Best Day Trips from Shanghai 2025
Discover the best day trip destinations and excursions from Shanghai.
Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Top 10 Day Trips
The best excursions from Shanghai.
Suzhou
The 'Venice of China' and 'Garden City' is the most popular day trip from Shanghai. Suzhou's classic Chinese gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) are among the finest in the world, and the ancient town of Tongli nearby adds a canal-side village experience. Silk production has been Suzhou's heritage for 2,500 years.
Hangzhou
One of China's most beautiful cities, Hangzhou's West Lake (Xi Hu) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has inspired Chinese poets and artists for over 1,000 years. The surrounding hills are covered with Longjing (Dragon Well) tea plantations, and the city's refined culture, excellent food, and natural beauty make it Shanghai's most rewarding day trip.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
The most accessible and well-preserved ancient water town within Shanghai municipality. Over 1,700 years old, Zhujiajiao has 36 ancient stone bridges, Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, and atmospheric canals. Gondola rides, traditional workshops, and local snacks make for a full day.
Tongji and Wuzhen Water Towns
Tongli (near Suzhou) is considered the most authentic and least commercialized water town, a tranquil maze of canals and historic residences. Wuzhen in Zhejiang Province has been more developed for tourism but preserves extraordinary Qing Dynasty architecture with evening lantern illuminations.
Nanjing
China's ancient southern capital and one of the country's most historically significant cities. Nanjing offers the massive Ming-era city walls (35km, the longest in the world), the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the moving Nanjing Massacre Memorial, and the charming Confucius Temple district. A full and rewarding day is easily filled.
Putuo Island (Zhoushan Archipelago)
One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, Putuo Island is a spiritual retreat in the East China Sea with golden sand beaches, ancient temples, and forested paths. The island is dedicated to Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) and has three major temples. A rare opportunity to combine beach time with Buddhist culture near Shanghai.
Chongming Island
Shanghai's own 'green lung' — China's third-largest island is largely undeveloped farmland, wetlands, and national nature reserves. Chongming offers cycling through rural landscapes, birdwatching at Dongtan reserve, fresh island produce, and a complete escape from city life.
Day Trips by Distance
Plan based on how far you want to travel.
Under 1 Hour
Quick Escapes
Zhujiajiao Water Town (1h bus) and Qibao Ancient Town (30min metro) for canal towns; Sheshan Hill (1h metro + bus) for nature
1-2 Hours
Easy Day Trips
Suzhou (30min train) for gardens and silk; Chongming Island (1h transit) for wetlands and cycling
2-4 Hours
Full Day Adventures
Hangzhou (45min train) for West Lake; Tongli and Wuzhen water towns (1.5-2h bus); Nanjing (1.5h train) for history
4+ Hours
Extended Trips
Putuo Island (2h ferry) — strongly consider an overnight stay to explore at leisure
Complete Day Trips Guide
20+ destinations with detailed itineraries and transport info.
Getting There
Transport options for day trips.
Guided Tours
Organized day tours to Suzhou and Hangzhou from ¥300-600 include transport and major entry tickets; available from major hotel concierges
Private Car & Driver
Private car with driver from ¥800-1500/day; recommended for Tongli/Wuzhen combo or Nanjing
Public Transport
High-speed trains to Suzhou and Hangzhou from Hongqiao Railway Station are excellent; tickets on 12306 app
Self-Drive
Car rental not recommended without Chinese license; car-sharing apps available for licensed drivers
Tours vs. Independent Travel
Decide the best approach for you.
🎫 Organized Tours
- ✓ All logistics handled
- ✓ Expert guides with local knowledge
- ✓ No navigation worries
- ✓ Often includes meals
- ✓ Meet other travelers
- ✗ Fixed itinerary
- ✗ Less flexibility
- ✗ Larger groups
- ✗ Higher cost
🚗 Independent Travel
- ✓ Complete flexibility
- ✓ Set your own pace
- ✓ Can be cheaper
- ✓ Personalized experience
- ✓ Spontaneous discoveries
- ✗ Navigation challenges
- ✗ Language barriers
- ✗ More planning required
- ✗ Miss expert insights
Day Trip Planning Tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book high-speed train tickets in advance on the 12306 app or Ctrip — popular services on weekends fill up fast
Suzhou and Hangzhou gardens are best visited early morning before 9AM when tour groups arrive
Hangzhou is so rewarding that many travelers stay 1-2 nights rather than rushing back the same evening
For Zhujiajiao, arrive on a weekday to avoid Shanghai's weekend crowds entirely
Carry cash for boats, street food, and smaller attractions in water towns — mobile payment not always available
Return trains and buses from day trip destinations fill up early — book your return in advance or arrive at the station early
Explore Beyond Shanghai
Get our complete day trips guide with detailed itineraries, transport guides, and insider tips.
Download Day Trips Guide