Group of 4 Visiting Shanghai/ Beijing late Oct

Question

Hi All,

Visiting Beijing - Shanghai end Oct and contemplating whether to include Suzhou and whether the itinerary is workable. We are a group of 4 and looking at a mix of historical, scenery and shopping. Do booking for all the entrance tickets quite difficult for foreigners? as we are contemplating whether to opt for private tour.

Day 1 - Reach Beijing in early morning. Rest a while in hotel - Shi Chia Hai/ yi he yuan - Beijing Royal Dinner

Day 2- Tianan Square - MaozheDong Memorial Hall - Gu Gong Museum

Day 3 - Great wall ( Badaling ) - Beijing National Stadium - Nan Lou Ancient Road

Day 4 - Tian Tan - Train to Hangzhou - Xiao He Zhi Street

Day 5 - Ling yin Temple - West Lake - Lei Fong Pagoda

Day 6 - Hangzhou To Wuzhen

Day 7 - Wuzhen To Suzhou ( Lion Grove Garden - Humble Administrator's Garden- Ping Jiang St)

Day 8 - Han shan Temple - Shan Tang Street - Back to Shanghai ( The Bund )

Day 9 - Yu yuan, Cheng Huang Temple, Tian Zi Fang

Day 10- Jing An Shi - Xin Tian Di

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Suzhou, and Shanghai in late October is ambitious but doable, especially for a group of 4. Including Suzhou and Wuzhen adds a rich cultural and scenic dimension to your trip, but it also involves significant travel time between cities, so planning transport efficiently is key.

Here is a detailed assessment of your itinerary and tips:

Day 1 – Beijing Arrival: Arriving early morning allows time to rest and adjust. Visiting Shichahai or Yiheyuan (Summer Palace) and having a Royal-style dinner is manageable. Ensure your hotel is centrally located to minimize transfers.
Day 2 – Beijing Historical Sites: Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and the Forbidden City (Gu Gong) are close to each other. Tickets for the Forbidden City can be booked online, but slots fill quickly. It is recommended to book tickets in advance for foreigners via the official website or third-party platforms.
Day 3 – Great Wall & City Tour: Badaling is popular and accessible by private car or tour. Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) can be visited after the Wall. Nanluoguxiang is good for evening stroll and snacks. Note that traveling to Badaling can take 1–1.5 hours one-way from central Beijing, so start early.
Day 4 – Temple of Heaven & Travel to Hangzhou: Morning visit to Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven) is feasible. High-speed trains from Beijing to Hangzhou take approximately 5–6 hours. Plan for a late afternoon/evening arrival in Hangzhou and visit Xiao He Zhi Street for dinner and local atmosphere.
Day 5 – Hangzhou: Lingyin Temple, West Lake, and Leifeng Pagoda can be comfortably covered in one day. Use a local driver or taxis for convenience. West Lake scenery is extensive, so plan key spots to maximize time.
Day 6 – Hangzhou to Wuzhen: Travel by road or private car to Wuzhen takes about 1–1.5 hours. Explore the town’s canals, historic streets, and museums. Overnight in Wuzhen or return to Hangzhou depending on accommodation plans.
Day 7 – Wuzhen to Suzhou: Drive to Suzhou (approx. 1–1.5 hours). Lion Grove Garden, Humble Administrator’s Garden, and Pingjiang Road are the highlights. Booking garden tickets in advance is recommended, especially in October, which is peak tourist season.
Day 8 – Suzhou to Shanghai: Morning visit to Hanshan Temple and Shantang Street, then transfer to Shanghai (approx. 1–1.5 hours). End the day at The Bund for sunset views.
Day 9 – Shanghai City Tour: Yu Garden, Chenghuang Temple, and Tian Zi Fang are centrally located and can be visited in one day. Tickets for Yu Garden are easy to book on-site.
Day 10 – Shopping & Leisure: Jing’an Temple area and Xin Tian Di provide a mix of shopping, dining, and local culture. Flexible timing allows for last-minute shopping before departure.

Tips for entrance tickets and logistics:

Many popular attractions in Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Shanghai allow online booking for foreigners. Booking in advance reduces waiting times and ensures entry, especially for the Forbidden City, Humble Administrator’s Garden, and Lingyin Temple.
Using a private driver for Hangzhou-Wuzhen-Suzhou-Shanghai legs can save time and simplify luggage transfer. For Beijing city tours, consider a private guide or driver to maximize sightseeing efficiency.
High-speed trains between cities are convenient, but booking tickets in advance is recommended. Allocate extra time for boarding and luggage handling.
Consider weather in late October—mild and comfortable, but some gardens may have early autumn foliage affecting certain views.

In summary, your itinerary is workable but requires careful time management and advance booking of key tickets. Including Suzhou and Wuzhen enriches the cultural experience, and using private transport for intercity travel will help you stick to the schedule and minimize stress.