Situated on the central coast of China, Shanghai is the nation’s largest city and a global financial hub. Indeed, this city offers the best of China, from the ever famous Yu Garden to Oriental Pearl TV Tower, from Waibaidu Bridge to The Bund, just to name a few. One day is not enough to explore all the wonderful attractions in Shanghai. There are also plenty of destinations near Shanghai that are worth your time. Beijing offers the Great Wall. Xian has the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Suzhou features astonishing canals. With all of these, it would be regretful if you miss visiting such places. Read more in this article and see our list of the best day trips from Shanghai, China.
1. Hangzhou (from USD 169.0)
If you happen to be in Shanghai, visiting Hangzhou, which is two to three hours away, could be an unexpected highlight of your journey. Visiting Zhejiang Province is worth your time, thanks to the beauty of Hangzhou. It is the capital of the province and offer lots of amazing things to see and do, from admiring the architecture of Six Harmonies Pagoda to visiting Meijawu Tea Village and cruising on West Lake. If time is limited and you want to explore the beauty of Hangzhou in one day, then join this amazing Hanzhou day trip from Shanghai. This tour will have you covered from entrance fees to round-trip transportation and lunch.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Craving an escape from the commonplace cherry blossom scenes of Japan? Seek the extraordinary by choosing Shanghai as your travel destination from late March to April. As the city awakens from its winter slumber, it transforms into a floral haven with plum and cherry blossoms blossoming in unison. Venture into one of the city's numerous parks, where pathways are adorned with confetti-like cherry blossom petals. And who knows, amid these vibrant petals, you might chance upon a playful feline companion, gracefully frolicking in the midst of nature's splendor!
Hangzhou: Heaven on Earth Day Trip from Shanghai including West Lake Cruise
Duration: 10 hours
2. Suzhou (from USD 209.0)
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is another interesting target for a day trip destination from Shanghai. Suzhou is just one-and-a-half-hours’ drive away from Shanghai and less than one hour away if you ride on the bullet train. Spectacular bridges, breathtaking gardens, and canals - that’s what you can see in Suzhou. If you truly want to enjoy Suzhou’s best offers in one day, joining this wonderful tour is a must. This approximately eight-hour tour allows you to explore the historic architecture of the town.
Suzhou Private Customized Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train
Duration: 8 hours
3. Wuzhen and Xitang (from USD 284.0)
If you love to explore historic and amazing towns, Wuzhen and Xitang must be included in your bucket list. These two wonderful ancient towns are approximately an hour and a half away from Shanghai which make them great choices for day trip destinations. Situated in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, Wuzhen is a charming town that successfully preserved its ancient beauty. On the other hand, Xitang is your refuge if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai with its wonderful canals, old-world architecture, and cobbled streets. Luckily, this amazing tour with a private guide and vehicle is here which will allow you to enjoy your escapade to the fullest.
Shanghai to Wuzhen, Xitang: Private 12-Hour Tour, Meal, Cruise
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
4. Nanjing City (from USD 298.0)
Ah, Nanjing. This is another gem that you can take into consideration when you are in Shanghai. Nanjing is 300 km (186 mi) away from Shanghai, which can be traveled by bus, bullet train, or plane. Situated in the eastern part of Jiangsu province, Nanjing boasts wonderful and famous attractions like Zhonghua Gate (a 14th-century massive wall), Confucius Temple, and Heaven Palace. If time is limited, you can book this amazing day trip tour from Shanghai to Nanjing via bullet train. This tour allows you to customize your itinerary however you want.
Private Flexible Nanjing City Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train
Duration: 10 hours
5. Zhouzhuang and Jinxi (from USD 138.0)
If you want to be close to the water, then visiting two of China’s famous water towns near Shanghai is a must. Shanghai is 54 km (33.55 mi) and 60 km (37.28 mi) to Jinxi and Zhouzhuang respectively. Known to be one of the world’s most beautiful towns because of its historic canals and picturesque setting, resplendent Zhouzhuang never ceases to amaze visitors. Meanwhile Jinxi, a 2,000-year-old town, is famous for its stunning 36 bridges. Dying to go now? Then, book this eight-hour day tour to Zhouzhuang and Jinxi. It is a great deal to save time and money.
Mini Group: One-Day Zhouzhuang and Jinxi Water Town Tour
Duration: 8 hours
6. Luzhi (from USD 282.0)
Approximately an hour and a half’s drive away, you can explore another exciting water town from Shanghai. Luzhi’s breathtaking ancient bridges and wonderful waterways make it a great place for some photo op. Rich culture, traditional local’s costumes, lovely maidenhair trees, old stone bridges, serene atmosphere - all of these contribute to Luzhi’s charm and character that has lured plenty of visitors from all over the world. If you don’t know where to start, this private Luzhi water town tour from Shanghai has done all the work for you. This option conveniently allows you to customize your tour which comes with licensed tour guides, vehicles, lunch.
Private Luzhi Water Town Tour from Shanghai With Chinese Lunch
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
7. Beijing (from USD 950.0)
Beijing, China’s capital, is a combination of old-world charm and modern beauty. Forbidden City complex, Tiananmen Square, National Museum of China–these are just a few of the many attractions that you can experience. You might be in Shanghai now and dying to see one of the most successful man-made wonders of the world, the Great Wall. Luckily, this amazing one-day tour to Beijing from Shanghai is here. This tour allows you to explore Beijing’s best offers, from unraveling the ancient secrets of the Forbidden City and exploring the Great Wall of China.
Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City
Duration: 14 hours
8. Zhujiajiao (from USD 90.0)
Zhujiajiao Water Village is just a short distance away from Shanghai, approximately 50 km (31. 07 mi) away, which makes the water village perfect if you are looking for a quick day trip destination. Situated in the district of Qingpu, Zhujiajiao is home to plenty of archaeological findings dating back thousands of years. It also boasts world-class attractions like Kezhi Garden and Silk Museum. If you want to start your Zhujiajiao escapade, this wonderful half-day tour will help you. The tour also includes a sumptuous traditional meal.
Zhujiajiao Water Village Half Day Tour-Group Tour
Duration: 5 hours
9. Tongli (from USD 173.0)
Another waterfront gem that allows you to take a break from the world is Tongli Water Village. This old village allows you to see what life in China was like before. Tongli is famous for its natural and manmade beauties, from wonderful canals to breathtaking scenery and centuries-old houses. Less than one hour and a half away from Shanghai, you can enjoy the beauty and serene atmosphere of this village. To save you time and worry, this all-inclusive private tour from Shanghai is a great deal. Included in the package are air-conditioned vehicle, gondola tour experience, tour to Tuisi Garden, a traditional local lunch, and more.
Shanghai, Tongli Water Village All-Inclusive Day Tour, Pickup
Duration: 7 hours
10. Xian (from USD 670.0)
Another magnificent city that you should not miss is Xian. This large city is the capital of Shaanxi Province. It takes pride in presenting world-class archaeological sites. Have you heard about Bingmayong (Terra Cotta Army) and Horses Museum? Xian is also the origin of plenty of iconic Chinese personalities like Qin Shi Huang (China’s first emperor). If you’ve got limited time, then join this whole day Xian tour from Shanghai via plane which includes round-trip airport transfers.
Private 1 Day Xian Tour from Shanghai by Flight
Duration: 15 hours
Extend the fun from Shanghai
Shanghai is the biggest city in China which means there are always things to do and see. It is also a good starting point to discover the best offers of nearby towns. Our advice? Extend the fun from Shanghai!
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