ShanghaiHangzhou
A 5-day 4-night Shanghai and Hangzhou itinerary, with a high-speed rail journey of around 1 hour connecting two cities. Explore everything from Shanghai's Bund to Hangzhou's West Lake.
- 5-Day-4-NightItinerary
- About 1 hourHigh-speed train
- From S$11.17High-speed train price
Day 1–2
Shanghai
2 nights · The Bund / Yu Garden / Tianzifang
Direct High-Speed Rail
About 1 hour
Day 3–5
Hangzhou
2 nights · West Lake / Lingyin Temple / Longjing
Trip.Pulse
💬 What You Need to Know About Shanghai & Hangzhou
Plan your Shanghai and Hangzhou trip with ease. From itinerary ideas and transport options to accommodation recommendations, discover useful tips for your two-city getaway.
How many days are enough for a Shanghai and Hangzhou trip?
A 5-day 4-night itinerary is ideal for exploring both cities at a comfortable pace. You can spend around 2 nights in Shanghai and 2 nights in Hangzhou to experience Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, shopping areas and city atmosphere, followed by Hangzhou’s scenic beauty, cultural sites and relaxing lakeside experiences.
What is the best way to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
The high-speed train is the most convenient way to travel between Shanghai and Hangzhou. Direct trains connect major stations in both cities, with the journey taking around 1 hour. With frequent departures and comfortable seating, it is the preferred option for travellers planning a two-city trip.
Where is the best area to stay in Shanghai for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, staying near The Bund, People's Square, Nanjing Road or Xintiandi is recommended. These areas offer easy access to Shanghai’s top attractions, shopping areas and dining options, with convenient metro connections. Popular stays include hotels near The Bund and central Shanghai areas for a more convenient sightseeing experience.
Where should I stay in Hangzhou for a first visit?
For first-time visitors, staying near West Lake, Hubin (Lakeside) area or Wulin Square is recommended. These locations provide easy access to popular attractions such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Hefang Street, while offering plenty of dining and transport options. Hotels near West Lake are especially suitable for travellers who want to enjoy Hangzhou’s scenic atmosphere.
What is the best time to visit Shanghai and Hangzhou?
The best time to visit Shanghai and Hangzhou is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is comfortable for sightseeing. Spring is perfect for enjoying gardens and West Lake scenery, while autumn offers pleasant temperatures for walking tours and outdoor activities.
Should I visit Shanghai first or Hangzhou first?
Both routes work well depending on your travel plans. Starting in Shanghai and travelling to Hangzhou afterwards is a popular choice, especially for international travellers arriving via Shanghai. You can explore Shanghai’s city highlights first, then take a short high-speed train ride to Hangzhou for a more relaxed cultural and scenic experience.
Shanghai & Hangzhou: Two Cities, Two Experiences
From Shanghai’s modern cityscape to Hangzhou’s scenic West Lake views, a high-speed train ride of around 1 hour connects these two destinations, offering travellers two unique experiences in one trip.
上海 SHANGHAI
The Bund Skyline・Historic Streets & Modern Charm
Shanghai’s charm comes from the unique blend of old and new found throughout the city. First-time visitors can start at The Bund to admire its historic buildings and the Pudong skyline, then explore Wukang Road and Anfu Road for tree-lined streets, heritage architecture and local lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy the dazzling city lights along the Huangpu River. Shanghai is best explored at a leisurely pace on foot.
杭州 HANGZHOU
West Lake Views・Longjing Tea & Scenic Retreats
Hangzhou is perfect for travellers looking for a slower and more relaxing experience surrounded by nature. Take a stroll around West Lake to discover Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, then head to Longjing Village to explore tea gardens. Beyond its natural scenery, Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street offer a glimpse into Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage.
📅 Shanghai & Hangzhou 5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary
Start planning your Shanghai and Hangzhou trip now!
Shanghai
Arrive Shanghai · Yu Garden to The Bund
Start from Yu Garden, walk all the way to The Bund and Nanjing East Road, and take in Shanghai's classic night views in one go.
