The Classic Yangtze Delta Triangle
China's most popular multi-city route for first-time visitors — and the easiest to travel by private car. Start in the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, take in the timeless beauty of Hangzhou's West Lake, then step into the classical gardens and canal-side water towns of Suzhou. With your own professional driver, there are no train transfers, no luggage hauling, and no fixed schedules — you travel door-to-door between your hotels.
Intercity Distances & Driving Time
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Hangzhou | ~180 km | ~2.5 hours |
| Shanghai → Suzhou | ~100 km | ~1.5 hours |
| Hangzhou → Suzhou | ~160 km | ~2.5 hours |
| Suzhou → Wuzhen water town | ~80 km | ~1.5 hours |
| Wuzhen → Shanghai | ~120 km | ~2 hours |
Private Car Rates
Daily charter (8-10 hours/day) with professional driver. Multi-day bookings get the same driver across cities. Fixed price — no hidden fees. Overtime at $15/hour.
| Vehicle | Seats | Per Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| VW Passat / Camry | 4 | $129/day |
| Audi A6L / Mercedes E | 4 | $289/day |
| Buick GL8 (up to 6 passengers) | 6 | $159/day |
| Mercedes V-Class | 6 | $369/day |
| 14-seat Minibus | 14 | $209/day |
What's Included
✔ Included
- Air-conditioned private vehicle
- Professional driver
- Fuel, tolls and parking fees
- Hotel pickup & dropoff in each city
- Bottled water
✖ Not Included
- Entrance tickets (West Lake free, gardens ¥80-90)
- Tour guide service
- Meals & beverages
- Accommodation
- Gratuities & personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Pudong skyline. Overnight Shanghai.
2.5 hour drive, then West Lake boat ride, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea village. Overnight Hangzhou.
2.5 hour drive, then Humble Administrator's Garden, Pingjiang Road, evening in the old town.
Add a day for Wuzhen or Tongli water town before returning to Shanghai.
Tip: Tell us your hotel addresses and preferred pace, and we will build a custom multi-day itinerary with the same driver throughout.
Why Choose a Private Car for the Delta
- ✔ Door-to-door between hotels — no train stations or luggage hassle
- ✔ One professional driver stays with you across all three cities
- ✔ Flexible pace — stop anywhere, anytime for photos or food
- ✔ Fixed pricing before booking, no hidden fees
- ✔ Perfect for families & groups — up to 6 in a GL8
- ✔ 24/7 English support via WhatsApp and WeChat
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a multi-city private car cost?
A multi-city charter starts from $129/day (VW Passat) or $159/day (Buick GL8 for up to 6 people). Intercity driving between the three cities is included in the daily rate.
How far is Hangzhou from Shanghai?
Hangzhou is about 180 km from Shanghai, roughly a 2-2.5 hour drive on the expressway. Suzhou is about 100 km (1.5 hours) from Shanghai.
Can we do this as a multi-day trip with the same driver?
Yes. We offer flexible 2-5 day itineraries connecting Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and water towns like Wuzhen and Tongli. The same driver stays with you across cities.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 3 days before pickup. 50% refund up to 2 days before, and 20% refund up to 1 day before. Same-day cancellations are non-refundable.
Does the driver speak English?
All our drivers are professional and licensed. English support is available via WhatsApp, WeChat or phone during the trip, and an English-speaking driver can be requested in advance.
