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Which kind of places do you prefer?

Can you hire a car or just public transport?

I would definitely recommend Suzhou and Hangzhou, which are only a few hours away and just amazing. I have been to Suzhou a few times, and classic gardens are simply beautiful. I booked a customized tour at [link moderated] One of the favorites is the Humble Administrator's Garden. It is so serene and feels like you are a step back in time. Stroll around old town with its canals and traditional architecture, which was also nice.

Another area I went to was Hangzhou, also quite impressive. Its West Lake area is simply beautiful, especially if you catch it at an early time of the day when the mist still lingers on the water. Walking around, or biking, around the lake is quite relaxing. Nearby are also tea plantations, quite nice to see.

Both spots are perfect for day-trips, but honestly, you could spend a weekend just exploring each if you've got the time.