How to Spend 8 Days in Shanghai - Shanghai 8 Days Itinerary Plans 2025/2026

Plan A: Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Nanjing Yangtze Delta Exploration

Yangtze River Delta, geographically combining metropolis Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou, as the three most popular cities in the Yangtze River Delta, are often the first choice for most travelers, and Nanjing, as the capital city of Jiangsu Province, has also become a hot destination in the Yangtze River Delta region with its long history and culture. This 8-day itinerary will take you deep into the Yangtze River Delta region and deeply experience the diverse charm of Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing.

Yangtze River Delta Travel Map (click to enlarge)

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

After you arrive in Shanghai, you can take a short rest and then head to Shanghai Circus World located in the northern part of Jing'an District to watch the entertaining acrobatic show, including breathtaking "balls of death" acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other wonderful performances.

Day 2: Shanghai City Exploration (Oriental Pearl Tower/Shanghai Tower - Shanghai Museum East - Wukang Road - Nanjing Road - The Bund)

First go to Shanghai Pudong (east of the Huangpu River) area, and choose one of the skyscrapers such as Oriental Pearl Tower - the most famous landmark in Shanghai / Shanghai Tower - the tallest building in China and second tallest one in the world with the total height of 632m to enjoy the amazing panoramic view of downtown Shanghai. Then visit Shanghai Museum East, also in Pudong area, which is dubbed "Textbooks of Chinese Art History" to appreciate remarkable ancient Chinese arts through rich collections of the bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphic works, etc. Continue transfer to Puxi (west of the Huangpu River) area and spend some leisure time in Wukang Road, an old foreign community has been well-preserved with massive early 20th century western-style mansions, which is a hot city walk area with leafy trees side by. Next head to Nanjing Road, which is the oldest shopping street in Shanghai that has been extended to the Bund. Then you can walk directly to The Bund to enjoy the dazzling night view along the Bund, the Huangpu River and the Lujiazui area.

Day 3: Shanghai - Tongxiang (Wuzhen Water Town) - Hangzhou

Departing from Shanghai today, take the morning high-speed train to Tongxiang, which takes about an hour to arrive. Then transfer to Wuzhen Water Town. As a classic water town of Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) style, Wuzhen is reputed as "the Venice of the East" with peaceful environment and ancient architectures. Here you can find old buildings situated along the winding river, and various workshops, stores and museums are the highlights of the romantic and tranquil little town, which all make Wuzhen a very poetic and romantic place in China. When you finish your water town tour in Wuzhen, you can transfer directly to Hangzhou, which about 80 kilometers (1.5 hours by car) away from the city center of Hangzhou.

Day 4: Hangzhou City Exploration (West Lake - Feilai Peak - Lingyin Temple - China National Tea Museum - Meijiawu Village)

First, make the symbolic visit to the picturesque West Lake, which is the iconic site of Hangzhou and a pretty UNESCO World Heritage. Cruise on West Lake is a good way to experience the beautiful scenery. Next, go to Feilai Peak, which features in over 300 Buddhist carvings lining the riverbanks and hillsides and tucked away inside grottoes. Continue to the adjacent Lingyin Temple of nearly 1,700 year, which is the oldest and one of the most popular temples in Hangzhou. After that, go to China National Tea Museum to learn systematically about Chinese tea culture including the history, procession, customs and classification of tea, and admire diverse kinds of tea wares, machines, displays, etc. Then, transfer to Meijiawu Tea Village, a refreshing wonderland surrounded by mountains with a large area of emerald Dragon Well tea plantations in neat lines and curves. Walk among the tea plantations with fun and take beautiful photos.

