Top Places to Visit Near Shanghai
Shanghai city is a metropolis and it is full of architectural masterpieces. Whether you have just arrived in Shanghai or have lived here for many years, it is difficult to tire yourself of traveling around this amazing city. However enchanting the city and its urban life might be, however, there are times when you may want some rest and relaxation in a more natural setting.
There are so many spots from and around Shanghai offering options for outings, whether for leisure, appreciating water towns, or some other exciting amusement.
Options for a Spring Outing from Shanghai
Everything comes to life in spring after a long winter, telling you it is time to start your journey once again, whatever your career or your travel life. It seems that taking a trip to breathe the fresh air in nature is what spring is all about. Before putting yourself into a busy life, why not start a short journey to refresh yourself to embrace a brand new year? If you are luckily living or staying in Shanghai or its neighboring cities, you get many smart options for spring outings.
Wuzhen Water Town
Though Northern China is still in winter in March and quite chilly, spring has already started in the Jiangnan area, with warm sunshine and willow trees sprouting. As the most classical water town, picturesque Wuzhen (乌镇) shows its gentle best in March, when there are not too many tourists flooding into the area. You can enjoy a leisurely afternoon at a window table in a small tea house, sitting on a bamboo chair and tasting the scented tea, while appreciating the quiet world outside of ancient bridges over the canal. You will become a part of this beautiful picture.
Highlights
Wuzhen is made up of the West Region and the East Region. The East Region is smaller, and the West Region is where most of the available accommodations are located. The West Region consists of twelve islets with more than 60 bridges linking them together. On the boat going to the West Region, you may feel like you're traveling back in time to the ancient town of thousands of years ago. Riding in a wooden boat itself is an interesting activity.
- Jiangnan Folk Museum (江南民俗博物馆) displays collections depicting customs and traditional activities for celebrating birthdays, weddings, the seasons, and solar terms in the Wuzhen Water Town. It is the only folk museum in China exhibiting antiques that reflect the ancient daily lives of women.
- Jiangnan Woodcarving Display Hall (江南木雕陈列馆) was once the residence of the Xu family and is noted for its delicate wood carvings. The carvings on the door frames and window frames are so vivid that visitors may feel that the figures, birds, and animals are momentarily still before coming to life.
Know Before You Go
Departing from Shanghai, a one-day trip to Wuzhen is sufficient. However, spending the night to experience the real town life is brilliant. Only the West Region offers accommodations, and making a reservation in advance would be wise.
Both the East and West Regions require admission tickets. An inclusive ticket for both regions is 150 Yuan, which includes all the attractions, but an extra fee is charged for the boat ride. Every early morning and evening, the town shows its best.
In spring (March-May), the average temperature in Wuzhen is about 15 degrees Celsius. A thin sweater and a jacket will be enough to keep you warm. An umbrella will always be useful in Wuzhen Water Town.
Shanghai South Bus Station offers a bus service between Shanghai and Wuzhen, which takes about two hours. The departure times are 0814, 0954, 1327, and 1525. The ticket price is 49 Yuan.
Wu Yuan
Located in Jiangxi Province near the Huangshan Mountains, Wuyuan (婺源) is considered one of the best of the fast-disappearing Chinese scenery; it is famous as being the most beautiful village in China. Every March and April, Wuyuan is at its best, with multitudes of golden-yellow, blooming cole flowers surrounding this ink-painted Chinese village. In addition, red azaleas and green tea leaves cover the whole hillside, adding more color and beauty to the overall picture. Why not go there in spring?
Highlights
Visiting Wuyuan in spring is like mistakenly going to a place that retreats from the world, as most days of the season are foggy. In the morning and evening, the whole village is enveloped in mist, forming an ink-painting picture, which is really what an ancient Chinese village should look like.
The biggest highlights are the golden-yellow seas of cole flowers blooming in the fields surrounding the distinctive ancient Anhui buildings. The yellow birds fly over the small river, telling you that you do enjoy a real spring.
