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Shanghai Holiday Beaches

Written by Matteo Updated Apr. 8, 2025

Nothing goes better with hot Shanghai summers than a weekend getaway at a beautiful beach. Locals and visitors to Shanghai often flock to the sandy respites surrounding the city, after having spent enough time in the urban jungle.

There are many alluring beaches in the very near vicinity, some of them crowded and bustling and others peacefully quiet and isolated. If you are looking for the best and closest beaches to the city, then be sure to check any or all of the destinations below.

Sunny Beach

Right in the heart of the Bund, Shanghai’s colonial-era district, lies a modest, but sufficient stretch of sand for residents and visitors of the city. With its unique view of the Huangpu River, as well as the Pudong skyline, Sunny Beach is the perfect warm weekend getaway. Swimming isn’t allowed here, but sunbathing, beach activities, and chair and umbrella rentals make this city getaway a perfect spot for family picnics and riverfront parties.

Jinshan Beach

Only an hour away from Shanghai’s downtown area, Jinshan Beach is a sandy stretch of ocean water perfect for a day or weekend retreat. Imported powdery white sand from the Hainan Province makes the strand glisten in the hot summer months.

Unlike other bodies of water in the area, the ocean water here is surprisingly blue and clean and open for swimming. Sand volleyball, Frisbee, and activities for children of all ages are popular on the beach’s west end.

Fengxian Beach

Another beach within an hour of Shanghai’s city center is Fengxian Beach. Soft, golden sand, fresh air, and multiple recreational activities make for an excellent escape from the often smoggy city.

Fengxian Beach is just the beginning of a project titled “Haiwan Tourism Zone”, an effort to bring more tourists to this beautiful suburban area. The beach offers more than just sand-filled activities. A rock climbing wall, canoe rentals, a mini amusement park, and even a 4-D movie theater are all within the beach’s vicinity.

Songlanshan Beach

A bit further out than other beaches listed, Songlanshan’s beauty is worth every minute of the journey. Located near Ningbo, it is one of the biggest beaches in the area. Along its 25 square kilometer expanse, the park encompasses caves for exploring and protected reefs for diving.

Of course, smooth and soft sand, perfect for a stroll along the water. Recreational fishing is allowed here, and rental tents for gear dot the beach. This area is quieter than other areas and makes for a relaxing escape from the stresses of the big city.

Putuoshan Beach

Putuoshan Beach, like Songlanshan, is a bit further out of the city and perfect for a long weekend holiday. Serene, secluded, and by far the least crowded out of these 5 beaches, Putuoshan is the ideal place to unwind. The famous 100 Steps Beach and 1,000 Steps Beach are worth the descent from the hills surrounding the area.

In addition to the peaceful strand, various temples were built along the shoreline. The Puji Temple and the Fayuchan Temple can be reached from the beach area by many stairs. From here, the entire view of the bay is breathtaking!

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