🗼
Attraction
3 Recommendations
15:00
Yu Garden & City God Temple
豫园 & 城隍庙
After arriving and dropping off luggage, start from the old city—it's the most logical route. Explore the classical Jiangnan garden of Yu Garden, then walk across the Nine-Turn Bridge, visit the City God Temple and the surrounding commercial streets. The historic architecture looks even better when lit up after dark.
Yu Garden Requires Ticket
1.5–2 Hours
Check Details
17:30
The Bund
外滩
Walk from Yu Garden toward the Huangpu River—arriving at The Bund around dusk is ideal. Start near Shiliupu and stroll northwards: one side features the historic waterfront buildings, the other offers views of the Lujiazui skyline as it gradually lights up.
Free
Best for Photos Around Sunset
19:30
Nanjing East Road & Peace Hotel
南京东路 & 和平饭店
After taking in The Bund night views, head toward Nanjing East Road without needing another ride. Along the way you'll pass the Peace Hotel, Shanghai First Food Hall, and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street—perfect for first-time visitors to cover this area in one evening.
Free Shopping Area
~10-min Walk from The Bund
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (Yu Garden Branch)
南翔馒头店（豫园店）
Most convenient stop while exploring Yu Garden, and a quintessential Shanghai snack experience for first-timers. Famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)—perfect as an afternoon snack without needing to detour specially.
Xiaolongbao / Dim Sum
Budget-friendly
Cheng Long Hang Crab Palace (Jiujiang Road Branch)
成隆行·蟹王府（九江路店）
A short walk from Nanjing East Road. Known for crab roe dishes, crab roe noodles, and Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine. A step up from typical tourist fare—great to schedule after The Bund night views.
Crab roe / Jiang-Zhe Cuisine
Mid-to-high range
🏨
Accommodation
Day 1
Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road, Shanghai on the Bund
★★★★
📍 No. 105-1 Fuzhou Road
฿ 4,574
1 night
Book Now →
JI Hotel (Shanghai People's Square Fuzhou Road)
★★★
📍 No. 142 Zhejiang Middle Road (near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)
฿ 2,272
1 night
Book Now →
🚇
Transport
Day 1
Pudong Airport → City Centre — If luggage is light, take Metro Line 2 directly to People's Square or Nanjing East Road. To save time, take the Maglev to Longyang Road then transfer to Metro Line 2.
For families or groups — Ride-hailing (e.g. Didi) from Pudong Airport to hotels near Nanjing East Road / People's Square is the most hassle-free option. Allow extra time during peak hours.
Yu Garden → The Bund — Best to walk towards Shiliupu and The Bund (~15–20 min), no need for metro.
The Bund → Nanjing East Road — Stroll along The Bund towards Nanjing East Road (~10 min). Almost no need to transfer throughout the evening.
Shanghai
Wukang Road to Xintiandi
From plane-tree-lined streets and heritage villas to shikumen lanehouses.
🗼
Attraction
3 Recommendations
09:30
Wukang Mansion & Wukang Road
武康大楼 & 武康路
Switch to Shanghai's most walkable historic neighbourhood. Start at Wukang Mansion and stroll along Wukang Road past old villas, plane trees, and boutique storefronts
Free
Less Crowded in the Morning
Check Details
12:30
Anfu Road & Urumqi Middle Road
安福路 & 乌鲁木齐中路
Easily connected from Wukang Road on foot. Lined with cafes, bakeries, lifestyle stores, and old residences.
Free
1.5–2 Hours
15:30
Xintiandi
新天地
Head to Xintiandi in the afternoon. This restored shikumen neighbourhood blends restaurants, boutiques, and modern malls. Nearby, explore Taipingqiao Park and K11 for a mix of old architecture and contemporary commercial life.
