Not only is Shanghai a city brimming with culture, history, and innovation, but it’s also a gateway to many stunning scenic destinations in China. For people wanting to take a break from the fast-paced city life, there are numerous day trips to unwind and explore the beauty, historical landmarks, and landscapes just a few miles away. Stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and serene villages, whichever it is that you look for, this guide covers everything, and everything is breathtaking. Every destination around Shanghai in 2025 will make you feel rejuvenated and inspired, making every trip unforgettable.
What are the best water towns to visit around Shanghai?
Exploring Zhujiajiao Water Town: Venice of Shanghai
Zhujiajiao Water Town, also known as ‘the Venice of Shanghai,’ is an ancient town around 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Shanghai City. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of Shanghai,’ Zhujiajiao Water Town is a beautiful ancient town located about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from downtown Shanghai. It is historically significant owing to its 1,700-year-old past, with currently available Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural structures, 36 stone bridges, and a network of picturesque rivers and canals. Tourists visiting the region can experience its breathtaking beauty as they ride boats through the town or walk on its narrow streets, an art center filled with local handicrafts and traditional Chinese snacks.
The prominent features of Zhujiajiao comprise the Fangsheng Bridge, the largest stone arch bridge in Shanghai, and the grand Kezhi Garden, a splendidly designed Qing-era park. The town is reachable through public transport systems like the bus or metro and takes around 1 to 1.5 hrs of travel from the city center, making it an easily accessible location. This water town, combined with its rich cultural history and other features, is a perfect getaway spot from the city grind of Shanghai.
Zhouzhuang: The Most Picturesque Ancient Water Village
Eastern Venice, Zhouzhuang, offers stunning views of ancient architecture blended with nature. Its proximity to Suzhou makes it easy to reach from many cities, including Shanghai and Suzhou, adding to its surreal charm. I would recommend seeking a tour to relish the magical view of China’s historical block that it offers travelers.
Visitors are bound to be mesmerized by the beautiful double bridges, whose beauty symbolizes the town gracing Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge. From a blend of cultures to splendid architecture, this place houses Shen House, which mirrors the rich traditional Chinese culture in Zhouzhuang town. A serene boat ride through the tranquil canals of Zhouzhuang is the best way to unlock the charm enshrined within this town.
Transportation-wise, Zhouzhuang can be easily reached from Suzhou and Shanghai via public buses and private tours, offering greater mobility flexibility. Entrance fees to this place are approximately 100 RMB, whereas extra payments are required to access features such as boat rides and house tours. These attributes combined augment the abundance of culture and history ethos symmetry within Zhouzhuang’s charming beauty, making it a primary location to visit in China.
Xitang and Tongli: Hidden Gems for Traditional Chinese Canal Experiences
Both Xitang and Tongli are picturesque canal towns in China that offer different opportunities to experience life on the waterways.
Xitang: Xitang is famous for its ancient buildings that have been meticulously maintained, such as the unique covered corridors and well-kept riverbanks. The town has nine orderly canals connected by over 100 uniquely shaped and storied bridges. The entrance fee is roughly 100 RMB; other activities, such as boat rides, local cuisine tasting, and crafts, are also available. Traveling to Xitang is very easy by public transportation, and buses come from Hangzhou, Jiaxing, and Shanghai.
Tongli: Known for its canals, Tongli is a peaceful place incorporating fascinating culture and history. It has around 15 canals, blended with 49 ancient bridges and traditional garden houses, including the Tuisi Garden. An entrance ticket costs about 100RMB, but many people report it is bundled with other attractions in the town. Tongli is also known to be reached by bus or car from Suzhou and Shanghai, which benefits those looking for a peaceful place to relax.
These two towns offer different approaches to Chinese canal culture, and their distinct qualities give reason to visit both. Whether you prefer Xitang’s lively streets or Tongli’s calm atmosphere, all towns will surely provide safe, memorable experiences.
Which day trips from Shanghai offer the most beautiful natural scenery?
