Dreaming of Jiangnan: A National Day Journey Through Time, from Beijing to Xitang

Meta Description: Escape the holiday crowds with this 6-day Jiangnan itinerary from Beijing to Shanghai, Xitang, and Hangzhou. Discover budget tips, hidden gems, and water town magic for your next National Day trip.

Introduction: The Allure of Jiangnan During National Day

Some say travel is a conversation with oneself. I've always believed the most beautiful scenery isn't found in distant places, but in those with stories to tell. During the 2011 National Day holiday, while many were still agonizing over "where to go," my wife and I enlisted close friends and set off on a journey south to Jiangnan. Over six days, we traveled from Beijing to Shanghai, then on to Xitang, and finally returned to Beijing via Hangzhou—a route that's hardly off the beaten path, yet offered tranquility amid the holiday frenzy.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a National Day travel guide to Jiangnan that balances iconic sights with serene water town escapes. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this journey through time will leave you dreaming of misty mornings and candlelit canals.

Planning Your National Day Jiangnan Trip: Key Considerations

Why Choose Jiangnan for National Day?

Jiangnan—the region south of the Yangtze River—is synonymous with classical Chinese beauty. During National Day (October 1-7), the weather is mild, and autumn colors begin to emerge. While crowds are inevitable, strategic planning helps you find peaceful moments.

Best Time to Visit Jiangnan Water Towns

Late September to early November offers comfortable temperatures (15-25°C) and fewer rain showers. Xitang, in particular, shines during golden hour and after dark when day-trippers leave.

How to Avoid Crowds During Golden Week

• Book early morning flights (before 7 AM) to beat traffic and secure lower prices
• Stay overnight in water towns to experience dawn and dusk without crowds
• Use public transportation for shorter waits at attractions
• Eat at local stalls rather than tourist-heavy restaurants

Day 1: Beijing to Shanghai – A Dawn Departure

Why an Early Bird Flight Saves Money and Time

At 4:00 AM on October 1st, night still clung to Beijing, but we were already on the shuttle bus to the airport. Our choice of Spring Airlines' 6:35 AM flight was simple—it was cheap. A full-price ticket at 640 yuan was practically a steal during National Day. The plane touched down at Hongqiao Airport right on schedule at 8:30 AM. After a quick McDonald's breakfast, we took Metro Line 10 to the Dahu Hotel on Yan'an Road.

Pro tip: Spring Airlines and other budget carriers often have early-bird discounts. Book 2-3 months in advance for the best deals on cheap flights from Beijing to Shanghai.

Shanghai Accommodation: Affordable Hotels Near The Bund

The Dahu Hotel's location deserves a shout-out: just one stop from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, two kilometers from the Bund, and a 200-meter walk to the subway station. The real surprise? During the holiday, a group-buying deal brought the price down to just 128 yuan per room—a steal in Shanghai.

Budget hotels in Shanghai for National Day can be found via group-buying platforms like Meituan or Dianping. Book at least two weeks ahead, and consider locations near metro lines 1, 2, or 10 for easy access to major attractions.

Local Food Find: Xiaoshao Xing White-Cut Chicken

After settling in, I headed solo to the Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Terminal to buy tickets for the next day's trip to Xitang. By the time I got back, it was nearly 3:00 PM. On the way, I stopped in a narrow alley to pick up some legendary Xiaoshao Xing white-cut chicken (bai zhan ji). Even now, the memory of that taste makes my mouth water.

[Link: Best street food in Shanghai]

Day 1 Afternoon: Exploring The Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower

The Bund: A City's Memory and Warmth

The Bund was surprisingly uncrowded in the afternoon. I stood by the river, letting the breeze wash over me, gazing at the Oriental Pearl Tower and the neighboring Jin Mao Tower—the former headquarters of my previous company. Time flies.

We crossed through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and ascended the Oriental Pearl Tower to take in Shanghai's night skyline. To be honest, I preferred the Huangpu River itself—it flowed like a river of time, carrying the city's past and future. The tower's glass-bottomed skywalk circled around. As someone with a crippling fear of heights, I practically crawled the entire way, my calves trembling.

World Architecture Expo: A Stroll Through History

The Bund's 52 buildings, each with its own distinct style—Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Sino-Western fusion—truly lived up to its reputation as the "World Architecture Expo." We strolled along the Bund to Yu Garden, but it was too late; both Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant and Green Wave Gallery had already closed.

[Link: Shanghai Bund walking tour guide]

Evening Snacks at City God Temple

That night, we satisfied our cravings at the City God Temple snack stalls, trying crab roe soup dumplings (xie huang tang bao). Honestly, the taste was a bit odd—the dumplings were all soup inside, and once the soup was gone, what was left to eat with the wrapper? Give me Beijing's Qingfeng Steamed Bun Shop's pork-and-three-delicacy buns any day!

Day 1 Expenses: | Item | Cost (per person) | |------|-------------------| | Flight | 650 yuan | | McDonald's breakfast | 25 yuan | | Metro | 4 yuan | | Dahu Hotel | 128 yuan/room | | White-cut chicken | 36 yuan/jin | | Tunnel + Oriental Pearl combo | 170 yuan | | Crab roe soup dumplings | 15 yuan/piece | | Fried crab skewers | 15 yuan/skewer |

Day 2: Shanghai to Xitang – A Water Town Escape

Getting from Shanghai to Xitang by Bus

We slept in the next day to recover. After packing up, we boarded the long-distance bus to Xitang. The bus was full of young people, chatting and laughing in groups. A few quiet girls listened to music and stared out the window—probably solo travelers. I've never managed a solo trip myself, and I regret it.