Free
Best in the Evening
Check Details
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Yi Mian Chun Feng (Wukang Road Branch)
一面春风（武康路店）
Located right along the Wukang Road walking route. Specialises in noodles and Shanghai-style snacks—perfect if you don't want a heavy lunch and prefer to keep exploring.
Shanghai Noodles / Snacks
Budget-friendly
Ren He Guan (Xuhui Branch)
人和馆·上海菜（徐汇店）
For a proper Shanghainese dinner, try this on Day 2. Braised pork belly, oil-burst shrimp, and salted pork bamboo shoot soup are all classic dishes best shared.
Shanghai Benbang Cuisine
Mid-range
🏨
Accommodation
Day 2
Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road, Shanghai on the Bund
★★★★
📍 No. 105-1 Fuzhou Road
฿ 4,574
1 night
Book Now →
JI Hotel (Shanghai People's Square Fuzhou Road)
★★★
📍 No. 142 Zhejiang Middle Road (near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)
฿ 2,272
1 night
Book Now →
🚇
Transport
Day 2
Hotel → Wukang Mansion — From Nanjing East Road / People's Square area, take the metro to Jiaotong University Station, then walk ~10 min to Wukang Mansion.
Wukang Road → Anfu Road — Very close—best to walk (~10–15 min), with options to browse Hunan Road and Wuyuan Road along the way.
Anfu Road → Xintiandi — Take Metro Line 10 from Shanghai Library Station directly to Xintiandi Station—more reliable than ride-hailing during city centre traffic.
Xintiandi → Hotel — Take Metro Line 10 back to Nanjing East Road area. For groups, ride-hailing is also a good option in the evening.
Shanghai → Hangzhou
Shanghai → Hangzhou · Transfer, West Lake
Morning bullet train from Hongqiao to Hangzhou (~34 min fastest). Drop luggage and start exploring from the lakefront.
🗼
Attractions
2 Recommendations
13:30
Hubin Pedestrian Street & West Lake Lakeside
湖滨步行街 & 西湖湖畔
After arriving at Hangzhou East, head to the Hubin area to drop luggage at your hotel, then start from Longxiangqiao—most time-efficient. Hubin Pedestrian Street, Hubin Intime, and the east shore of West Lake are all concentrated here.
Free
Walkable from Longxiangqiao Station
15:30
West Lake Boat Tour & Baidi Broken Bridge
西湖游船 & 白堤断桥
Properly enter West Lake in the afternoon. Depending on energy, take a boat cruise or walk along Baidi. First-timers should at least cover Broken Bridge, Baidi, and Solitary Hill.
Boat Tour Priced On-site
Broken Bridge and Baidi Free
Check Details
🍜
Restaurants
2 Recommendations
Kui Yuan Guan (Jiefang Road Branch)
奎元馆（解放路店）
One of Hangzhou's most renowned century-old noodle houses. Start with a bowl of Pian'er Chuan or Shrimp & Eel Noodles before exploring West Lake—far better than eating at the station.
Hangzhou Noodles
Budget-friendly
Dapaida Traditional Hangzhou Cuisine (Hubin Branch)
大牌大·传统杭帮菜（湖滨店）
Located in the Hubin commercial area—most convenient after exploring West Lake. Specialises in traditional Hangzhou dishes—first-timers can try Dongpo Pork and Longjing Shrimp in one meal.
Hangzhou Cuisine
Mid-range
🏨
Accommodation
Day 4
JI Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake Hubin Pedestrian Street)
★★★
📍 No. 213 Qingchun Road
฿ 1,680
1 night
Book Now →
Hangzhou
Classic Hangzhou · Lingyin Temple, Faxi Temple & West Lake
Morning explores Hangzhou's most iconic temple route, afternoon returns to the west side of West Lake, ending with Leifeng Pagoda sunset views.
🗼
Attraction
4 Recommendations
08:00
Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak
灵隐寺 & 飞来峰
One of Hangzhou's most worthwhile early-morning attractions. Combine Feilai Peak carvings with Lingyin Temple as one visit rather than splitting them.