Hangzhou’s West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage Destination
“‘West Lake,’ in the city of Hangzhou, is noted for its breathtaking natural beauty, which also earned its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lake is beautifully surrounded by lush green vegetation and ancient pagodas, showcasing the tranquility of nature together with traditional Chinese landscape architecture. Some of the decorative walking sidewalks are provided by Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, in addition to Leifeng Pagoda, which presents stunning views of the area. Visitors can also explore the calm islands and the ancient temples around the lake.’
Area: It has an area of about 6.5 square kilometers, and its shores are about 15 kilometers long, facilitating self-contained views and varied experiences.
Cultural Significance: A typical Chinese cultural symbol reflects the ideal unity of man and nature within ‘West Lake’ cultural landscapes.
Landscapes: This includes a combination of natural and artificial, framed with willows, muddy roads, stone bridges, and gardens, which have been carefully made and maintained at West Lake.
Accessibility: Located not far from Hangzhou city center, ‘West Lake’ is a must-visit while on a quick trip to Shanghai, approximately an hour and a half away by high-speed train.
Because of its bountiful natural beauty and rich culture, West Lake is an amazing place to visit on a day trip from Shanghai.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountain, as known by some, is famous for its breathtaking, many-peaked mountains, ancient pine trees, and enigmatic clouds. Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Scenic Highlights: The eccentric trees, spectacularly shaped stones, the seas of clouds, the hot water springs, and many others form the “four wonders” of Huangshan. Notable peaks 80, such as Bright Summit Peak and Lotus Peak, stand above the clouds, showcasing their beauty.
Accessibility: The famous Huangshan can be reached by direct bullet trains from Shanghai within four hours and from Hangzhou within two and a half hours. Tourists can also take shuttle buses from nearby towns like Tangkou to reach this well-known scenic area.
Skiing and snowboarding: Huangshan has well-maintained piling planes, which are reached by cable cars for easier access to higher stations, such as Jade Screen Pavilion and the Eastern Steps.
Best times to visit: Winter is ideal due to the low tourist count and stunning mountains wrapped in snow—for those well prepared for the cold. However, spring and autumn are temperate seasons for visiting, too.
When combined with Halong Bay and the old town of Hoi An, Huangshan makes for an unforgettable trip. Witness mesmerizing views alongside rich culture for an excellent travel experience.
Moganshan: Escape to Bamboo Forests and Mountain Views
Moganshan is a travelers’ hideout marked by lush bamboo forests, rolling hills, and soft mountain views. It is famous for its dry weather; summers are particularly remarkable, giving an escape from the city’s heat. People can go hiking or cycling through the scenic trails or relax at the charming boutique hotels and restored villas nearby.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall are best for visiting, as the temperatures hover between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities during this weather.
Activities: Some of the most sought-after options are photographing nature, biking, hiking (some trails have paths that are easier than others and require little to no effort at times), and cycling.
Accessibility: Moganshan can be reached via high-speed rail from Hangzhou and Shanghai, which takes an hour to two. After that, it’s a quick drive or shuttle trip.
Along with its breathtaking views, this mountain retreat’s historical significance attracts visitors, making it truly one of a kind.
What are the most popular cultural destinations near Shanghai?
Suzhou’s Classical Gardens and Ancient Temple Attractions
Suzhou, which is famously known as the ‘Venice of the East’, breathes culture and heritage through its temples, classical gardens, and vernacular aesthetics, preserving the essence of ancient China. Notable among them are the Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The intricacies and harmonious beauty of nature, sculpted with rockeries, pavilions, and ponds, make these gardens heavenly crafted masterpieces.
Humble Administrator’s Garden: This is Suzhou’s grandest classical garden, covering an area of about 52,000 square meters. It consists of enchanting constructions, meandering streams, and lush green foliage, which serve as ideal sites for contemplation and leisure.
Lingering Garden: This garden is internationally recognized for its artistic rockeries, calligraphy plaques sculpted on stones, and a well-planned patch of greenery spread over 23,300 square meters.
The domes of Hanshan temple, with its prominent bell tower and rich history, and Xuanmiao temple, with its magnificent Taoist remains from 276 AD, make these two among the ancient temples that gracefully encompass Suzhou.
