Shanghai to Thousand Islands

If we are travelling from Shanghai to the Thousand Islands, which way is best or more recommended to get there? with a bus from Shanghai South or by train to Hangzhou East and then bus? If we go to Hangzhou East and then take the Bus, do we still have to take a second bus to the Scenic Area?

And moreover, is it really true that the bus from Shanghai South takes 4h and the bus from Hangzhou East takes 3h? are they going to the same place?

thank you in advance for your help!