- The ancient village itself deserves your visit. In spring, Wuyuan definitely stands out among the many Jiangnan water towns. Blue sky, green hills, tiny ancient bridges over quiet rivers, white walls, green bricks, and black tiles all offer lots of photography opportunities. Wandering along the ancient streets is just like walking back to ancient times. Many art students go there to sketch.
- Hui-style Architecture plays an important role in Chinese architecture. Almost every corner and detail is photogenic. This architectural style mainly uses brick carving, stone carving, and wood carving into ancient residence housing, palaces, temples, and memorial archways. Additionally, this is the hometown of Jan Tianyou, a famous Chinese railroad engineer who was in charge of the Jing-Zhang Railroad construction (Beijing–Zhangjiakou Railroad).
Know Before You Go
For a short trip to Wuyuan from Shanghai, three to five days is needed. If you want to stay in a villager's house, it would be wise to bring your sleeping bag. Staying outside the scenic spots is better regarding cost and comfort.
There are many scenic spots in Wuyuan and they are generally accessible. Mainly routes are divided into three travel lines: the East Line, North Lin,e, and West Line. The best places to visit in spring when visiting Wuyuan are Xiaoqi Village, Jiangling Village, and Likeng Village, which is on the East Line.
The inclusive ticket sold by Tourism Group is 180 Yuan per person for five days and covers the best attractions, including 14 locations. Each attraction costs 60 Yuan per person if buying tickets separately.
Shanghai South Bus Station offers a bus service between Shanghai and Wuzhen, which takes about two hours. The departure times are 0814, 0954, 1327, and 1525. The ticket price is 49 Yuan. Note that the ticket does not include transportation between attractions. After buying the ticket, do remember to activate it within three hours, otherwise it will be invalidated automatically.
Wuyuan in spring has a big temperature difference between morning and evening. An overcoat and sweater are needed, and don't forget your umbrella or raincoat.
Take the direct bus at Shanghai South Bus Station from Shanghai to Wuyuan at 9:00 a.m. or 6:45 p.m. The one-way ticket price is 180 Yuan, and the round-trip ticket is 194 Yuan. The journey takes about 6 hours. At noon, there is a 20-minute stop for rest.
Huangshan and Hongcun
March is the start of the peak season for the Huangshan Scenic Spot, but there are not many travelers at this time. Since it is just the beginning of spring, sometimes it still snows, but clear days usually follow snowy days. Thus it is the best time to visit Huangshan (黄山) to appreciate the most famous and beautiful sights, including sunrise, sunset, the sea of clouds, and snow hanging from the pine trees.
A 90-minute drive from Huangshan, Hongcun Village has a history of more than 800 years, boasts both stunning natural scenery and distinct Anhui architecture and is listed as a World Historical and Cultural Relic site. The combination of the natural scenery and ancient buildings makes Hongcun (宏村) charming. Green mountains, blue sky, and green trees tell the gentle and lovely tale of the village. Birds flying and singing in the sky means that spring is really coming.
Highlights
Huangshan is famous for its distinctively shaped pines and stones, the sea of clouds, snowy views, and hot springs. In March, you can enjoy all of these and have a comfortable spring. On clear days, sunrise and sunset are superb, something you should not miss.
There are many ancient Chinese villages with antique buildings in China. However, there is a beautiful lake called Nanhu Lake in Hongcun that reflects the essence of Hongcun when spring comes; it is the most beautiful place in the village. Up to 140 Anhui residential buildings dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368–1840) are also a highlight of the village.
Know Before You Go
Three days is sufficient for a trip to Huangshan and Hongcun from Shanghai by air. If you are going by bus or train, at least four days is needed. For visitors wishing to enjoy the sunrise, making a reservation at a hotel for one night on the mountain is a wise choice. It is expensive and not easy to make a reservation, so doing so early is recommended. In Huangshan City and at the foot of Huangshan, there are a variety of hotels at different prices.
Once you have entered the gate of Huangshan Scenic spot, the only means of transportation is a tourism bus. It costs 13 Yuan per person from the gate to the foot of Huangshan. There are three cable cars for ascending the mountain, at 80 Yuan in peak season, and 65 Yuan in low season.
