Like Suzhou, Hangzhou is perfectly tourist-friendly and is possible to see on your own. There have been on-again, off-again plans for the building of a magnetic levitation train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, which, if ever completed (at press time, plans were on again, with the line to be built between 2010 and 2014), will reduce the train traveling time from 1 1/2 hours to around 40 minutes. In the meantime, however, you can book a taxi for the day through your Shanghai hotel (Hangzhou is a 2-3 hr. ride via the Hu Hang Expwy.) or better yet, and faster, venture there completely on your own by train (1 1/2 hr.).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
