6 places to visit near Shanghai that are super worth going to
1️⃣ Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
"Shanghai's Venice," this ancient town sits along a canal, filled with old houses, stone bridges, and traditional Chinese-style shops. We recommend taking a boat ride to admire the atmosphere. Other activities include renting Chinese costumes for photos, as there are so many to choose from. If you're hungry or need a break, there are many waterfront restaurants and local teahouses to choose from.
👉 How to get there: Take Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from East Nanjing Road Station), then walk for about 10 minutes. For families, take a taxi, which takes about an hour and costs approximately 120 yuan per trip.
2️⃣ Chongming Island
If you want to experience another side of Shanghai, beyond the bright lights and skyscrapers, Chongming Island is a tranquil island just over an hour from central Shanghai. Surrounded by rice paddies, organic farms, ocean, and a nature reserve, it's a natural habitat for Chinese alligators and a perfect spot for migratory birds.
👉How to get there: Taxis or Didi are the most convenient options. Travel time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours from downtown Shanghai, costing approximately ¥200–¥300 per trip. Alternatively, for a slightly cheaper option, take Metro Line 1 to Wenshui Road Station (汶水路), Exit 4, then transfer to the Chongming Express Line (崇明线), which stops outside the station.
3️⃣ Suzhou
This ancient city, surrounded by mountains and water, boasts picturesque lakes and winding canals. It's also home to classic Chinese architecture and nine renowned ancient Chinese gardens, a World Heritage Site.
👉How to get there: From Shanghai, you can take the high-speed rail, which takes about 30 minutes. We recommend getting off at Suzhou Station, which is the closest to the attractions. From there, you can transfer to the Suzhou Railway Station for subway connections to other destinations.
4️⃣ Nanjing
The capital of Jiangsu Province. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, it served as the capital of China during the Ming Dynasty and has continued to play a significant role in politics, economics, and culture throughout China's history. Must-see attractions in Nanjing include Niushou Mountain, Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Massacre Museum.
👉 Getting there: Take the high-speed train from Shanghai (about an hour). We recommend getting off at either South Nanjing or Nanjing Railway Stations. From there, you can travel to other destinations by subway.
5️⃣ Hangzhou
A famous Chinese tourist city known for its stunning scenery of West Lake, ancient temples, and traditional Chinese gardens. Marco Polo called it the most beautiful city in the world. This city is also a center of culture and ancient history, seamlessly blending modernity. It's also the birthplace of the legend of the White Snake.
👉 Getting there: Take the high-speed train from Shanghai (about an hour).
6️⃣ Moganshan
Many people may not know or have heard of this place before, but it's a popular resort destination for Shanghai residents. It's filled with bamboo groves, tea plantations, streams, and numerous Western-style buildings. In the early 20th century, American and European missionaries sought to escape Shanghai's scorching summer heat and built over 100 stone villas. Today, Moganshan has become a popular staycation destination for city dwellers seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle and a refreshing natural setting.
👉 How to get there: Take the train from Shanghai to Deqing Station (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes). From there, you can take a taxi to the accommodation.
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