Must-Visit Route in the Misty Jiangnan

Here comes the perfect 3-day itinerary for Jiangnan water town lovers! 🚩 Hangzhou and Suzhou are ideal for city walks, blending poetic bridges and streams with urban convenience. Follow this route for an unforgettable trip! Day 1: Hangzhou West Lake Exploration 📍 Broken Bridge & Melting Snow: Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds. The bridge offers stunning lake and mountain views. 📍 Autumn Moon over Peaceful Lake: Worth the 10 yuan ticket. The teahouse on the second floor provides a panoramic view—perfect with a cup of Longjing tea. 📍 Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Bring a 1 yuan bill for the photo op. Book boat tickets in advance via the West Lake scenic area mini-program. 📍 Leifeng Pagoda: Visit at sunset for a golden view of the lake from the pagoda. Day 2: Hangzhou to Suzhou 🚄 Take the morning high-speed train (about 1.5 hours) to Suzhou Station. 📍 Humble Administrator’s Garden: The top of Jiangnan’s four great gardens. Arrive at 7:30 AM to avoid tour groups. 📍 Suzhou Museum: Designed by I.M. Pei. Book tickets a week in advance! The café’s window views are perfect for photos. 📍 Pingjiang Road: Best explored in the evening. Try Yaba Shengjian (pan-fried buns) and Qitoumi sweet soup. Day 3: Ancient Town Stroll in Suzhou 📍 Zhouzhuang: Stay overnight to capture empty ancient bridges at 6 AM. Don’t miss Wanshi Braised Pork at Shen’s Restaurant. 📍 Tongli: More rustic than Zhouzhuang. Take a hand-rowed boat and listen to local Wu dialect songs. Food Guide 🍜: ✅ Hangzhou: Pian’er Chuan noodles at Fang Laoda Noodle House, Cat’s Ear Dumplings at Zhiweiguan. ✅ Suzhou: Yaba Shengjian, Pan Yulin’s Sweet Congee, Fengzhen Braised Pork Noodles at Tongdexing. Accommodation Tips 🏨: In Hangzhou, choose hotels within walking distance of West Lake. In Suzhou, stay near Pingjiang Road—Pingjiang Inn offers instant access to scenic canals. Avoid Pitfalls ⚡: 1. West Lake has traffic restrictions on weekends—plan taxi rides ahead. 2. Suzhou Museum is closed on Mondays. 3. Both cities have convenient metro systems—avoid taxis during rush hours.