How to get from Shanghai to Xitang: Take Metro Line 1 to Shanghai South Railway Station, then transfer to the long-distance bus terminal. Buses run every 30-60 minutes, and the journey takes about 2 hours. Tickets cost 38 yuan.

First Impressions: Xitang's New Town vs. Ancient Charm

After a two-hour ride, we arrived in Xitang's new town. Honestly, my first impression was disappointing—the noise was overwhelming. Most of Xitang's inns are wooden structures with almost no soundproofing. After discussing with friends, we decided to stay out late.

Xitang at Night: A Beauty That Steals Your Breath

Our inn's window faced the water, right opposite Laifeng Bridge. Around 6:00 PM, the sound of string and wind instruments drifted from the pavilion—it was beautiful. Standing on the bridge, watching Xitang settle into night, the lights reflected on the water, the entire ancient town became a flowing painting—dreamy, mesmerizing. At that moment, I thought: if only I could stay here forever.

Xitang night scenery is best viewed from Laifeng Bridge or along West Street. Bring a tripod for long-exposure photos of the reflections.

Must-Try Snacks in Xitang

Following recommendations from Mafengwo, we found Aliu Yikou Zong (a famous zongzi shop) and bought a few to fill our stomachs. Then came stinky tofu (chou doufu)—crispy on the outside, tender inside, slightly charred but not greasy. It hit the spot.

[Link: Best street food in Xitang water town]

Private Boat Ride and Red Pavilion Bar

At the dock, a long line had already formed for the boats. Wanting some peace, we chartered a whole boat. The ride was short; we disembarked at another spot along the canal and wandered the streets. At the entrance to West Street, we spotted Lu's Wonton Stall. One bowl each—thin-skinned, light on filling, but decent.

After the wontons, we found ourselves at the Red Pavilion Bar. It was packed, every seat taken—Mafengwo's recommendation was spot on. A live singer performed, and we played dice and chatted, our moods completely lifted.

A small incident: The wooden inn had terrible soundproofing. Half-asleep, I heard our friend go up and knock on their door to complain. A reminder to everyone: please be considerate of others when traveling.

Day 2 Expenses: | Item | Cost | |------|------| | Breakfast | 8 yuan/person | | Taxi | 20 yuan | | Long-distance bus | 38 yuan/person | | Inn | 380 yuan/room | | Private boat | 150 yuan | | Snacks | ~100 yuan | | Red Pavilion Bar | 240 yuan |

Day 3: Xitang Morning Magic and Journey to Hangzhou

Dawn in Xitang: The Town from a Painting

On the third day, I got up early and went for a solo stroll. Xitang's beauty truly shines at dawn and dusk. My wife snapped photos along the way, and we had breakfast at a riverside shop—a basket of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and a bowl of small wontons. It revived us.

Most shops were still closed, and there were few tourists. I'd heard that Old Man Qian had run his tofu pudding (douhua) stall under the bridge for decades. When we met up with our friends, we each had a bowl—it lifted our spirits! Lu's Wonton stall was also out, with its usual long line.

Best time to visit Xitang without crowds: Arrive before 8 AM or after 6 PM. Weekdays are quieter, but even during National Day, early mornings offer solitude.

West Street and Local Shops

We walked back along West Street. The boats gathered at the dock were a quintessential Jiangnan water town scene. We popped into a few small shops; one had a Zhuge repeating crossbow on display, and I couldn't resist snapping a photo.

On to Hangzhou

Around noon, the innkeeper called a black-market taxi to take us to Jiashan South Station. In less than 20 minutes, we arrived at Hangzhou Station and took a taxi to the Five Ocean Star Hotel (Fengqi Road branch).

After settling in, we were exhausted and crashed. I woke up to find it was evening. We asked the hotel manager for a nearby specialty restaurant and ended up at a Tujia ethnic eatery for dinner. Afterward, we walked to West Lake, just in time for the 9:00 PM musical fountain show.

[Link: Hangzhou West Lake night tour guide]

FAQ: Your National Day Jiangnan Trip Questions Answered

1. Is it worth visiting Jiangnan during National Day?

Yes, if you plan strategically. While crowds are significant, early mornings and late evenings offer peaceful experiences. Book accommodations and transportation at least 2-3 months in advance to secure good prices.

2. How many days do you need for a Jiangnan trip from Beijing?

A 5-7 day itinerary works well: 2 days in Shanghai, 1-2 days in Xitang, 1-2 days in Hangzhou, plus travel time. This allows you to experience major highlights without rushing.

3. What's the best way to travel between Jiangnan cities?

High-speed trains are fastest (Shanghai to Hangzhou takes 1 hour). For water towns like Xitang, long-distance buses are convenient. Budget airlines like Spring Airlines offer cheap flights from Beijing to Shanghai.

4. What should I pack for a National Day trip to Jiangnan?

Light layers (15-25°C), comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, insect repellent, and a power bank. For water towns, bring a camera for dawn/dusk photography.

5. How can I save money on a Jiangnan trip during Golden Week?

Book early-bird flights and group-buy hotel deals. Eat at local stalls rather than tourist restaurants. Use public transportation instead of taxis. Consider staying in hostels or budget inns.

Conclusion: Your Jiangnan Journey Awaits

From the neon lights of Shanghai's Bund to the candlelit canals of Xitang, this National Day travel itinerary through Jiangnan offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and water town tranquility. Whether you're savoring white-cut chicken in a Shanghai alley or watching dawn break over Laifeng Bridge, these memories will stay with you long after you return home.

Ready to plan your own Jiangnan adventure? [Link: Book your Beijing to Shanghai flight now] or [Link: Find the best Xitang inn deals]. Don't wait—Golden Week spots fill up fast!

What's your dream Jiangnan destination? Share your travel plans in the comments below, and let us know if you have any questions about this itinerary. Happy travels