Best Day Trips from Shanghai: Water Towns, Nearby Cities & Hidden Gems

Shanghai is always alive with activity. However, outside its high-tech buildings, there exists a slower, more traditional China only a short journey away. Just a one or two-hour train, metro, or bus ride will have you enjoying manicured landscapes in classical gardens, floating down historic canals or enjoying tea in a water town that feels like it has been there for hundreds of years.

This guide to the best day trips from Shanghai includes idyllic garden cities, historic capitals, off-the-beaten-path villages, and mountains perfect for a weekend getaway minus the hustle and bustle of the city, at least for one day anyway.

📊 Best Day Trips from Shanghai: Quick Comparison

Getting out of Shanghai is surprisingly easy. Most of these places are only an hour or two away by high-speed train, metro, taxi or bus. Beyond the city limits lies a whole other side of China waiting to be discovered, from the classical gardens of Suzhou to the canals of Zhujiajiao and the temple-topped hills of Hangzhou.

The table below gives you a quick overview of travel time, highlights and fares – so you can start planning your escape.

*Times shown are estimates from central Shanghai by the quickest available transport. Your actual journey may vary depending on schedules and traffic.

🏯 Best Cultural Day Trips from Shanghai

Step out of Shanghai’s glassy skyscrapers, and suddenly it’s like a whole other world, kinda, with old canals, uneven cobbled roads and little water towns that have been sitting there for centuries. You can wander across the stone bridges at Zhujiajiao, then drift into the covered walkways of Xitang , or take your time around the UNESCO protected gardens in Tongli. These day trips sort of show the calmer, more traditional face of Jiangnan , and honestly the best part is that everything is within just a couple of hours from the city.

Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao feels more like a living postcard than a suburb sorta thing, and it’s maybe just an hour from central Shanghai by metro. People keep calling it the “Venice of Shanghai”, but you know it more as a 1,700-year-old water town, a kind of labyrinth of ancient stone bridges, canals with wooden houses along the edges, and those tight little lanes where residents still do their everyday routines. If you’ve got half a day, or a whole one, it’s the sort of place that makes you slow down right after you step off the metro, like immediately.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Zhujiajiao

• Fangsheng Bridge: The largest and most famous stone arch bridge in the town, offering great canal views.
• Old Streets: Stroll through lanes packed with teahouses, snack stalls, and souvenir shops.
• Canal Boat Ride: Glide through the waterways and see the town from the water – a classic Zhujiajiao experience.
• Kezhi Garden: A classical Jiangnan garden with rockeries, ponds, and pavilions.

Where to Stay in Shanghai (if overnight needed)

• People's Square: Central location for sightseeing and transport.
• The Bund: Scenic riverside hotels with skyline views.
• Xintiandi: Boutique hotels and nightlife options.
• Near Hongqiao Transport Hub: Convenient for early train departures.

Day Trip to Xitang Water Town

Xitang is kinda one of those most well-preserved ancient water towns in the Jiangnan area, you know, famous for a “living heritage” kind of atmosphere. Compared to the more commercialised places, Xitang stays quieter and more authentic, with those well-known covered corridors (langpeng), stone lanes, and traditional wooden houses. It’s about 40 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train and then a short transfer, nothing too complicated really.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Xitang

• Covered Corridors (Langpeng): Walk along the iconic riverside covered walkways – a unique feature that allows you to explore even on rainy days.
• Stone Alleyways: Explore narrow alleys like Shipi Alley, famous for its "one-person-wide" passage.
• Night Views: Xitang is known for its atmospheric evening scenery – red lanterns reflecting on the canals.
• Boat Ride: Take a traditional wooden boat through the town's waterways.

Tickets

• admission ticket (Adult): From £9.37
• admission ticket (2 people): From £18.73

Day Trip to Tongli Water Town

Tongli is like one of the most well known water towns in China, and it stands out, by its UNESCO listed Retreat & Reflection Garden (Tuisi Yuan) , which feels like a true masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. The place sits around a whole tangle of canals, and those canals are crossed by 49 ancient stone bridges. On top of that, Tongli still keeps a lot of its original Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, so the atmosphere is kind of preserved and not just copied. It’s roughly 30 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train to Suzhou, then from there you take a local bus or a taxi, and that should get you in.

