Shanghai is a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan melting pot, and there is a lot going on in the city. With all the hustle and bustle that is constantly taking place, both visitors and expats might want totake a breakfor some fresh air and a much-neededchange of scenery. Our experts have compiled a list of the top 15 fun and convenient Shanghai weekend getaways.
- Anji: the Famous Bamboo Town
- Huangshan: Yellow Mountains
- Wuyuan:the Most Beautiful Countryside in China
- Jingdezhen: Porcelain Capital of China
- Qiandao Lake: Picturesque Family Staycation Destination
- Chongming Island: Largest Estuarine Sand Island in the World
- Tantou Island: the Camping Paradise
- Moganshan: a World of Coolness
1. Anji: the Famous Bamboo Town
Try a thrilling raft ride and challenge yourself in Skyland
This offbeat, serene, and green location is truly a perfect getaway from the contrasting hustle and bustle of Shanghai's metropolitan city.Anjiis a tranquil, lesser-known weekend getaway that is famed for being the place where parts of the movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon were filmed.
Highlights:the bamboo forest, various outdoor activities
Getting there:About 4 hours' driving from Shanghai.Contact usfor a comfortable private transfer.
Recommended visit:1-2 days
Tour price for a 2-day trip:from CN¥2,999 (US$460) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Visit theimpressive bamboo forest.
- Try a thrilling raft ride and challenge yourself inSkyland.
- Enjoy leisurely rafting.
- Relax in a hot spring.
- Taste a cup of Anji White Tea.
RecommendedAnji Tours:
2. Huangshan: Home of the Yellow Mountains
Yellow Mountain
Highlights:picturesque natural mountain views, ancient villages
Getting there:Huangshan is about 3 hours by high-speed train from Shanghai. The Yellow Mountains are about 65 km (40 miles) from Tunxi, downtown Huangshan.Contact usfor a private transfer from Tunxi.
Recommended visit:3 days; learn more aboutHow Long to Spend in Huangshan
Tour price for a 3-day trip:from CN¥3,700 (US$579) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Climb up among the famousYellow Mountaincloud seas. The West Sea Canyon area is one of China's iconic travel attractions.See how to climb this iconic mountain cluster and avoid the crowds.
- VisitHong VillageandXidi Village看到上相回族建筑。
- Relax in a hot spring, especially if you come in winter.
RecommendedHuangshan Tours:
- 3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountains Tour
- 3-Day Huangshan Tour
- 4-Day Trekking in the Yellow Mountains
3. Wuyuan - the Most Beautiful Countryside in China
Wuyuan, about 2 hours by car from Huangshan, is often called 'the most beautiful countryside in China' because of its incredible picturesque views in both spring and autumn. Its Huangling Village even earned the honor of 'Sino-Foreign Most Beautiful Shooting Location' at the 74th Venice International Film Festival in 2017. Dozens of movies and TV series have been filmed there…
Spring (late-March to mid-May) is the most pleasant time, especially in April. The mountains are decorated withred azaleas; the hills are covered bygreen tea plantsandgolden blooming rape flowers. When the colors of nature meet the white wall and black tile, a harmonious picture comes into being. More abouthow to plan a trip to Wuyuan.
4. Jingdezhen: Porcelain Capital of China
Jingdezhen Yaoli Ancient Town
Highlights:porcelain, ceramic art, china manufacturing history
Getting there:4½ hours' bullet train travel from Shanghai
Recommended visit:3 days
Tour price for a 3-day trip:from CN¥3,980 (US$599) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- 探索the world's oldest porcelain production line inAncient Kiln Folklore Exhibition Area.
- Try china-making yourself and make a ceramic work that is uniquely yours.
- Encounter a potter in a pristine mountain village (Sanbao International Ceramic Art Village).
- Visit the hometown of porcelain —Yaoli Ancient Town.
3-day Jingdezhen Porcelain Tour>>>
Orcontact usdirectly for more about Jingdezhen tours.
5. Qiandao Lake - Picturesque Family Staycation Destination
Staycation at Ahn Luh Qiandao Lake Hotel
Ahn Luh Qiandao Lake Hotelis a greet destination for a short break from Shanghai. Located in Qiandao Lake (2.5 hours' train journey from Shanghai), this staycation has everything you want for relaxation. Whether you want to度过你的空闲时间享受美丽的风景, or just want to avoid the hassle of arranging aholiday for your kidsor your lover, this could be your optimal choice.
Ahn Luh(安麓 Anlu 'Peaceful foot of a Hill') is a destination hotel well known for traditional Chinese-style architecture surrounding amazing landscapes. Sitting on one of their charming balconies will make you feel like you are relaxing in a Chinese landscape painting.
The breathtaking lake views, outdoor infinity pools, and large variety of activities will never disappoint you. All you need to do is enjoy!What you can do there?
- Hiking or bikingaround the island, enjoying nature's beauty
- 探索the charms of an old village, and see how local people live
- ExperienceChina's tai chi and yoga classes, relieve your stress and anxiety
- BBQs and picnics
Besides Qiandao Lake,Zhujiajiao Ahn Luh（1hour from Shanghai) andShaoxing Ahn Luh(2.5 hours from Shanghai) provide great experience as well. Drop afree inquiryto check the room availability, price and the transport service fee.
