Things to do in Eastern China

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All about Eastern China

When to visit

The best times to visit Eastern China are spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable. Just note that the first weeks of May and October are national holidays, so public transport will be jam-packed with Chinese residents going home to see their families. Summers are hot and muggy, and the winter is bitterly cold. Summer does have one thing going for it, however—the Dragon Boat Festival, which is well worth experiencing.

Getting around

Eastern China is well set up with public transport, making it easy to travel between and within its cities. There are high–speed railway lines connecting Shanghai and Hangzhou, plus regular–speed trains that run regularly and reliably. Larger cities have subways for cheap and easy travel, and there are always buses, taxis, or rideshares to get you where you need to be.

Traveler tips

Like the rest of China, the residents of Eastern China love to eat. When traveling from place to place, seek out the local food. Even towns that border each other have food wars over seemingly similar foods. Suzhou residents swear pig knuckles in their city taste superior to neighboring Wuxi. Make sure you have plenty of room in your belly to make your own decisions about who does dishes best in Eastern China. Don’t leave without trying Shanghai soup dumplings, xiaolongbao or the region’s ginormous and delicious lion’s head meatballs, shizitou.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eastern China most known for?

Eastern China is most known for the futuristic city of Shanghai. But it is also known for its smaller, touristy towns, such as Hangzhou with West Lake, and Suzhou—for its imperial gardens and water towns with ancient culture. Eastern China is also home to Nanjing, a former capital.

How should I spend a week in Eastern China?

One idea would be to start and finish in Shanghai since it’s highly accessible. Visit top Shanghai sights such as the Bund, the French Concession, and the Pearl Tower, then move to Suzhou to explore the gardens and water towns. Then, visit Hangzhou for the light show on West Lake.

Is Eastern China worth visiting?

Eastern China is worth visiting since you can get a sense of China’s diversity in this area. It has Shanghai’s metropolis; the ancient culture preserved in the gardens and water towns near Suzhou; and one of China’s most famous attractions—Hangzhou’s West Lake.

What are the top attractions to visit in Eastern China?

The top attractions in Eastern China are mostly the cities themselves, ranging from the huge metropolis of Shanghai to the well-preserved ancient water towns of Zhouzhuang and Xitang. Hangzhou and its famous West Lake and light show are hugely popular. So is Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, for its golden sunrises.

How many days do you need in Eastern China?

A week should be perfect to see the best of Eastern China, but you could also spend a lot longer. Be sure to hit Shanghai for its futuristic flair. Also visit water towns such as Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, plus Suzhou and its imperial gardens for a step back to dynasties past.

What is the best month to visit Eastern China?

Visit Eastern China in either the spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate, making traveling between cities enjoyable. Summers are too hot and humid, and winters can be bitterly cold. Remember that the first weeks of May and October are national holidays, so public transport will be packed.

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