Route & Transport Options

Departure Station from Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站) – most high-speed trains to Suzhou depart from here. Shanghai Railway Station (上海站) also offers services to Suzhou; check your ticket before travelling.

Things to Do in Tongli

• Retreat & Reflection Garden (Tuisi Yuan): A UNESCO World Heritage garden, considered one of the finest classical gardens in China. Its clever layout uses space to create the illusion of a much larger landscape.
• Garden of Peace & Longevity (Jingxiu Yuan): Another elegant garden with ponds, pavilions, and rock formations.
• Ancient Bridges: Cross the town's famous "Three Bridges" – Taiping, Jili, and Changqing – each with its own legend.
• Boat Ride: Glide along the canals past traditional houses and willow trees.

Tickets

• Tongli Ancient Town: From £8.81
• Shanghai to Tongli Ancient Town shuttle bus: From £42.95

🚄 Best Day Trips from Shanghai by Train

Day Trip from Shanghai to Suzhou

Just 25 minutes by train from Shanghai, Suzhou feels like stepping into a classical Chinese painting, with its UNESCO-listed gardens, canals, and centuries-old silk heritage woven into everyday life.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Suzhou

• Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden): A UNESCO-listed garden with ponds, bridges, and pavilions.
• Hanshan Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple with a tall pagoda and evening bells.
• Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin Garden): Winding pathways and rock formations that look like lions.
• Shantang Street: A lively old street by the canal with shops, food stalls, and traditional houses.

Where to Stay in Suzhou

• Pingjiang Road Area: Great for culture and walking by canals.
• Near the Gardens: Easy access to main attractions.
• Industrial Park District: Modern hotels with city views.

Suzhou Local Food:

• Sweet and Sour Mandarin-Style Fish
• Suzhou-style Mooncakes with savoury fillings
• Noodles in clear broth with seasonal toppings

Day Trip from Shanghai to Nanjing

About 1–2 hours by train, Nanjing wears its history lightly, from the grandeur of its Ming dynasty city wall to the lantern-lit boats drifting along the Qinhuai River at night.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Nanjing

• Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A national landmark on Purple Mountain.
• Nanjing City Wall: Walk along one of China's best-preserved ancient walls.
• Qinhuai River: Night views with lights and boats along the historic riverfront.

Where to Stay in Nanjing

• Xinjiekou: Central, with shops and hotels.
• Near Qinhuai River: Scenic and lively at night.
• Confucius Temple Area: Historic surroundings with street food.

Nanjing Local Food

• Nanjing Salted Duck
• Duck Blood Soup with vermicelli
• Jinling-style Mooncakes

Day Trip from Shanghai to Wuxi

Around 30–40 minutes by high-speed train, Wuxi offers a change of pace. Think Taihu Lake's shimmering waters, the monumental Lingshan Buddha, and the charm of its ancient clay figurine craft, still practised in old-town workshops.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Wuxi

• Taihu Lake: One of China's largest freshwater lakes, with scenic boat cruises and island views.
• Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area: Home to the giant Lingshan Buddha statue and the magnificent Brahma Palace.
• Huishan Old Town: Stroll through ancient streets and visit the famous Huishan clay figurine workshops.
• Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle): A peninsula on Taihu Lake, offering stunning lake views and cherry blossoms in spring.

Where to Stay in Wuxi

• City Centre (Liangxi District): Close to shopping and local restaurants.
• Near Taihu Lake: Scenic lakeside hotels and resorts.
• Lingshan Area: Convenient for visiting the Buddha and Brahma Palace.

