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 day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
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.
Highlights: Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozhengyuan) · Tiger Hill Pagoda (7th century) · Lingering Garden · Master of Nets Garden · Tongli Water Town nearby · Suzhou Silk Museum
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.
Highlights: West Lake (Xi Hu) boat trips · Lingyin Temple (major Buddhist complex) · Longjing Tea Plantation village · Leifeng Pagoda · Hefang Street for local snacks · China National Tea Museum
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.
Highlights: Fangsheng Bridge (Ming Dynasty, 17-arch) · Gondola ride on the canals · Kezhi Garden · Yuanjin Buddhist Temple · Local pork belly rice cakes · Traditional handicraft workshops
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.
Highlights: Tongli's intimate canal streets · Retreat & Reflection Garden (Tongli) · Wuzhen West Scenic Zone evening lighting · Traditional blue-and-white calico printing · Canal boat rides in both towns
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.
Highlights: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum · Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling) · Purple Mountain forests · Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall · Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple area · Ming City Walls
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.
Highlights: Puji Temple (major Buddhist monastery) · Fayu Temple in a forest valley · Hundred Step Beach and Thousand Step Beach · Guanyin statue at the southern tip · Forest hiking paths between temples
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.
Highlights: Dongtan Wetland National Reserve (migratory birds) · Chongming Eco-town · Freshly farmed hairy crabs (in season) · Cycling through rice and vegetable fields · Chenjia Town historic settlement
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours to Suzhou and Hangzhou from ¥300-600 include transport and major entry tickets; available from major hotel concierges
- Private
- Private car with driver from ¥800-1500/day; recommended for Tongli/Wuzhen combo or Nanjing
- Public
- High-speed trains to Suzhou and Hangzhou from Hongqiao Railway Station are excellent; tickets on 12306 app
- Rental
- Car rental not recommended without Chinese license; car-sharing apps available for licensed drivers
Day trip 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