Check Reservation & Ticketing Rules
Check Details
10:30
Shangtianzhu Faxi Temple
上天竺法喜讲寺
Continue from Lingyin area toward Tianzhu and experience a different temple atmosphere from Lingyin. The yellow temple walls, forested hills, and Tianzhu Road scenery are very characteristic of Hangzhou and great for photos.
~1 Hour
Check Details
14:30
Yang Gong Causeway & Quyuan Fenghe
杨公堤 & 曲院风荷
Skip circling the entire lake; the west side of West Lake is far more pleasant. Yang Gong Causeway links Quyuan Fenghe, Maojiabu, and other scenic spots, usually with fewer crowds than the eastern shore.
Free
Best by Walking + Short Ride-Hailing
17:30
Leifeng Pagoda
雷峰塔
End at the south shore of West Lake to see Leifeng Pagoda. On clear days, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the lake. Arriving near sunset allows you to see West Lake transition from daylight into dusk.
Ticketed
Best Before Sunset
Check Details
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Shan Wai Shan (Yuquan Road Branch)
山外山菜馆（玉泉路店）
Located near the West Lake scenic area—logical lunch stop when moving from Lingyin / Tianzhu toward West Lake. Specialises in traditional Hangzhou cuisine, no need to return to Hubin city centre for lunch.
Hangzhou Cuisine
Mid-range
Zhiweiguan Weizhuang (Yang Gong Causeway Branch)
知味观·味庄（杨公堤店）
Located near Yang Gong Causeway—much more sensible than the old arrangement of going back to Jiefang Road. Try Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp, and Sister Song's Fish Soup in one meal.
Hangzhou Cuisine
Mid-range
🏨
Accommodation
Day 4
JI Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake Hubin Pedestrian Street)
★★★
📍 No. 213 Qingchun Road
฿ 1,680
1 night
Book Now →
🚇
Transport
Day 4
Hubin → Lingyin Area — Take a bus or ride-hail in the morning. West Lake area gets congested on weekends and holidays—depart earlier than your booking time.
Lingyin → Faxi Temple — Use Tianzhu area buses / shuttle services to Shangtianzhu—don't waste energy walking the entire way.
Faxi Temple → Yang Gong Causeway — Ride-hail or take a bus towards Quyuan Fenghe / Yang Gong Causeway in the afternoon—avoid going back through Hubin city centre.
Yang Gong Causeway → Leifeng Pagoda — Head along the south shore of West Lake via scenic-area bus or short ride-hail. Don't schedule too tightly during evening peak hours.
Hangzhou
Dragon Well Tea Country · Jiuxi & Hefang Street before Departure
Morning in the tea country to see Longjing tea terraces, then through Jiuxi's forested streams. Afternoon back to the old city for souvenirs before heading to the station.
🗼
Attraction
3 Recommendations
08:30
Longjing Tea Village
龙井村
Morning in Longjing Village offers views of tea terraces, tea farmers, and valley landscapes. In spring, you may see tea-picking and wok-roasting processes.
Entry Free
Tea Tasting
12:30
Jiuxi Yanshu (Jiuxi Scenic Area)
九溪烟树
Move from Longjing toward Jiuxi—experience a landscape of streams, tea gardens, and forested hills. If fit, walk part of the Longjing-to-Jiuxi trail; otherwise, ride-hail directly to the Jiuxi entrance.
Free
15:00
Qinghefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street
清河坊街 & 南宋御街
Return to Hangzhou's old city in the afternoon—combine Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street in one visit. Beyond time-honoured brands and snacks, it's also a good spot for last-minute tea, pastries, and Hangzhou souvenirs.
Free
Walkable from Ding'an Road Station
Check Details
🍜
Restaurant
2 Recommendations
Green Tea Restaurant (Longjing Boat Feast · Flagship)
绿茶餐厅（龙井船宴·品牌总店）
Located in the Longjing / West Lake area—continue to Jiuxi after your meal without returning to the city centre. Offers relatively affordable Jiang-Zhe cuisine—great for the final day of your trip.