Wuxi Local Food

• Wuxi-style Spareribs – sweet and savoury braised ribs
• Taihu Lake Whitebait – delicate freshwater fish
• Wuxi Steamed Buns – filled with juicy pork and broth

Day Trip from Shanghai to Jiaxing

Just 38 minutes by train, Jiaxing is more than its South Lake. It's a place where water towns, canalside snacks, and a quieter slice of Jiangnan life come together without the crowds.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Jiaxing

• South Lake (Nanhu): A scenic lake with historical significance, featuring the famous "Red Boat" and lakeside pavilions.
• Yuehe Historic District: A charming canal-side area with old streets, traditional houses, and local snack stalls.
• Xitang Water Town (nearby): One of the most well-preserved ancient water towns, known for its covered corridors and night views.
• Wuzhen Water Town (nearby): Another world-famous water town with wooden houses, stone bridges, and boat rides.

Where to Stay in Jiaxing

• City Centre (Nanhu District): Close to South Lake and transport links.
• Near Yuehe Historic District: Boutique stays with canal views.
• Wuzhen/Xitang: For an overnight stay in a traditional water town setting.

Jiaxing Local Food

• Jiaxing Zongzi – sticky rice dumplings with pork and bean fillings
• South Lake Red Lotus Root – sweet and crunchy local snack
• Braised River Fish – fresh from the local waterways
  

🏙️ Where to Go for a Weekend Trip from Shanghai

Weekend Trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou

Hangzhou feels like a different world from Shanghai, even though it's only 1.5 hours away by train. It's famous for West Lake, where locals start the day with tai chi by the water, for the long rows of tea plants that cover the hills, and for temples that sit quietly among the trees. There's a reason so many Shanghai travellers make this their go-to weekend escape. The high-speed train is fast, comfortable, and drops you right in the city centre, so you can spend less time getting there and more time soaking it all in.

How to Get to Hangzhou from Shanghai

• High-Speed Train: The fastest service takes about around 45 minutes, with frequent departures from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East.
• Conventional Train: A budget-friendly option, taking around 1.5–2 hours from Shanghai South or Shanghai Songjiang.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Hangzhou

• West Lake: Walk or cycle around the lake, take a boat ride, or simply enjoy the sunset. Don't miss the iconic Leifeng Pagoda.
• Lingyin Temple: One of China's most famous Buddhist temples, nestled in a wooded valley with ancient carvings.
• Longjing Tea Fields: Visit the birthplace of Dragon Well tea – walk through the terraced plantations and taste fresh green tea.
• Hefang Street: A lively pedestrian street with traditional snacks, souvenir shops, and a historic atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Hangzhou

• Near West Lake: The most popular area for sightseeing, with hotels and guesthouses overlooking the lake.
• City Centre (Shangcheng / Gongshu / Xihu District): Convenient for shopping, dining, and transport links.
• Longjing Tea Village: Quiet countryside stays surrounded by tea fields – perfect for a relaxing weekend.

Hangzhou Local Food

• West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce: a Hangzhou signature dish
• Dongpo Pork: slow-cooked pork belly named after the famous poet
• Beggar's Chicken: baked in lotus leaves and clay for rich flavour
• Longjing Shrimp: fresh river shrimp stir-fried with local tea leaves

Weekend Trip from Shanghai to Yangzhou

Yangzhou feels like a slower, more graceful version of Jiangnan. About 1.5 to 2 hours from Shanghai by train, it holds the title of a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and you can taste why in every bite of its delicate soups and dumplings. The city is also known for its elegant gardens and willow-fringed canals, which once inspired poets and merchants alike. It's the kind of place that invites you to linger a little longer.

How to Get to Yangzhou from Shanghai

Things to Do in Yangzhou

• Slender West Lake (Shouxi Hu): Scenic lake with bridges, pavilions, and willow-lined banks.
• Daming Temple: One of China's oldest Buddhist temples.
• He Garden (He Yuan): Classical Chinese garden with a unique Qing dynasty layout.
• Dongguan Street: Historic street with traditional shops, tea houses, and snack stalls.

Where to Stay in Yangzhou

• City Centre (Guangling District): Close to Slender West Lake and Dongguan Street.
• Near Slender West Lake: Scenic hotels with garden views.
• Old Town Area: Boutique guesthouses for a traditional experience.

