Best One-Day Trips from Shanghai: Discover Nearby Gems
Suzhou
Explore the best of Suzhou in a day!
Hangzhou
Explore the best of Hangzhou in a day!
Zhujiajiao
Explore the best of Zhujiajiao in a day!
Nanjing
Explore the best of Nanjing in a day!
One-Day Trip from Shanghai to Suzhou
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Shanghai: 100 km (62 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by high-speed train, 1.5 hours by car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via G2 Beijing-Shanghai Expressway; parking available at major attractions.
- By Train: High-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Suzhou Railway Station run frequently.
Main Attractions
The Humble Administrator's Garden This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and most famous classical garden in Suzhou. It features beautiful pavilions, ponds, and rock formations. A highlight is the Bonsai Garden, showcasing intricate miniature landscapes.
Suzhou Museum Designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei, this museum houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese art, ceramics, and historical artifacts. The architecture itself is a blend of modern and traditional styles, making it a visual treat.
Pingjiang Road A historic street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and shops. Walking along the canal, you can experience the charm of old Suzhou. A highlight is the boat ride that offers a unique perspective of the ancient water town.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start with a visit to The Humble Administrator's Garden to enjoy the serene beauty and take plenty of photos.
- Lunch: Enjoy local Suzhou cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
- Afternoon: Head to Suzhou Museum to explore its rich collection and unique architecture.
- Evening: Stroll along Pingjiang Road, enjoy a boat ride, and shop for souvenirs before heading back to Shanghai.
Local Food
- Suzhou-style Mooncakes: Sweet and savory pastries filled with various ingredients.
- Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish: A famous dish featuring a fish carved to resemble a squirrel, deep-fried, and served with a sweet and sour sauce.
- Suzhou Noodles: Thin noodles served in a rich broth with various toppings.
Local Tips
- Best photo spots include the Bonsai Garden in The Humble Administrator's Garden and the canal views along Pingjiang Road.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially at popular attractions like The Humble Administrator's Garden.
One-Day Trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Shanghai: 180 km (112 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by high-speed train, 2.5 hours by car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via G60 Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway; parking available at major attractions.
- By Train: High-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hangzhou East Railway Station run frequently.
Main Attractions
West Lake A UNESCO World Heritage site, West Lake is renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. The lake is surrounded by temples, pagodas, and gardens. A highlight is the boat ride on the lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Lingyin Temple One of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, Lingyin Temple is nestled in a lush forest. The temple complex includes numerous halls, pagodas, and grottoes. A highlight is the Feilai Feng grottoes, featuring intricate Buddhist carvings.
Longjing Tea Fields Located in the hills surrounding Hangzhou, these tea fields are famous for producing Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Visitors can tour the fields, learn about tea production, and sample fresh tea. A highlight is the tea-picking experience, where you can try your hand at harvesting tea leaves.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start with a visit to West Lake, take a boat ride, and explore the surrounding gardens and pagodas.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a lakeside restaurant, featuring local Hangzhou cuisine.
- Afternoon: Visit Lingyin Temple and explore its halls and grottoes.
- Evening: Head to the Longjing Tea Fields for a tour and tea-tasting experience before returning to Shanghai.
Local Food
- Dongpo Pork: A famous Hangzhou dish featuring braised pork belly in a rich, sweet sauce.
- West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy: A traditional dish made with fresh fish from West Lake, served in a tangy vinegar sauce.
- Beggar's Chicken: A whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Local Tips
- Best photo spots include the boat ride on West Lake and the tea fields at Longjing.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially when exploring the Lingyin Temple complex and tea fields.
One-Day Trip from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Shanghai: 50 km (31 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by bus
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via G50 Huyu Expressway; parking available at the entrance of the ancient town.
- By Bus: Take a direct bus from Shanghai South Railway Station to Zhujiajiao.
Main Attractions
Fangsheng Bridge The largest stone arch bridge in Zhujiajiao, Fangsheng Bridge offers picturesque views of the water town. A highlight is the stone carvings of dragons and lions on the bridge.
Kezhi Garden A classical Chinese garden featuring pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. The garden also includes a small museum showcasing the history and culture of Zhujiajiao. A highlight is the lotus pond, which is especially beautiful in summer.
Zhujiajiao Post Office The oldest post office in China, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The post office has been preserved as a museum, displaying old letters, stamps, and postal equipment. A highlight is the opportunity to send a postcard from this historic location.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start with a visit to Fangsheng Bridge and take a boat ride through the canals.
- Lunch: Enjoy local snacks and dishes at one of the many riverside eateries.
- Afternoon: Explore Kezhi Garden and the Zhujiajiao Post Office.
- Evening: Stroll through the ancient streets, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the evening ambiance before heading back to Shanghai.
Local Food
- Zongzi: Sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with meat or sweet bean paste.
- Steamed Pork Dumplings: Juicy dumplings filled with seasoned pork, a local favorite.
- Lotus Root Starch Soup: A sweet and nutritious dessert made from lotus root starch.
Local Tips
- Best photo spots include Fangsheng Bridge and the lotus pond in Kezhi Garden.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
One-Day Trip from Shanghai to Nanjing
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Shanghai: 300 km (186 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours by high-speed train, 3.5 hours by car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via G42 Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway; parking available at major attractions.
- By Train: High-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Nanjing South Railway Station run frequently.
Main Attractions
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum A grand mausoleum dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. The mausoleum is located on the slopes of Purple Mountain and features a long staircase leading to the main hall. A highlight is the panoramic view of Nanjing from the top.
Nanjing City Wall One of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, the Nanjing City Wall offers a glimpse into the city's historical past. Visitors can walk along the wall and enjoy views of the city. A highlight is the Zhonghua Gate, a massive fortress with multiple layers of defense.
Confucius Temple A historic temple dedicated to Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher. The temple complex includes beautiful courtyards, halls, and a bustling market area. A highlight is the Qinhuai River, where you can take a boat ride and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start with a visit to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and enjoy the scenic views from the top.
- Lunch: Have a meal at a local restaurant, featuring Nanjing cuisine.
- Afternoon: Explore the Nanjing City Wall and walk along its ancient paths.
- Evening: Visit the Confucius Temple and take a boat ride on the Qinhuai River before returning to Shanghai.
Local Food
- Salted Duck: A famous Nanjing dish featuring tender, flavorful duck meat.
- Duck Blood Soup: A traditional soup made with duck blood, tofu, and vermicelli.
- Nanjing-style Dumplings: Dumplings filled with various ingredients, including pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
Local Tips
- Best photo spots include the top of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Zhonghua Gate on the Nanjing City Wall.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially when exploring the city wall and temple complex.
ItineraryTrip
Explore your next itineray destination with our AI travel agent. ... Because travel planning can be easy.
Get Aways
Travel guides
One day trip
Welcome to our AI-powered travel expert hub!
Dive into an interactive experience where you can ask ANYTHING about the countries, cities or attractions you plan to visit. It will like having a local guide at your fingertips!
New to the adventure? You can create new account and unlock a world of travel wisdom.
Already a seasoned explorer? Simply just Log in and let the fun begin!