Jiang-Zhe / Hangzhou Cuisine
Budget to mid-range
Huijuan Noodle Restaurant (Wangjiang Road Branch)
慧娟面馆·餐厅（望江路店）
Near Hefang Street—an ideal final meal with Hangzhou noodles. Pian'er Chuan and Ban Chuan are lighter than another full table meal, and convenient for heading to Hangzhou East Station afterwards.
Hangzhou Noodles
Budget-friendly
🚇
Return Transport
Hangzhou East → Shanghai / Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport
Hotel → Longjing Village — Best to ride-hail from Hubin area (~20–30 min). Morning departures avoid West Lake traffic better than afternoon.
Longjing → Jiuxi — If fit, walk part of the tea garden trails; for a relaxed option, ride-hail directly to the Jiuxi entrance—no need to walk the entire trail.
Jiuxi → Hefang Street — Ride-hail back to Shangcheng District (~20–30 min), then walk to Qinghefang and Southern Song Imperial Street.
Hefang Street → Hangzhou East — Take Metro Line 1 from Ding'an Road Station to Hangzhou East. Allow time for station entry and security.
High-speed rail back to Shanghai — Hangzhou East → Shanghai Hongqiao has frequent services, most take ~45–60 min, some faster. Fares vary by service class—check ticketing page for exact prices.
Direct flight from Hangzhou — If flight timing works, depart directly from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Take Metro Line 1 to the airport, or via Hangzhou East transfer to Airport Express Line 19.
Shanghai to Hangzhou Transport & Route Map
Shanghai and Hangzhou are around 175 km apart and are conveniently connected by high-speed rail, with journeys taking approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This makes it one of the easiest and most popular ways to explore both cities in a single trip.
🏨 Shanghai & Hangzhou Accommodation Recommendations
Stay 2 nights in Shanghai and 2 nights in Hangzhou, with selected hotels in convenient locations for transport, sightseeing and dining.
Shanghai · 2 Nights Recommended
Popular Areas to Stay
A
The Bund / East Nanjing Road
Highly recommended for first-time visitors to Shanghai. Walk to The Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and easily reach Yu Garden, with attractions and restaurants nearby.
Best for Sightseeing
B
Jing'an Temple / West Nanjing Road
Surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants and cafes. Jing'an Temple Station connects Metro Lines 2, 7 and 14, making it convenient to reach Hongqiao, Pudong and central Shanghai.
Convenient Transport
C
Xintiandi / Huaihai Middle Road
A stylish area featuring Shikumen architecture, boutique shops and popular restaurants. Ideal for travellers who enjoy shopping, cafes and exploring the city on foot.
Cultural & Leisure
Intercity Hotel Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street The Bund
★★★★★
📍 No. 431 Fuzhou Road
฿ 3,855
1 night
Book Now →
Atour Hotel Jing'an Temple Nanjing West Road, Shanghai
★★★★
📍 12th-26th Floors, Zone A, 1st Floor, No. 839 Yan'an Middle Road
฿ 3,195
1 night
Book Now →
Hangzhou · 2 Nights Recommended
Popular Areas to Stay
A
West Lake Hubin / Longxiangqiao
Within walking distance of West Lake, Hubin Pedestrian Street and in77 shopping mall. With plenty of dining, shopping and night views nearby, it is one of the most convenient areas for first-time visitors to Hangzhou.
Best for Sightseeing
B
Wulin Square / Hangzhou Centre
One of Hangzhou’s main commercial areas with shopping malls and restaurants nearby. Metro Lines 1 and 3 provide easy access to West Lake and Hangzhou East Railway Station.
Convenient Transport
C
Southern Song Imperial Street / Hefang Street
A historic neighbourhood featuring old streets, local snacks and traditional architecture. Great for evening walks, with easy access to West Lake, Wushan Square and Hangzhou Railway Station.
