Weekend Getaways from Shanghai for Expats
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Living in Shanghai as an expat offers endless excitement, but sometimes you just need to escape the urban hustle. Luckily, within a few hours’ travel, you’ll find serene water towns, lush mountains, and even beachside retreats. Here’s a curated list of the best weekend getaways from Shanghai that cater to expats looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.
Just an hour from downtown Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is one of the most accessible water towns. Stroll along ancient stone bridges, hop on a gondola, and explore narrow alleyways lined with traditional shops. Don’t miss the Kezhi Garden, a beautifully preserved Ming Dynasty garden.
Why expats love it:
- Easy day trip or overnight stay
- Authentic local snacks like sticky rice dumplings (zongzi)
- Great for photography
A bit farther (2.5 hours by car), Wuzhen is larger and more touristy but worth the trip. Divided into East and West Scenic Zones, this UNESCO-listed town offers well-preserved architecture, artisan workshops, and night-time light displays.
Pro tip: Stay overnight to experience the town after the day-trippers leave.
A 3-hour drive from Shanghai, Moganshan is a favorite among expats for its cool climate and lush scenery. Originally a summer retreat for foreigners in the early 1900s, it’s now dotted with boutique hotels and hiking trails.
Must-do activities:
- Hike to Jianchi Lake
- Visit a tea farm for a tasting session
- Stay in a renovated colonial villa
For a more ambitious weekend trip (4-5 hours by high-speed rail), Huangshan delivers breathtaking landscapes. The jagged peaks, often shrouded in mist, are straight out of a traditional Chinese painting.
How to make the most of it:
- Take the cable car up and hike down
- Stay at a mountaintop hotel for sunrise views
- Explore Hongcun Village, a UNESCO-listed ancient town nearby
If you’re craving sun and sand, Sanya is China’s answer to Hawaii. A 3-hour flight from Shanghai, it offers luxury resorts, clear waters, and fresh seafood.
Best beaches:
- Yalong Bay – Upscale and tranquil
- Dadonghai – Lively with beach bars
- Wuzhizhou Island – Snorkeling paradise
For something closer, the Zhoushan Archipelago (4-5 hours by car/bus) is a hidden gem. Putuo Mountain, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, is a highlight.
What to do:
- Visit Dongji Island for pristine beaches
- Try fresh seafood at Shenjiamen Fishing Port
- Explore Buddhist temples on Putuo Mountain
Only 30 minutes by high-speed rail, Suzhou is perfect for a cultured weekend. Known as the "City of Gardens," its classical Chinese landscapes are UNESCO-protected.
Top attractions:
- Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan)
- Pingjiang Road – A historic pedestrian street
- Suzhou Silk Museum – Learn about silk production
About 1.5 hours by train, Nanjing offers a mix of imperial history and vibrant city life. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Confucius Temple are must-sees.
Bonus: Visit Purple Mountain for hiking and panoramic views.
Around 4 hours from Shanghai, Qiandao Lake is perfect for outdoor lovers. Rent a bike, kayak, or just relax by the emerald-green waters.
Unique experience: Visit Shi Cheng, an ancient submerged city visible in clear waters.
Famous as the filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Anji (3 hours away) is a nature lover’s dream.
Don’t miss:
- Anji Bamboo Forest
- Zhejiang Grand Canyon
- Local farm stays for fresh organic meals
Less than an hour by high-speed rail, Hangzhou is ideal for a gourmet weekend. West Lake is stunning, but the food scene steals the show.
Must-try:
- Dongpo Pork (braised pork belly)
- Longjing tea (visit a plantation)
- Beggar’s Chicken (clay-baked chicken)
A 2.5-hour train ride brings you to Yangzhou, known for its Huaiyang cuisine and historic canals.
Signature dishes:
- Yangzhou fried rice
- Lion’s Head meatballs
- Steamed dumplings (xiaolongbao)
A 4-hour drive from Shanghai, Tianmushan is a peaceful retreat with ancient temples and lush forests.
Highlights:
- Tianmu Mountain National Park
- Zen Buddhist temples
- Local homestays with farm-to-table dining
Just 1.5 hours away, Chongming offers wetlands, cycling trails, and organic farms.
Best for:
- Birdwatching at Dongtan Wetland Park
- Cycling along the Yangtze River
- Trying Chongming’s famous hairy crabs (in season)
Whether you’re into history, nature, food, or just unwinding, these weekend getaways from Shanghai offer something for every expat. Pack light, grab your camera, and start exploring!
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Author: Shanghai Travel
Link: https://shanghaitravel.github.io/travel-blog/weekend-getaways-from-shanghai-for-expats.htm
Source: Shanghai Travel
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