Hangzhou and Suzhou, Lakes and Gardens

Hangzhou and Suzhou sit on high-speed rail lines out of Shanghai, known respectively for a lake and for gardens. In both cities the core areas are compact, so you spend a lot of time on foot or on a bike. This guide covers routes, transport, and food.

Hangzhou centers on West Lake with Lingyin Temple and the Longjing tea village, while Suzhou is defined by the Humble Administrator's Garden, Pingjiang Road, and nearby water towns.

The bottom line: two days in Hangzhou, one to two in Suzhou

In Hangzhou, give West Lake a day and half a day to the tea village or Lingyin Temple. In Suzhou, a day covers the gardens and Pingjiang Road, with another for a water town if time allows.

Key sights in Hangzhou: West Lake and Lingyin Temple

West Lake is made up of the Su and Bai Causeways, Broken Bridge, and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon islet. Biking the loop around the lake is a favorite.

• Lingyin Temple sits on the west shore.
• Climbing Leifeng Pagoda gives a full view of the lake.
• Hefang Street is a traditional shopping lane.

Key sights in Suzhou: gardens and water towns

Suzhou is the heart of Chinese garden design.

• The Humble Administrator's Garden is the city's largest.
• The Lingering Garden is smaller but finely composed.
• Tiger Hill holds a pagoda and historic remains.
• Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street sit along canals.
• Water towns such as Zhouzhuang and Tongli lie nearby.

Getting there: high-speed rail

The two cities connect to Shanghai by high-speed rail. Hangzhou uses Hangzhou East Station, while Suzhou uses Suzhou and Suzhou North stations.

Getting around and paying

Metro and buses are convenient in both cities. Hangzhou has metro stations near West Lake, and Suzhou links its North Station to the center by metro.

Alipay and WeChat Pay cover most payments.

Suggested 5-day itinerary

Food and practical notes

Hangzhou dishes include Dongpo pork, West Lake vinegar fish, Longjing shrimp, and pian er chuan noodles. Suzhou is known for squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and its noodle soups.

• West Lake is best in spring and autumn.
• Suzhou's gardens get crowded on weekends.
• Summers are hot and humid.