?
Both options work well depending on your travel plans. Many travellers prefer starting in Hangzhou to experience West Lake, traditional culture and local cuisine, before heading to Suzhou for classical gardens, water towns and historic streets. Since the cities are well connected by high-speed train, you can easily arrange the route based on your travel schedule.
What is the best time to visit Hangzhou and Suzhou?
The best time to visit Hangzhou and Suzhou is generally from March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. Spring is ideal for enjoying flowers, lakes and gardens, while autumn offers cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery.
How do I travel from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to Suzhou?
Travellers can take airport transport connections to Hangzhou railway stations and continue by high-speed train to Suzhou. The total journey usually takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on the route and station chosen.
What food should I try in Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its delicate Jiangnan cuisine and tea culture. Travellers should try local favourites such as Dongpo pork, West Lake vinegar fish, Longjing tea and traditional Hangzhou snacks.
What are the must-visit attractions in Hangzhou?
Popular Hangzhou attractions include West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda and Hefang Street, offering a mix of natural scenery, history and cultural experiences.
What are the best things to do in Suzhou?
Visitors can explore Suzhou’s attractions such as Humble Administrator’s Garden, Pingjiang Road, Tongli Water Town and classical gardens, while enjoying traditional architecture, canals and Jiangnan culture.
Which garden should I visit first in Suzhou?
For first-time visitors, it is recommended to prioritise the Humble Administrator’s Garden, then choose either the Lion Grove Garden or another classical garden. There is no need to visit too many gardens, as leaving time to explore Pingjiang Road and Suzhou’s old town will offer a more enjoyable experience.