Historic Area
Pagoda Hotel Hangzhou West Lake · Wulin Plaza
★★★★★
📍 No. 261 Tiyuchang Road
฿ 2,282
1 night
Book Now →
💬 Shanghai & Hangzhou Traveller Reviews
See what travellers who have visited Shanghai and Hangzhou have to say about their experiences.
วาวา พารีวิว - Wawa
5 / 5If you're visiting Shanghai and want to escape the hustle and bustle, we highly recommend taking a high-speed train trip to "Hangzhou." It's just a short ride, and you'll feel like you've been transported to another world. Hangzhou is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with nature.
🗺
현자마마
5 / 5Before heading to Shanghai, I spent 1 night and 2 days in Hangzhou, but the trip felt way too short. The accommodation was fantastic, there were plenty of great restaurants, and I visited West Lake with Leifeng Pagoda. Next time, I’d love to plan a longer trip to Hangzhou!
_TI***gu
5 / 5If you’re looking for a city that’s all vibes and visuals, both Shanghai and Hangzhou are total stunners! 🚶♀️✨ Shanghai’s got that electric energy—skyscrapers lighting up the night, stylish cafes, and seriously gorgeous streets (Nanjing Road is soooo good for shopping and snapping pics 📸). Hangzhou, meanwhile, is all peace and beauty, with West Lake serving unreal views that are basically IG dreams come true. 🌊🌸
❓FAQs About Shanghai Hangzhou Travel
Get answers to your Shanghai and Hangzhou trip planning questions, from transport and accommodation to itineraries and travel tips.
Can I visit Shanghai and Hangzhou in one trip?
Yes. Shanghai and Hangzhou are ideal for a combined trip, with high-speed trains connecting the two cities in around 1 hour. A 5-day 4-night itinerary is a popular choice, allowing you to explore Shanghai’s city highlights and Hangzhou’s scenic attractions at a comfortable pace.
How do I travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou is by high-speed train. With frequent departures and a journey time of around 1 hour, it is a comfortable option for travellers. Buses and private transfers are also available but usually take longer.
How long does it take to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou by high-speed train?
The high-speed train journey from Shanghai to Hangzhou takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the train service. With multiple departures throughout the day, travellers can easily plan their transfer between the two cities.
How many days should I spend in Shanghai and Hangzhou?
A 5-day 4-night itinerary is recommended for first-time visitors. Spend around 2 days exploring Shanghai’s highlights, then travel to Hangzhou to visit attractions such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Longjing Tea Village. For a more relaxed trip, consider extending your stay to 6–7 days.
Should I visit Shanghai or Hangzhou first?
Both options work well, but many travellers prefer starting in Shanghai due to its convenient international connections. After exploring Shanghai’s city attractions, you can take a short high-speed train ride to Hangzhou for a more relaxing cultural and scenic experience.
What is the best time to visit Shanghai and Hangzhou?
The best times to visit Shanghai and Hangzhou are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is comfortable for sightseeing. Spring is ideal for enjoying gardens and West Lake scenery, while autumn offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful seasonal views.
What are the must-visit attractions in Shanghai?
Popular Shanghai attractions include the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Tianzifang, Shanghai Tower, and the Shanghai Museum. Visitors can enjoy a mix of modern city views, traditional architecture, shopping, and local culture.
What are the best things to do in Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its beautiful scenery and traditional culture. Top things to do include exploring West Lake, visiting Lingyin Temple, walking through Longjing Tea Village, taking a boat ride on West Lake, and discovering historic streets such as Hefang Street.
What food should I try in Shanghai and Hangzhou?
In Shanghai, try local favourites such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried buns), Shanghai-style noodles, and hairy crab. In Hangzhou, popular dishes include Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and tea-inspired local cuisine.
What apps should I download before travelling to Shanghai and Hangzhou?
Useful apps to prepare include map and navigation apps, mobile payment apps, translation tools, and transport booking apps. Trip.com can also help you check high-speed train schedules, book tickets, reserve attractions, and plan your itinerary.