15 Best Day Trips from Shanghai, China

Looking for day trips from Shanghai, but not sure where to go? Here are 15 great ideas for you!

Shanghai is a vibrant city full of fascinating attractions, but if you’re looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city, there are some great day trips to consider.

I’ve collaborated with other travel enthusiasts who have taken day trips from Shanghai to bring you some of the best places to visit.

Here are some of the best day trips from Shanghai!

1. Zhouzhiajiao

A great day trip from Shanghai is Zhujiajiao, the best preserved ancient water town with 1,700 years of history and about 30 miles away.

Zhujiajiao is known for its numerous waterways and ancient bridges as it was once a huge trading center in the Qingpu District of Shanghai.

One of the most famous sights in Zhujiajiao is Fangsheng Bridge which claims to be the largest stone bridge in Shanghai due to the 5 arches that hold it up.

Take a stroll along Bei Dajie, or North Street, the best preserved ancient street. Bei Dajie is lined with buildings that resemble those from the Ming and Qing dynasties and is lined with shops.

For a more relaxing stroll, head to the secluded Kezhi Garden also referred to as the Ma Family Garden. Here you’ll find the tallest building in Zhujiajiao, the beautiful Moon View Pavillion.

You’ll also want to check out the ancient Qing Post Office, which looks great on the outside but only has a few scrolls on the inside.

Though there are many popular dishes to order in China, some of the best dishes to try in Zhujiajiao are fried buns and braised pork wrapped in palm tree leaves, both of which are typically found on the streets of Zhuzhiajiao.

To get to Zhujiajiao, take the metro line 17 and get off at the Zhujiajiao stop, then walk about 15 minutes to get to this ancient water town.

2. Nanxiang

About 16 miles east of Shanghai is Nanxiang located in the Jiading district, another small water town with 1,500 years of history. To get to Nanxiang, take metro line 11 to the Nanxiang stop then walk about 15 minutes to reach Guyi Garden.

Guyi Garden is a beautiful garden to take a stroll in. You won’t want to miss the Bonsai garden area while visiting Guyi Garden. Tan Garden is another great option for a smaller secluded area to explore.

Nanxiang is known for the delicious xiao long bao (small steamed meat dumplings) so be sure to try them out!

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

3. Chongming Island

A municipality of Shanghai, Chongming Island is 55 miles north and known as the 3rd largest island in China. The best way to get to Chongming Island is to take the metro–lines 1, 2, and 6 will bring you to the island with bus transfers, with various bus transfers.

When you get to Chongming Island, you have options for sightseeing. If you’re looking for a relaxing time, enjoy a walk along Pearl Lake or stroll through the Danyuan Garden. You can also visit the Shou’an Temple which has been growing and expanding for a few hundred years.

Visit the Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve with many species of birds and animals living in this wetland reserve. You can also have fun rock climbing, going on the zipline, or even golfing in the forest.

Be sure to try Chongming cake, hairy crab in soup (which sounds a lot scarier than it is!), and the local Chongming beer.

4. Thames Town

Continue traveling south and you’ll reach Thames Town, a suburb of Shanghai located in Songjiang District. This town was built to resemble an old English village with cobblestone streets and architecture modeled after those found in Britain.

Though Thames Town was meant to curb the desire to travel to Europe, it actually remains a ghost town in China–the town didn’t succeed in its goal. You won’t find many commercial stores here or activities.

However, the town does present a great backdrop for photoshoots such as Chinese engagements and weddings!

So when you visit, wander around the town and take pictures of British-style buildings, churches, and even clock towers right in the middle of China!

To get to Thames Town, take metro line 1 to Songjiang University Town. Take exit 1 and walk north for the Songjiang Tram Line T2. You’ll exit the Thames Town West Station.

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

5. Hangzhou

• Recommended by Steve at The Trip Goes On

The beautiful city of Hangzhou is located in China’s Zhejiang Province and is just 2 hours from Shanghai by fast train. There are lots of wonderful things to do in the city, but the highlight is of course West Lake. 

West Lake has been an important place of rest and relaxation for everyone from Emperors to poets, writers, and of course tourists. 

There is a hiking trail around the lake and various bridges crossing different sections. There are lots of boat trips, including to the “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” as seen on the ¥1 Yuan banknote and one of the most famous landmarks in China. 

Other attractions include the beautiful Leifeng Pagoda which you can scale (by stairs or elevator) for panoramic views over the lake and mountains. Hangzhou is also famous as the birthplace of Dragon Well Tea at nearby Longjing, which is well worth a visit. 