Day 5: Hangzhou - Suzhou City Exploration (Suzhou Silk Museum - Tiger Hill - Lingering Garden - Shantang Street)

Departing from Hangzhou today, take the morning high-speed train to Suzhou, which only takes about an hour to arrive. First go straight to Suzhou Silk Museum, which is the first museum that specializes in silk in China and well demonstrates the thousand years’ Chinese silk history, displays silk relics, fragments, garments and tapestry, etc. Next come to Tiger Hill, with a history of over 2,500 years, which enjoys lots of historical legendary as well as old buildings. The leaning pagoda is the most highlighted part which makes Tiger Hill a must-see. Continue go to Lingering Garden, one of the Four Greatest Gardens in China as well as the perfect representative of traditional Suzhou Gardens, which synthesized almost all the classic features of Suzhou gardens and will give you a visual treat. After visiting Lingering Garden, move on to nearby Shantang Street, a prosperous ancient street block built in 852 AD. Visiting this old place, you will see many featured old houses selling local food, delicate handicrafts and feel the real flavor of old Suzhou and Wu culture in ancient times.

Day 6: Tongli/Zhouzhuang Water Town

Today transfer to one of the famous water town in Suzhou, Tongli or Zhouzhuang, which respectively about 30 kilometers (50 minutes by car) and 40 kilometers (70 minutes by car) away from the city center of Suzhou. Tongli is one of the top six ancient towns in Jiangnan area (south of Yangtze River), which is world reputed as the "Oriental Venice" with its more than 1000-year-old history, authentic features of old buildings, rich old rivers, simple folk culture of locals. Zhouzhuang is not only the "No. 1 Water Town in China" but also one of the top ten tourist attractions in China favored by European people. Here you can feel its long history of about 1000 years and admire the authentic features of water town in regions south of the Yangtze River in China.

Day 7: Suzhou - Nanjing City Exploration (Zhongshan Ling - Xiao Ling - Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River)

Departing from Suzhou today, take the morning high-speed train to Nanjing, which takes about 1 hour to arrive. Then head to Zhongshan Ling, which is the mausoleum park of Sun Yat-sen who was the leader of the Chinese revolution in 20th century. It is seen as China's version of the Lincoln Memorial. Next go to nearby Xiao Ling, which is the tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang who founded Ming Dynasty. As an honorable UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xiao Ling magnificent value of architecture and royal mausoleum culture. Continue transfer to Qinhuai River area, and first visit the Confucius Temple, which was built in about 1000 years ago and now one of the most important temples to worship the siege Confucius. Then enjoy the night time in Qinhuai River, which runs through the city of Nanjing and is a popular place to explore the local lifestyle. You can also take a colorfully decorated boat to ride on this ancient river, which will be a memorable experience.

Day 8: Ancient City Wall - Niushoushan Forest Park - Nanjing Departure

First go for enjoy a leisure stroll on the Ancient City Wall of Nanjing, which was built about 650 years ago and is the longest, largest, and best-preserved ancient city wall in the world. Then transfer to Niushoushan Forest Park, located on the outskirts of Nanjing, which is a hidden treasure of Nanjing. Here collectively exhibits and preserves the treasure of the Buddhist world - the world's only parietal relic of Buddha with amazing Buddhist palaces, temples, pagodas and pleasant landscapes.

Highlights of this Itinerary

• The Bund
• West Lake
• Lingering Garden
• Qinhuai River

☛ 8 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Nanjing Yangtze Delta In-depth Tour

☛ 8 Days Treasures of Jiangnan China Odyssey Tour (Shanghai/ Wuzhen / Hangzhou / Huangshan / Jingdezhen / Wangxian Valley)

Plan B: Shanghai with Other Popular China Destinations - Recommended for First Timers

To enhance your journey beyond the highlights of Shanghai, consider extending your trip to China Golden-triangle Destinations (Shanghai & Xian & Beijing): Beijing, with its compelling blend of imperial grandeur and modern vitality; and Xi’an, home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors and rich historical legacy; or other iconic destinations: Zhangjiajie, famed for its otherworldly sandstone pillars that inspired the landscapes in Avatar; Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), renowned for its mystical granite peaks, ancient pines, and sea of clouds, etc. These destinations offer a diverse and immersive experience from ancient capitals and cultural marvels to breathtaking natural wonders, which are ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with China’s storied past and scenic splendor. Check the recommended itineraries below to get inspired! Check more about China Tours from Shanghai >>

• Temple of Heaven
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Yellow Mountain (Mt. Huangshan)