The entrance fee for Huangshan is 230 Yuan during the high season and 150 Yuan in the low season. From March, Huangshan enters its high season.
It is warm in Hongcun and Huangshan City, and a thin sweater and an overcoat will be enough to keep you warm. However, it is much colder on the top, so bring a down-filled jacket. An umbrella is needed in case there are rainy days.
Trains, buses, and airplanes are all available between Shanghai and Huangshan. The most recommended method is taking a bus at Shanghai South Bus Station from Shanghai to Tangkou Town in the Huangshan Scenic Spot at 148 Yuan for 5.5 hours.
The journey takes about an hour by air departing from Hongqiao Airport. By train (from Hongqiao Train Station), the journey takes about 12 hours at 263 Yuan for a soft sleeper.
Yangshuo, Guilin
The Guilin scenery is unique, and Yangshuo (阳朔) represents the best of the best. When spring comes, the green mountains and the crystal-clear Li River come to life. Yangshuo shows its most charming side in the March mists, thanks to the rainy and foggy days, and is also one of the most famous sights in China.
Highlights
It is only in Yangshuo in spring that you can experience a nearly authentic fairy world.
The most beautiful attractions are linked closely. Besides taking the Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo to appreciate the essence of Li River, riding a bike on the countryside roads and being a part of the scenery is also a popular activity.
If you are lucky enough to visit on a foggy day, you will be able to take many beautiful photos of the Li River and the fascinatingly shaped mountains. West Street is very nice at night.
Know Before You Go
Three days in Guilin is enough to enjoy its beauty, including Guilin and Yangshuo. There are many hotels in Yangshuo County, especially on West Street. Special boutique hotels in the countryside are also available.
The ticket price for a Li River Cruise is 255 Yuan per person, and renting a bicycle in Yangshuo is usually 25 Yuan per day. In Guilin City, Reed Flute Cave is worth visiting, which costs 90 Yuan and best represents the beauty of a Karst landform.
Regarding the weather and clothing, it is very much the same as in most of southern China: a thin sweater, an overcoat, and an umbrella.
The best way to visit Yangshuo from Shanghai is by air – the flight takes 2 1/2 hours from Shanghai and Guilin. Both Hongqiao Airport and Pudong Airport provide a service.
Options for Weekend Excursion around Shanghai
To flee the crowds and the clouds of Shanghai, why escape a little way from Shanghai to the Sheshan, Qingpu, Chongming, or Changxing Districts, the 4 smart choices for a weekend excursion which are all just a few hours away from the city?
Sheshan— the Back Garden of Big Shanghai
Sheshan, also known as Sheshan National Forest Park, has 12 hills, including East Sheshan which is 98 meters high,h and West Sheshan which is 97 meters high. They are the highest peaks near Shanghai and a great place to wind down.
The most famous attraction is the Church of the Holy Mother built by Jesuits during the late 19th century and is the destination for pilgrimages for Catholics along the coast of southeast China. It is wise to avoid it in May as it can be very crowded. The Sheshan Observatory and Astronomical Museum is near the Church of the Holy Mother.
The Shanghai Sculpture Park is another highlight. Over 60 sculptures featuring the theme of Moon Lake (Yue Hu) are set along the bank of the lake. If you are in the mood for a game of golf, the Sheshan Golf Estate Country Club is handy.
Where to stay?
This area offers both moderate and luxury stays. The Secret Stream Inn at the foot of Sheshan is comfortable while a deluxe environment is provided at the Homa Moon Lake Hotel of Modern Art.
Getting There
Take Tourist Buses, which leave from Shanghai Stadium, Nanpu Bridge, Shanghai North Coach Station, or Shanghai West Railway Station direct to Sheshan. The fare is about 10 Yuan/person.
Qingpu— Home to Dreamlike Water Village near Shanghai
Qingpu borders Kunshan in Jiangsu Province but is just a few hours away from the downtown of Shanghai but has none of the hustle and bustle of city life.