Getting Around and Other Considerations
Address: Suzhou can be accessed conveniently by highway, as it sits just 30 minutes outside of Shanghai. This makes it easy to visit for the day or on the weekends.
Visitation Costs (estimated): The Garden of the Humble Administrator – ¥70-90; The Lingering Garden – ¥55-70 (depends on the season).
Ideal Travel Period: Spring and Fall are the best seasons to appreciate the gardens and flowers due to their favorable temperatures and blooming plants.
These locations offer an exceptional blend of cultural, historical, and natural sights and experiences close to Shanghai.
Nanjing: Ming Dynasty History and Cultural Significance
Nanjing, the capital of several dynasties, is well-known for its Ming Dynasty heritage and places of cultural significance. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Nanjing City Wall are essential places. This grand construction exemplifies the artistic and strategic skills of defense architecture of the period.
Entry Fees (approximate): Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum – ¥70; Nanjing City Wall – ¥30-50 (depends on which section of the wall).
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are suitable for mild temperatures that make it comfortable for exploring.
Transportation: Nanjing is around 1.5 hours away from Shanghai by a high-speed train. Other local transport facilities like buses and subways work well within the city.
These places demonstrate the Ming Dynasty’s architectural mastery and Nanjing’s historical and cultural aspects. A visit is bound to fascinate the history and culture-oriented travelers wanting to explore China’s awe-inspiring history.
Qibao Ancient Town: When You’re Short On Time
Qibao Ancient Town is one of the fascinating places to visit in Shanghai if you want to enjoy traditional Chinese culture in your limited time. Located within the Minhang District, it is 11 miles from central Shanghai, which is approximately 18 kilometers. The town has its own metro station on Metro Line 9, allowing for easy access and making Qibao an ideal spot for a quick cultural diversion. The town’s name stems from “Seven Treasures,” a myth where seven relics were believed to be stored there, lending the city some mystique.
This water town boasts stunning ancient buildings, peaceful canals, and bustling streets. Tourists can walk through the alleys of shophouses and try local specialties such as sticky rice cakes and roasted duck. The town also possesses some notable sites, such as Old Qibao Street, famous for its handicrafts and souvenirs, and the Qibao Shadow Play Art Museum, which showcases traditional Chinese art of shadow puppetry. These sites allow locals to actively participate in their customs without traveling extensively.
To fully experience Qibao Ancient Town, the town is best visited as part of a multi-destination trip since it can be sightseen in half a day. Qibao has a rich history and culture; its heritage and vibrant atmosphere are concentrated in such a small area. The town’s well-organized layout allows crowds to be easily avoided by traveling on weekdays in the mornings and spending time in the ancient town area, which is entirely free. However, certain attractions may come at a small cost. Overall, Qibao is an eye-opening explanation of Shaghai’s rich history and culture.
What are the top attractions to visit if staying in Shanghai?
Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center in Pudong
When I visited Shanghai, I highly suggest travelers go to the Shanghai Tower along with the Shanghai World Financial Center, both in the Pudong area. China’s tallest building is the Shanghai Tower, which is 632 meters tall and 128 floors tall. From the 118th-floor observation deck, guests can marvel at panoramic views of the city. The building has a possible modern wonder double-layer glass facade that insulates heat and sound.
Also nearby is the Shanghai World Financial Center. Nicknamed “The Bottle Opener,” this stunning building is uniquely designed and boasts a height of 492 meters. It is one of the tallest buildings in Shanghai. The 100th floor is home to one of the highest observation decks worldwide, with a glass floor that provides stunning views of the city. Visitors of both landmarks are greeted with advanced elevator systems and can experience breathtaking speeds of over 20m/s at the Shanghai Tower. These awe-inspiring skyscrapers shine a light on the Shanghai skyline and represent the spirit and modernity of the city.
Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
The Shanghai Museum’s collection of ancient Chinese art and historical relics is most impressive. Among its more than 120,000 pieces, the bronze works, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy showcase the different aspects of Chinese culture. The museum’s Column-and-Round-Arch construction is square on the base and circular on the top, meaning Earth and Heaven, a fusion of Chinese philosophy of the universe.
However, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum focuses on fostering interest in modern sciences and technologies. This museum has created many interactive robotics, space, and environmental science exhibitions. With the added innovative displays and projections, they hope to stimulate curiosity and learning through their IMAX theater, especially in children.
Both museums represent two sides of the same coin, fused together, love and hate. The Shanghai Museum represents the profundity of Chinese culture, while the Science and Technology Museum showcases modern-day imaginative technological advancement.
Shanghai Disney Resort and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium for Families
Celebrating family fun while appreciating the intersection between culture and amusement makes the Shanghai Disney Resort a magical place and strait premier entertainment. The telling of stories combined with cutting-edge technology helps formulate incredible memories. The park follows high safety and maintenance standards, allowing hassle-free enjoyment for every guest. With features like an intricate Enchanted Storybook Castle, Treasure Cove, and Tomorrowland-themed lands, the harnessing of technology breathes life into storytelling. Other attributes, like technical parameters, including ride capacity, queue management systems, and advanced use of animatronics, add to the appeal and efficiency of the park.
Though distinctly different, families can also partake in equally fascinating experiences at The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. It blends education and entertainment by showcasing marine life through diverse habitats and exhibits. Its highlight is a 155-meter underwater tunnel with an astonishing 180-degree view of different water species. Attention to detail further proves the commitment to conservation and education with water filtration systems and precise temperature control available for optimal living conditions of marine life. Both places stand out with their modern approach, combining entertainment with exploiting new learning opportunities, making them ideal destinations to create wonderful family memories.
Which Shanghai day trips offer the best value for tourists?
Budget-Friendly Day Trips Around Shanghai
Based on my personal experiences, Shanghai has some excellent budget-friendly day trips that are enjoyable and culturally enriching. Nature lovers, in particular, will appreciate a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town. This beautiful town, often called the “Venice of Shanghai,” lets you walk beside ancient water canals, savor local snacks, and look at historic bridges, all for a low price. There’s no need for complex technical details here; just put on comfortable shoes for walking and a simple backpack for the essentials.
For those interested in history, I suggest visiting Suzhou, a city renowned for classical Chinese gardens such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Traveling by train to Suzhou is inexpensive and quick, and the entrance fees to most of the gardens are still quite affordable. Optimize your train schedules and use local public transport like the metro or bicycle to more sustainably and cost-effectively explore the area.
Chongming Island is an excellent option for relaxing and enjoying beautiful natural views. Tourists can easily bike along the countryside and reach Dongtan Wetland Park or Xisha Wetland Park without spending a fortune. Bringing key items like a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and eco-friendly bags will put very little strain on the environment while guaranteeing comfort. These destinations offer great value and experience, appealing to everyone’s taste.
Top-Rated Shanghai Day Trips on Tripadvisor
In my research of Shanghai day trips on Tripadvisor, I recommend seeking trips that offer a mix of nature, culture, and reasonable access. For my trip, I was most impressed by the water towns Zhujiajiao and Qibao due to their historic appeal and relatively good transport from the city. Another great option would be a trip to Chongming Island, where large green areas and clean wetlands can be enjoyed.
If any technical parameter questions arise, travel time stands out; most places are about 1-2 hours from Shanghai by car or public transit, making them great for day trips. Also, wetland parks and other outdoor places are usually cheap, either free or 30-50 RMB, which is affordable. As with other nature trips, bringing a lightweight reusable water bottle and sunscreen isn’t only convenient, it is a good way to promote eco-friendly travel.
China Tour Packages That Include Day Trips from Shanghai
Absolutely! Many of our tour packages in China include trip extensions by air from Shanghai, which makes travel very convenient. For instance, popular options like trips to Suzhou, Hangzhou, or the ancient water towns can be added as part of a flexible itinerary. These packages are already inclusive of guides, a vehicle with a driver, and tickets for significant tourist sites, so you can maximize comfort and savings.