6. Chongming Island: Largest Estuarine Sand Island in the World
Chongming lsland Xitan Weland Park
Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River,Chongming Islandis the third largest island in China. It is also the largest alluvial (river) island in the world. Although it is only a short bus ride away from Shanghai, this island may feel like a different world, with its own unique language, cuisines, and culture.
Highlights:island views; wetlands
Getting there:It is only a one-hour drive from the center of Shanghai to Chongming Island thanks to the Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel.
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥800 (US$119) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Bird watching and sunrise shoots in Dongtan Wetland Park.November to February is the best time to watch the birds on Chongming Island.
- Visit Dongping National Forest Park and get close to nature. It is the largest man-made forest on flat land in East China.There are barbecue areas and camping bases deep in the park.
- See the sunset in Xisha wetland.
- Have a crab-catching experience. Chongming Island is known as"crab island". There are many small crabs in its wetlands.
Send us a free inquiryfor an escape to Chongming Island
7. Tantou Island: the Camping Paradise
Tantou Island
Tantou Islandis actually two isolated islands, about one kilometer apart, which are connected by a sand channel. The east side of channel is called Waishatou, and the west side with a pebble beach is called Lishaotou. They are called the"sister beaches"together.
Tantou Island is a paradise for young people. At night, you can camp on the sand and, if you are lucky enough to have a clear night, you can see vast galaxies of stars. Never miss the early sunrise!
Highlights:sandy beach; seaside camping
Getting there:A 2-hour train ride from Shanghai to Ningbo followed by a 35-minute boat ride from Shipu Harbor.Recommended visit:2 days
Tour price:from CN¥1,200 (US$189) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Go sea fishing on a boat.
- Enjoy the sea breezes and seaside relaxation.
- Stroll on the beach.
- Camp on the sand.
Send a free inquiryfor an escape to Tantou Island.
8. Moganshan: a World of Coolness
Moganshan
If you're craving fresh air and relaxation away from the crowded city, thenMoganshan's bamboo-lined hillsare the perfect option. The sea of green bamboo, clear mountain springs, scattered villas, and charming scenery of different seasons make Mogan Mountain a famous resort for leisure tourism and summer retreats.
There aremore than 200 villason Mogan Mountain, and they are all in different styles with different building characteristics. Therefore, Mogan Mountain is also known as "World Museum of Modern Architecture"and is of great artistic value.
Highlights:leisurely summer resort
Getting there:about a 1½-hour road trip from Hangzhou and a 3-hour trip from Shanghai.
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥999 (US$149) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Relax in the cool tranquility of a mountain villa hotel.
- Hike in the mountains.
- 探索the scattered villas.
Contact usto plan a worry-free Moganshan tour.
9. Sheshan: Back Garden of Shanghai
Shanghai Sheshan Catholic Church
Sheshan National Tourist Resort, located in Songjiang District, Shanghai, is the only natural mountain forest resort in Shanghai. It is an easy option for alast-minute breakfrom Shanghai.
Sheshan National Tourist Resort includes Shanghai Sheshan National Forest Park, Shanghai Yuehu Sculpture Park, Shanghai Happy Valley, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai Sheshan International Golf Club, and more.
Located on the west of She Mountain, Shanghai Sheshan Catholic Church is as famous locally as the Notre Dame Cathedral is in France. It is the most important pilgrimage site of Catholicism in China.
As the back Garden of Shanghai, there are also many hotels located in Shezhen, such asYuluxe Sheshan Shanghai— a tribute portfolio hotel,Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental Hotel, and Sheshan's"underground" hotel (InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland) the world's first hotel with underwater rooms.
Highlights:mountain forest, pilgrimage site
Getting there:1小时的开车从上海市区
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥900 (US$139) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Go for walks inShanghai Sheshan National Forest Park.
- Have fun inShanghai Happy Valley.
- Admire Sheshan Catholic Church.
Contact usto plan a Shanghai weekend trip to Sheshan.
10. Wuxi: the Pearl of Taihu Lake
Cherry Blossoms in Yuantouzhu
Close to Taihu Lake to its south, with the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal passing through, Wuxi is known as the Pearl of Taihu Lake. Wuxi has been a land of fish and rice since ancient times, and it is a national historical and cultural city now.
Yuantouzhu is the best place to enjoy cherry blossoms in Wuxi, and March is the best viewing time.If you are interested in Buddhist culture, you can also go toLingshan Scenic Spotto experience Chinese Buddhism in a natural setting.
Highlights:ancient water city; beautiful Taihu Lake views
Getting there:40 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥900 (US$139) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Climb Qingming Bridge, the oldest stone arch bridge on the Grand Canal.
- Ride or walk byLihu Lake.
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Taihu Lake inYuantouzhu.
Contact usfor a personally-customized Wuxi trip.
11. Nanjing: Capital of Six Dynasties
Snow Scenery in Nanjing Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Highlights:Chinese history, food tasting
Getting there:2 hours' high-speed train travel from Shanghai
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price for a 2-day trip:from CN¥2,500 (US$388) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Linger on the romanticQinhuai River bank.