The city is packed with excellent restaurants serving local cuisine. One of the must-try dishes in Hangzhou is the sweet and sour fish from West Lake and shrimp in Longjing Tea. West Lake Spring Restaurant is a great place to try these local delicacies. 

6. Jiaxing

Jiaxing located in Zhejiang province is another great option for a day trip from Shanghai. Located about 70 miles southwest of Shanghai, you can take the bullet train to get to Jiaxing.

Jiaxing is one of the birthplaces of the Communist Party of China, with figures like Mao Dun, Shen Junru, and Wang Guowei who were born here and are a huge part of Chinese history. Jiaxing is also known as South Lake, a very picturesque area known to please many Chinese emperors. Make a stop at South Lake Memorial Hall.

Another lake to explore is Fanli Lake with places to visit like Xishi Dresser, Tongyue Pavilion, and Shangsheng Temple. Fanli Lake is also in the Nanhu Scenic Area, where you can explore it all together with South Lake.

Head on over to Xiaopenglai Park for more sightseeing and scenic views. It’s part of the ancient Nengren Temple and is much quieter than the Nanhu area.

When you get hungry, head over to the Wu Fang rice dumpling restaurant in Jianguo Middle Road and try them out! Also, order South Lake crabs and Wen-Hu duck.

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

7. Wuzhen

Just beyond Jiaxing lies Wuzhen a small water town in China’s Zhejiang province with a history of over 1,300 years. The town is split into two sections by the Shi River–the eastern part (Dongzha) which is the ancient core and the western part (Xizha) which has more modern scenic spots.

Since you’ll be taking a day trip from Shanghai, it’s best to only explore Dongzha, the eastern part of Wuzhen. However, if you have more time or plan to stay 2 nights, you’ll have more time for Xizha.

In Dongzha, find some entertainment at the Shadow Play Theater performed by local artists showing cattle, sheep, and Chinese stories. There are plenty of museums to visit as well including the Ancient Bed Museum and the Folk Customs Museum.

If you would rather, take a full-day guided tour from Shanghai to Wuzhen, which provides private transfer, covers lunch, and makes a stop in Xitang.

>> Book Your Locally Guided Wuzhen Day Tour! <<

8. Ningbo

Travel farther south from Shanghai and you can get to Ningbo in 1.5 hours on the fast train. Ningbo is known for its museums, temples, and the Moon Lake Scenic Area in the Zhejiang province.

Visit Tianyi Ge, which is the oldest existing library in China (and possibly all of Asia) and used to have 70 thousand books. However, due to war and thievery, there are but 13 thousand books left in this ancient library. The area also has some old-style architecture that you can marvel at.

Tianyi Square is also a point of interest. It was built by the architect Ma Qingyun, who has been said to mimic squares found throughout Europe. Spend a couple of hours in the Ningbo Museum, which not only has cultural exhibits but is also known for its architecture.

At night, take a stroll around Ningbo Old Bund, a waterfront street with lots of cafes and bars. Lastly, head up to Moon Lake, where you can enjoy some fantastic views of the city.

Ningbo is also known for its seafood–so be sure to check out Ninghai Restaurant or Mei Yan restaurant. You’ll also be surprised to know that there is a Harry Potter-themed bar called Muggle’s Bar right in Ningbo!

9. Shaoxing

Located in Zhejiang province lies Shaoxing, an ancient city with a rich history. The best way to get to Shaoxing is by taking the high-speed train which takes 2 hours from Shanghai.

Once you’re in Shaoxing, you want to check out various attractions such as the Orchid Pavilion and the Xu Garden. The Orchid Pavilion was built by Wang Xizhi, a famous calligrapher in the 4th century. It is here that he wrote the Preface to the Poems Collected from Orchid Pavilion–the longest Chinese calligraphy scroll known!

The Xu Garden is also a must-see attraction with its winding paths, sparkling lakes, and tall pagodas.

If you have time, visit the traditional Yue opera theater–it’s the best way to experience local culture and art, especially with a focus on scholars and literary art. You can also wander through the most popular temple, the Big Buddha Temple of Xinchang which has a 50-foot-tall buddha.

For foodies, Shaoxing is known for yellow rice wine, deeply fermented tofu, and fennel-flavored beans.

10. Moganshan Scenic Area

The Moganshan Scenic Area is located near Hangzhou and Shaoxing in Zhejiang province and is well known as one of China’s top resort towns. It’s an incredible setting of mountains, villages, rivers, and streams–ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway from Shanghai.

