Shanghai stretches the Bund's colonial waterfront facing the Pudong skyline of the Shanghai Tower and Pearl Tower, with Suzhou's classical gardens, Hangzhou's West Lake, and the canal town of Wuzhen all within an hour by rail.
Highlights
Shanghai
The Bund
Suzhou
Hangzhou
When to Visit
Sep-Nov
Crisp autumn with Bund views at peak photographic clarity, Suzhou's classical gardens reflecting maple colour, and Shanghai International Film Festival in mid-June aside.
Mar-May
Spring with cherry blossoms at Gucun Park, Hangzhou's West Lake longjing tea harvest, and Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden in full bloom.
Jun-Aug
Hot humid summer with Shanghai at 35°C, plum rains (meiyu) through June, and the Pudong skyline air-conditioned malls at peak.
Dec-Feb
Cold damp winter with Shanghai Lantern Festival ending Spring Festival, Yu Garden lantern displays through February, and Bund night-lights atmospheric in mist.
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