- Pay homage to Confucius inConfucius Temple.
- 探索the best preserved and most complex fortress in the world —Zhonghua Gate.
- Learn more about "China's father"inSun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
- See the sunrise and sunset onPurple Mountain.
- Enjoy a variety of Nanjing snacks.
- Check out more onThe Top 10 Things to Do in Nanjing.
Contact usfor a Nanjing tour tailor-made for you.
12. Suzhou: Venice of the East
Suzhou Lingering Garden
Known as the "Venice of the East",Suzhouis a beautifully landscaped city located in the center of the Yangtze Delta region that features picturesque water towns, classic gardens and traditional operas. Leisurely activities include boat rides, shopping, and eating. Only 25 minutes away from Shanghai by bullet train, Suzhou makes for an ideal weekend getaway.
Highlights:classical Chinese gardens
Getting there:about 25 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥1,280 (US$199) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Visit the classical Chinese gardens, such asHumble Administrators Garden, andGarden of the Master of Nets.
- Visit one of the four most famous water towns:Tongli Water Town.
RecommendedSuzhou Tours:
13. Hangzhou: Heaven on Earth
Hangzhou West Lake
Highlights:West Lake, Longjing Tea
Getting there:2 hours high-speed train from Shanghai
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥1,280 (US$199) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Cycle or stroll byWest Lake.
- Go toLongjing Tea village品尝一杯中国最好的茶,刚picked.
- 探索the Southern Song Dynasty medieval streets ofQinghefangand Yujie.
- Praise the wisdom of the Sui Dynasty onthe Grand Canal.
- Soak in Chinese Buddhism in the famousLingyin Temple.
- Appreciate the spectacle of theImpression West Lakenight show.
RecommendedHangzhou Tours:
14. Wuzhen: The Last Riverine Town in China
Wuzhen Water Town
As one of the four most famous water towns in China,Wuzhenoffers its own spin on a Chinese water town and the Wuzhen restoration and in-theme expansion is a gorgeous example of the preservation of an ancient town for tourism.
Wuzhen Water Town is divided into its East Area and West Area. In the East Area you will findfolk performancessuch as shadow plays, Huagu Opera, martial arts performances on boats and bamboo pole climbing. As exciting as the East Area sounds, the West Area offers an even better experience with its undeniablycharming architectural featuresincluding colonnades, small bridges, balconies, and piers.A night stay in the West Area is highly recommended to feel the charm of Wuzhen.
Highlights:stunning water town views
Getting there:about 2 hours' driving from Shanghai. Contact us for a comfortable private transfer.
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥1,200 (US$186) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Take a boat cruise in the East Area of Wuzhen.
- Have a night stay in the West Area of Wuzhen.
Contact usto arrange a Wuzhen tour including the round-trip transfer between Shanghai and Wuzhen.
Besides Wuzhen, there are many other famous water towns around Shanghai, and most of them are within 2 hours' driving from Shanghai. They are all good for weekend getaways.More water towns near Shanghai>>>
15. Yangzhou: First City of Canals in China
Yangzhou Slender West Lake
Yangzhou is an ancient city with more than 2,500 years of history. Compared withSuzhouandHangzhou, it is a less-touristy destination. You should not miss the Yangzhou morning tea, which is a kind of folk diet custom following the style of Huaiyang cuisine. You can see many different tea houses in Yangzhou, and the time-honoredFuchun Tea HouseandYechunare most famous.
Highlights:classical Chinese Gardens, slender West Lake, special morning tea
Getting there:around 3½ hours' drive from Shanghai to Yangzhou.Contact usfor a private transfer
Recommended visit:2 days
Tour price for a 2-day trip:from CN¥999 (US$149) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:
- Visit the classical Chinese gardens, such asGe GardenandHe Garden.
- Take a walk bySlender West LakeandDaming Temple.
- Try Yangzhou morning tea.
Contact usfor a tailor-made Yangzhou trip including a private transfer from Shanghai.
16. Enjoy the Enchantment of Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland is definitely a fun weekend getaway forcouples or families. The park featuressix themed landsincluding Treasure Cove, a land inhabited by pirates, and Tomorrowland where you can ride the TRON roller coaster on a light cycle.
There are currently two themed hotels to stay at:Shanghai Disneyland HotelandToy Story Hotel. There is also Disney Town just outside the park that is a blend of shopping and dining.
Getting there:about 50 minutes' driving from Shanghai downtown.Contact usfor a private transfer.
Recommended visit:1–2 days
Tour price:from CN¥800 (US$119) per person based on 2 travelers
Top things to do:try the different rides in the park
4-Day Shanghai Family Disneyland Tour>>>
We Can Help You See More around Shanghai
Instead of taking public transportation to these locations outside Shanghai, the quickest, most efficient, and often most enjoyable way to enjoy these places is to go with a private driver and tour guide. Our tour guide can quickly help you find good accommodations and help you find what you are looking for.
We would be happy totailor-make a special trip that's just for you. All our itineraries can be customized. Here are some more suggestions for a Shanghai visit, or weekend escape.