You can explore the area with its lush vegetation, gorges, bamboo groves, and canyons. Hike Ta Shan, the tallest peak with a paved road. You can also check out Sword Pond with its waterfall and European-style homes and villas.

One of the top attractions here is Guo Shi Jiao, better named Weird Rock Corner because of the way it looks. Also enjoy the bamboo forests with delightful paths–one of them bringing you to one of the largest natural bamboo forests in the world, the Valley of Anji.

To get to Moganshan Scenic Area, you can take the fast train to Wukang Town and then hire a taxi for around 60 RMB to take you to the scenic area/resort town.

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

11. Nanjing

• Recommended by De Wet & Jin at Museum of Wander

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, is a wonderful city to explore on a day trip from Shanghai. Trains leave Shanghai Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Station every 10 minutes or so, and whisk you off to Nanjing in about two hours.

Nanjing (South capital) was the imperial capital of China for almost a thousand years before it was moved to Beijing (North Capital). The city has many historical sights to visit, and the food is sublime. 

Nanjing’s most infamous sight is the Nanjing Massacre Memorial, which pays tribute to the victims of the Japanese invasion of the city, known as the Rape of Nanking, during WW11. Visiting the memorial gives visitors a grim insight into the city’s modern history and China’s relationship with its neighbor. 

Purple Mountain is a gorgeous spot to see Nanjing’s ancient sights. Here you’ll find the UNESCO-recognized Ming Tombs. The beautiful Spirit Way, flanked by enormous statues of elephants, camels, sheep, and mythical creatures, leads to the tomb, and it’s a lovely walk. 

Also on Purple Mountain, you’ll find the grand Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, considered the father of both modern China and Taiwan. The view from the mausoleum over the park with the city behind it is stunning.

For the best street food in town, head to the Fuzimiao area, which is chockablock with vendors and restaurants serving delicious Nanjing cuisine. The restaurant Nanjing Impressions comes highly recommended. Definitely try the Nanjing Duck. 

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

12. Suzhou

The “Venice of the East” Suzhou is a charming city full of history and culture, located in the Jiangsu province of China. It’s about 30 minutes to 1 hour from Shanghai by fast train, making it a great option for a day trip.

The city is world-renowned for the classical gardens of Suzhou, which are considered some of the most beautiful in all of China, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend your time exploring the Humble Administrator Garden or the Canglang Pavillion. These are known for their landscape, architecture, and designs with water.

The city is also known for its silk products, markets, temples, and pagodas. For those seeking out traditional Chinese culture, a visit to Suzhou Museum or the Suzhou Silk Museum is highly recommended.

You can also get a taste of local life in Suzhou by exploring Pingjiang Road and the surrounding area. Wander around or visit one of the many teahouses, restaurants, and shops that line this famous old street. Another street to explore is Shangtang Street, better known for its nightlife.

For food, be sure to try some local delicacies such as the exploding squirrelfish (guiyu), pan-fried buns, or sizzling eel in oil.

With such a short commute, Suzhou makes the ideal day trip from Shanghai!

13. Zhouzhuang

If you’re looking for a quiet, small-town atmosphere visit Zhouzhuang located about 52 miles from Shanghai, another famous water town in China’s Jiangsu province.

Take a boat tour on the lake and explore all the old buildings in this quaint little water town–your boat guide may even sing you a Chinese ballad! You’ll also want to snap a picture of the famous double bridge or twin bridge, called Shuangqiao, which is also said to resemble an old-style Chinese key.

Walk along Zhengguan street, a famous ancient road under UNESCO’s protection, and admire local craftsmen creating things to sell. You’ll also notice residential homes from the Ming and Qing dynasties from 100 years ago.

One of the newer additions to Zhouzhuang is the Quanfu tower, with 5 floors. You can climb to the top and view the city from high above.

When visiting Zhouzhuang, you’ll want to try some of the sweet desserts this water town has to offer. Be sure to try the Wansan peanut cake or the sesame sugar cakes.

14. Tongli

Tongli water town also makes for a great day trip from Shanghai. Tongli is located about 60 miles from Shanghai in Jiangsu Province and is accessible by fast train, which takes about 30 minutes to get there.

You’ll need a ticket to enter the town of Tongli and you can enter 10 attractions once with your ticket. The ticket is valid for 2 days so if you want to re-enter, you’ll need to get it stamped; however, you can easily see Tongli in 3-5 hours.

Tongli Water Town has about 1,000 years of history. One of the most popular attractions in Tongli is the Retreat and Reflection Garden which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this garden, you can take a peaceful stroll and view the pagodas, pavilions, and Chinese architecture.