Yangzhou Local Food

• Yangzhou Fried Rice: the city's most famous export
• Crab Roe Soup Dumplings: a local specialty
• Dry Tofu Shreds in Broth: a delicate appetiser
• Yangzhou Morning Tea: a local tradition with tea and dim sum

Weekend Trip from Shanghai to Huangshan

About 2.5 hours by high-speed train from Shanghai, Huangshan feels more like a painting than a mountain. Its granite peaks rise sharply through the mist, ancient pines cling to the rocks at impossible angles, and the clouds often roll in to cover everything in a soft, shifting white. It's no wonder photographers and hikers make the journey year after year. For the full experience, it's worth staying overnight on the mountain to catch sunrise from above the clouds.

How to Get to Huangshan from Shanghai

Things to Do in Huangshan

• Huangshan Scenic Area: Hike the iconic peaks and witness the "Four Wonders" – odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formations, sea of clouds, and hot springs.
• Hongcun Ancient Village: A picturesque UNESCO-listed village with Huizhou-style white-walled houses, serene ponds, and scenic alleyways.
• Xidi Ancient Village: Another UNESCO-listed village, famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.
• Tangkou Town: The gateway to Yellow Mountain – a convenient base with hotels, restaurants, and gear rental shops.

Where to Stay in Huangshan

• On the Mountain: Essential for sunrise and sunset views – book months in advance for peak season.
• Tangkou Town: The most practical base, with a wide range of hotels and easy access to the mountain cable cars.
• Hongcun or Xidi: For a quiet, atmospheric stay in a historic village setting.

Huangshan Local Food

• Stinky Fish (Mandarin style): a bold, fermented fish dish famous in Anhui cuisine.
• Hui-style Braised Pork: slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce.
• Tofu with Fermented Soybean: a local specialty with a rich, savoury flavour.
• Huangshan Tea: including the famous Maofeng green tea, grown on the mountain slopes.

⭐ Best Hidden Gem Day Trips from Shanghai

Day Trip from Shanghai to Jinze Ancient Town

Jinze Ancient Town is around 1–1.5 hours from central Shanghai and offers a peaceful escape from the city crowds.

First established during the Song Dynasty over 1,000 years ago, the town is often called the "Museum of Ancient Bridges" for its seven well-preserved bridges spanning the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Built around a network of canals, its bridge-temple layout reflects a tradition where nearly every bridge was historically linked to a nearby temple or shrine.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Jinze Ancient Town

• Ancient Bridges: Walk across seven historic stone bridges, including Puji Bridge (Song Dynasty) and Yingxiang Bridge (Yuan Dynasty) .
• Yihao Temple (Yihao Chansi): Visit this restored Buddhist temple, originally built in 1260, which houses a 700-year-old ginkgo tree and "never-ending clouds" stone carvings by Yuan Dynasty artist Zhao Mengfu .
• Old Streets: Stroll along the canal-side streets with traditional houses and local snack stalls.
• Boat Ride: Glide through the waterways and admire the ancient bridges from the water.

Tickets

• Village Entrance: Free
• Sailing boat Experience Ticket: From £32.93

Day Trip from Shanghai to Cenbu Village

Cenbu Village (Cenbocun) is around 1–1.5 hours from central Shanghai and offers a rare glimpse into rural life within the city's boundaries.

Known as "Shanghai's Amazon" for its forests and waterways, it is the only place in the city where two species of fireflies can be spotted.

Today, visitors can explore 15 kilometres of natural waterways, the serene Xiaofengyang Wetland, and a creative community of cafes and artisan workshops tucked inside old farmhouses.

Route & Transport Options

Things to Do in Cenbu Village

• Water Forest Kayaking: Paddle through the lush water forests – the village's signature experience .
• Firefly Spotting: Visit during summer evenings to witness the magical firefly displays .
• Village Walks: Explore the peaceful rural lanes and discover traditional courtyard houses.
• Café & Artisan Stops: Drop by "One Foot Studio" (Yibu Caotang) or "One Foot Garden" (Yichi Huayuan), where old farm buildings have been repurposed into stylish cafes and tea houses

Tickets

• Village Entrance: Free

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