If any changes have cost implications or if certain services such as transport or extended hours of guiding are provided, the details will be added in the package description. For example, including a tour of Hangzhou would mean engaging a high-speed train ticket, whereas Suzhou would alter the overall trip duration to ensure enough time is set for the tour. Careful consideration is given to each change to ensure a great travel experience without compromising quality and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are some good one-day trips from Shanghai for people who enjoy the outdoors?
A: Ideal one-day escapes from Shanghai for nature fans would be The West Lake scenic area in Hangzhou with its luxuriant gardens and elegant pagodas, the classical gardens of Suzhou that are UNESCO world heritage sites, and Moganshan with its bamboo-clad hills. The Chongming Island wetlands and Zhejiang Province’s Tianmu Mountain are both excellent places for hiking. All these places can be reached in 1-3 hours by high-speed train or car from Shanghai, which is perfect for someone wanting to get out of the city for a day of sightseeing in nature.
Q: How do you get from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and what are its main sights?
A: Hangzhou is easily reachable from Shanghai within 1.5 hours. The most practical mode of transportation is by bullet train, which is convenient and comfortable. Tickets are available for purchase at the station and also online. Hangzhou boasts the stunning West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other important landmarks include Lingyin Temple, a large Buddha sculpture, Longjing’s tea plantations, and the historic Hefang Street, which is famed for its traditional crafts and Shanghainese cuisine. With such a scenic landscape, rich cultural heritage, and modern amenities, it is no wonder that Hangzhou is one of the most popular destinations for those wanting to take a day trip from Shanghai.
Q: Is Suzhou an interesting place to visit compared to Shanghai, and what makes it unique?
A: A trip to Suzhou is more than worth it. It’s easy to combine with a trip to Shanghai as it only takes 30 minutes on a bullet train. Suzhou stands out because of its classical gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the ancient water town with its stone bridges and canals (sometimes called the “Venice of the East”), and the traditional silk weaving factories. Other places of interest are the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill, and the Suzhou Silk Museum. Suzhou lets you experience traditional Chinese aesthetics and architecture that beautifully juxtaposes modern Shanghai, making it an ideal addition to your Shanghai visit.
Q: Is the Yangtze River reachable for a day trip from Shanghai?
A: The Yangtze River is too far for an individual day trip, but you can certainly view the mouth of the river where it meets the East China Sea. To enjoy the sights of the famed Three Gorges, you must plan a 3-4 day trip to Chongqing or Yichang. If you enjoy boat rides, you may do so on other water bodies near Shanghai, including Lake Tai, located west of Shanghai, or you could cruise around the canals in Suzhou.
Q: What are some popular Shanghai weekend getaways within 2-3 hours?
A: Some famous getaways from Shanghai on the weekends include Wuzhen and Xitang water towns, which are beautiful because of their ancient architecture; Suzhou, which has gorgeous classical gardens; Hangzhou with its West Lake, Yellow Mountain (Huangshan), which has lovely sceneries; and Ningbo that enjoys being the coastal city. Moganshan is ideal for summer hiking as it has cooler temperatures. From ancient guest houses to modern-day luxury resorts, these places cater to all budgets. These places away from Shanghai are perfect for spending some time during the weekend as they are so convenient.
Q: What other neighboring cities of Shanghai compete with Hangzhou regarding natural beauty?
A: Hangzhou has an edge over Suzhou, Nanjing, and other places of interest outside Shanghai because of its rich cultural heritage and natural magnificence. While Suzhou has designer gardens and Nanjing is a historic city, there is nothing like the West Lake of Hangzhou, which is stunning with its surrounding pagodas, temples, and tea plantations, which have evoked the imagination of poets for ages. Unlike the water towns that preserve an ancient portrayal of life, Hangzhou transitions from an idealistic landscape to a modernized city. While it’s believed to be less hilly than Huangshan, it is generally more beautiful than Suzhou. Compared to other smaller cities in the Zhejiang province, foreign tourism is much higher due to more fantastic accommodations and facilities.