Shanghai & East China
Shanghai for the city, Wuzhen for the water town, Suzhou for gardens, Hangzhou for the lake.
Shanghai & East China is one of the destinations we cover in China. Best season: March to May, September to November. Altitude: Shanghai 4 m / Huangshan 1,864 m. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) runs private tailor-made trips in Shanghai & East China with a dedicated vehicle and guide, and no shopping stops.
- Best season
- March to May, September to November
- Temperature
- Summer 26–35°C; plum rains mid-June to mid-July
- Altitude
- Shanghai 4 m / Huangshan 1,864 m
- Published routes
- 3
Shanghai & East China
East China is the easiest region to travel slowly. The Bund and the former French Concession, the canal houses of Wuzhen, the classical gardens of Suzhou and West Lake in Hangzhou are one to two hours apart. Add Huangshan and Hongcun in Anhui and you have a full Jiangnan loop.
| Best season | March to May, September to November |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Summer 26–35°C; plum rains mid-June to mid-July |
| Altitude | Shanghai 4 m / Huangshan 1,864 m |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk
The places at the heart of these itineraries.
The Bund, Yu Garden, Lujiazui, the former French Concession.
Canal houses and the Xizha night scene.
Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Pingjiang Road.
West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea hills.
The Yellow Mountains, plus the villages of Hongcun and Xidi.
Every one of these can be rebuilt around your dates.
CitiesShanghai & the Jiangnan Water Towns
Shanghai for the city, Wuzhen for the water town, Suzhou for the gardens, Hangzhou for the lake. Four Jiangnans in six days.
MountainsHuangshan & Huizhou Villages
China's most painted mountain, plus two World Heritage villages.
ClassicBeijing, the Great Wall & the Forbidden City
Everyone visits Beijing. The difference is whether you queue at Badaling or walk a quiet stretch at Mutianyu.
Shanghai & East China travel questions.
Is Shanghai a good first trip to China?
Very good. Language, payment and transport are relatively easy, and it is the mainland city most Hong Kong and Taiwan travellers already know.
When is the best time for East China?
March to May and September to November. The plum rains run mid-June to mid-July; July and August are hot and humid and December to February is damp and cold.
How long does Huangshan take to climb?
We usually use cable cars both ways with four to five hours of walking on the mountain. Staying overnight on the mountain adds the sunrise.
Want to go to Shanghai & East China?
A draft itinerary and a clear price within one working day.