The lakes in this area play a significant role and Qingpu is no exception. The Dianshan Lake resembles a gourd and is 12 times bigger than West Lake in Hangzhou. The lake boasts beautiful scenery as well as being home to aquatic sports. The lake is used as a training venue and hosts international rowing events.
- Zhujiajiao Water Village – “A Pearl in Jiangnan” offers both history and scenery and has 36 ancient bridges and ancient houses from the Ming and Qing Dynasties on the banks of the rivers. Stay a night to experience the peaceful, starry night. Ascend to Guanyin Hall at Baoguo Temple for a wonderful view of Dianshan Lake.
Where to stay?
A night in the water town would be a highlight. Stay at one of the local hostels like Caotang Hostel(草堂客栈) which is Ming-Qing dynasties style for those on a budget or the West Well(西井汇). Uma Hostel is hidden in an alley and is small but elegant. The alternative is to stay in Qingpu District where there are more accommodation options.
Getting There
There are several routes. The most convenient route is to take the High-speed Line Shanghai-Qingpu, tourist bus at People Square Station on Jingling Road, Puan Road at a ticket fare of 10 Yuan/person. The bus departs every 10 minutes and stops operating at 22:00. Or at the same stop, you can take the High-speed Line Shanghai-Zhujiajiao, a tourist bus that takes you to the water town. The ticket fare is 12 Yuan/person. The bus departs every 20 minutes on weekends.
Chongming Island— a Place Full of Surprises
Chongming Island is the third biggest island in China. The charm of the island varies with the changing seasons. Spring and autumn are the best times for bird watching thanks to a variety of bird species. Delicious seafood can be found in autumn which is the place to escape the hot summer. Crabs and reeds can be seen everywhere and are part of the unique characteristics of the island.
Eastern Beach is a highlight. The Eastern Wetland Park has an entrance price of 50 Yuan/person however just skip the gate of the park and go down the road to the end where the wetland meets Eastern Beach. A vast expanse of reeds and the protection zone for migratory birds can be seen on the trestle bridge. A Specimen Hall is on the bridge for visitors to learn about migratory birds.
The other attractions are Dongping National Forest Park, Shanghai’s biggest eco-park. A wide range of vegetation makes the park an ideal place to survive the hot summer. Nanmen Dock is also a must-visit for first-time travelers and offers a unique angle for appreciating the beautiful sunset.
Where to stay?
Main accommodation on Chongming Island is offered by farm stay and holiday villages. Most farms stay in Qianwei Village, Lugang Village ,and Xilai Village. Hotels such as MOTEL 168 and Greentree Inn are easy to find.
Getting There
Going to Chongming Island would involve a ferry. Take Line 5, a tourist bus which costs 8 Yuan/person atthe tourism center near Shanghai stadium to Baoyang Dock, then transfer to Nanmen Dock of Chongming Island by ferry at a cost of 12 Yuan. It is easy to get to every part of the island. The other option is to take the Shen Chong Tourism Line at NO 985, Gonghexin Road, to go directly to the destination.
Changxing Island—a Peaceful Land for Mandarin Oranges
Only a half-hour drive from the city center of Shanghai, the beauty of Changxing Island is well known and popular with Shanghai people.
The island is known as the hometown of Mandarin oranges. No wonder there are many orchards on the island. It is a perfect place for an outing with families or friends. Row -boating, photography, and orange picking provide a weekend full of activities and sightseeing. Chuizhu Orchard stands apart from all the gardens because of its classical southern garden style size. In late autumn, the island holds the Shanghai Mandarin Oranges Festival which has a rich variety of activities to celebrate the harvest.
Where to stay?
The best choices are the Jiehui Hotel and the Captain Hotel; both have moderate prices. On arriving at the ferry dock, you can also ask the staff there for information about hotels. They will assist you with booking.
Getting There
The easiest and cheapest way to reach Changxing Island is to first take Metro Line 2 at People’s Square station and get off at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum station. Then transfer to Shen Chong Line 4 which goes to Changxing directly. It will take about 4 hours.