Many travellers use Shanghai as a base not only to explore the city itself, but also to enjoy nearby towns and cities. With high-speed trains, you can reach lakes, ancient temples, gardens, and even famous historic sites in just a short time.
In this article, you will find the best day trips by train from Shanghai such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, and the water town of Zhujiajiao. Take a break from the busy streets of Shanghai embark on a relaxing train journey.
Best Day Trips by Train from Shanghai – Overview
Popular day trip destinations from Shanghai include Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing, as well as historic towns and modern hubs. See the table below for travel time, highlights, and ticket prices.
Destination | Highlights | Duration* | Ticket Price |
🟡 Within 1.5 Hours | |||
🔥 Hangzhou | West Lake scenery; Longjing tea culture; ancient temples | ~1h | From ¥59 |
🔥 Suzhou | Classical gardens; canals & water towns; silk culture | ~25 min | From ¥30 |
Taihu Lake; Lingshan Buddha; Huishan clay figurines | ~30–40 min | From ¥46 | |
South Lake; traditional snacks; historic streets | ~30–40 min | From ¥23 | |
🏮 Shanghai Special Water Town | |||
Ancient water town; stone bridges; traditional shops | ~1-2h | From ¥12 | |
🟢 2+ Hours | |||
🔥 Nanjing | Ming dynasty city wall; Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum; Qinhuai River | ~1–2h | From ¥110 |
Tianyi Pavilion library; coastal scenery; seafood | ~1.5-2h | From ¥115 | |
*Duration is based on the fastest available high-speed train service and may vary by schedule.
Shanghai to Hangzhou
Hangzhou, around 1 hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, is famous for its West Lake scenery, tea culture, and historic temples. It offers a mix of nature, culture, and food, making it a top choice for travellers.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~1h | From ¥59 | |
Conventional Train | 1.5–3h | From ¥23.5 |
Things to Do in Hangzhou
- West Lake: Walk around the lake, take a boat ride, or enjoy sunset views.
- Lingyin Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple with stone carvings.
- Longjing Tea Fields: Visit tea plantations and taste local green tea.
18 booked
Where to Stay in Hangzhou
- Near West Lake: Great for sightseeing and lake views.
- City Centre (Shangcheng District, Gongshu District, Xihu District): Easy for shopping and transport.
- Hotels near Longjing Tea Culture Village: Quiet stays near Longjing tea fields.
Hangzhou Local Food
- West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce.
- Dongpo Pork, a slow-cooked pork dish.
- Beggar’s Chicken, baked in lotus leaves and clay.
Shanghai to Suzhou
Suzhou, only 25 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train, is known for its classical gardens, canals, and silk culture. It combines elegance, history, and local charm.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~25 min | From ¥30 | |
Conventional Train | 1–1.5h | From ¥14.5 |
Things to Do in Suzhou
- Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden): A UNESCO-listed garden with ponds, bridges, and pavilions, showing the elegance of Jiangnan landscaping.
- Hanshan Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple with a tall pagoda and the sound of evening bells, often linked to Chinese poetry. It is often visited by tourists for its peaceful environment and cultural history.
- Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin Garden): Full of winding pathways and rock formations that look like lions, a fun place for exploring.
- Tiger Hill (Huqiu) Scenic Area: A hilltop with ancient towers and gardens, offering both history and nature in one spot.
- Lingering Garden (Liuyuan Garden): Elegant halls, ponds, and courtyards where visitors can enjoy quiet walks and changing views.
- Shantang Street: A lively old street by the canal with shops, food stalls, and traditional houses, perfect for walking and tasting local snacks.
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 Fish.
- Suzhou-style Mooncakes with savoury fillings.
- Noodles in clear broth with seasonal toppings.
Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Zhujiajiao lies in Qingpu District, about 48 km (30 miles) from central Shanghai. Although there is no direct train service, it is still one of the most popular day trip choices for both locals and visitors. The town keeps the charm of a traditional Jiangnan water town, yet is well connected by metro, bus, or taxi, and travellers can also book half-day or full-day tours from Shanghai that include transport, making it easy for a quick escape from the busy city.
The town is full of narrow canals, stone bridges, and centuries-old houses. Visitors enjoy boat rides, traditional tea houses, and lively street markets. With its peaceful waterways and historic atmosphere, Zhujiajiao is often called the “Venice of Shanghai”.
From central Shanghai (People’s Square), here are the main ways to reach Zhujiajiao:
Route | Transport Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Shanghai → Zhujiajiao | Metro Line 2 + Line 17 + Walk | ~1h | ¥8 |
Express Bus (Hu-Zhu Line) | ~1h | ¥12 | |
Taxi | ~1h | From ¥150 | |
- | From ¥302 (£31.21) |
Things to Do in Zhujiajiao
- Fangsheng Bridge: The largest stone arch bridge in the town.
- Old Streets: Lined with teahouses and shops.
- Boat Ride: Travel through the canals.
Where to Stay in Zhujiajiao
- Riverside Inns: Stay by the canals.
- Boutique Guesthouses: Traditional design.
- Budget Hotels near Metro: Easy for return to Shanghai.
Zhujiajiao Local Food
- Zongzi with pork or bean filling.
- Smoked fish.
- Lotus root dishes.
Shanghai to Nanjing
Nanjing, about 1–2 hours by train, is a historic capital with Ming dynasty relics, riverside charm, and modern life. It blends heritage with a lively atmosphere.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~1–2h | From ¥110 | |
Conventional Train | 3–5h | From ¥46.5 |
Things to Do in Nanjing
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A national landmark.
- Nanjing City Wall: Walk along ancient walls.
- Qinhuai River: Night views with lights and boats.
Where to Stay in Nanjing
- Xinjiekou: Central, with shops and hotels.
- Near Qinhuai River: Scenic and lively at night.
- Confucius Temple Area: Historic surroundings.
Nanjing Local Food
- Nanjing Salted Duck.
- Duck Blood Soup with vermicelli.
- Jinling-style Mooncakes.
Shanghai Day Trips by Train FAQs
What is the best day trip from Shanghai?
Popular choices include Hangzhou for West Lake, Suzhou for gardens and canals, and Zhujiajiao for a water town experience.
Where can I go by train from Shanghai?
High-speed trains connect Shanghai with nearby cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, Ningbo, and Jiaxing.
Which cities are close to Shanghai?
Within 1–2 hours, you can reach Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Jiaxing, and Nanjing, making them easy day trip options.
What is the easiest water town from Shanghai?
Zhujiajiao is the most convenient water town, about 1 to 2 hours away by metro, bus or taxi from central Shanghai.