Be sure to also cross the many bridges found in Tongli. A few of the famous bridges are Jili Bridge, Taiping Bridge, and Changqing Bridge each with its own meaning. All 3 of these bridges meet in the center to create the “Three Bridges.” Walking across all 3 bridges is said to bring good luck and fortune.

Tongli is mainly explored by foot. So as you discover the narrow streets of Tongli, try some of the delicious delicacies found here. Try the sock bottom crisps (which look like the bottom of socks), zongzi (glutinous rice cakes wrapped in leaves), or Jinbang Zhuangyuan pork shank.

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

15. Changshu

A great day trip from Shanghai is Changshu which is about 60 miles away and is considered an off-the-beaten-path in China’s Jiangsu province as it doesn’t get as many tourists as some of the other Chinese cities and towns.

Changshu is a great option for those wanting peace and nature. Take a hike on Mount Yu (Yushan) and enjoy the scenic view of Shanghu Lake, which is at the bottom of Yushan.

The lake has 7 islands with different names like peach blossom island or songbird island. In April, tourists come to see peonies growing on the surface of the lake.

You can also take a boat ride in the Shajiabang Scenic Area and enjoy the wetlands. This area is known for traditional Bejing opera, which was once filmed here. You’ll also want to check out the Red Stone Folk Culture village which has both water and land mazes.

When in Changshu, try the Yangcheng Long Xia, freshwater lobster, and Zhenjiang Xiang Cu, a variety of vegetables covered with vinegar.

To get to Changshu, take the bullet train which runs daily between 7:30 AM and 8 PM from Shanghai or Shanghai Hongqiao.

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

Map of The Best Day Trips from Shanghai

Key: Blue – Shanghai District | Green – Zhejiang Province | Purple – Jiangsu Province

The best way to take a day trip from Shanghai is by booking a seat on the fast train, also referred to as the bullet train. This is cost-effective, efficient, and utilizes public transportation. You can purchase tickets from Trip.com ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in lines at the train station.

If your day trip is within Shanghai’s district, you can reach those areas by the underground metro line and public buses.

You can also select to drive, however, driving in China is not advised for foreign travelers. If you are feeling adventurous, there are also public buses that can be taken from Shanghai to various cities in Jiangsu province.

>> Book Your Shanghai Day Trip Train Ticket! <<

😎 When packing for your day trip from Shanghai, be sure to bring the essentials such as comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, a hat/cap, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and a face mask (for the pollution).

☂️ If you’re planning on spending time outdoors in nature or at any of the museums or gardens, bring an umbrella or a raincoat in case of rainfall.

🛂 Even though these are day trips, if there is any chance of you staying overnight somewhere then you’ll need to carry your passport with you as hotels will check for them.

🎒  You’ll want a day bag to carry all your personal belongings. Be sure to keep everything close to you so that you are not a victim of pickpockets.

🪫 Bring a portable charger to keep your device filled with juice. You’ll want to have access to maps, your camera, and other apps while taking a day trip from Shanghai.

What is Shanghai next to?

Shanghai is located in the eastern part of China, on the coast of the East China Sea. It borders Jiangsu province and Zhejiang province to the west and south, respectively.

Do I need to rent a car when taking a day trip from Shanghai?

No, you do not need to rent a car when taking a day trip from Shanghai. In fact, it is not advised to drive in China for foreign travelers. The fast train is a cost-effective way to get around, with tickets that can be purchased ahead of time via Trip.com.

>> Book your Day Trip Train Tickets! <<

Do I need a VPN for taking a day trip from Shanghai?

No, you do not necessarily need a VPN for taking a day trip from Shanghai as you’ll have access to the internet and Chinese websites like Bing.com.

However, if you plan on having access to blocked websites like Google (maps) or social media platforms like Instagram, then you’ll need a secure network connection through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This will help protect your personal data and ensure your privacy.

My favorite VPN to use while in China is ExpressVPN. They provide security, protection, and fast internet access for all my online needs.

>> Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days! <<

Overall, Shanghai is ripe with day trip possibilities! With the fast train and various cities close by, you can explore many places for a short period of time. Hopefully, this post inspires you to take on the best day trips from Shanghai soon.

Use Trip.com to book your day trip train tickets!

Ready to head out on your Shanghai day trip? Check out my trip packing essentials to have the best time!

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• 2 Days in Yangshuo: How to Have the Best Nature-Filled Time
• 27 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to China
• 5 Gems to Visit in China
• The 8 Best and Worst of my China Stories

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