Shanghai

Question

I will be landing in Shanghai on 25-12 early morning and leaving late night 02-01. My first visit to China. I want to explore a couple of water towns (maybe Suzhou and Nanjing) but I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any other trips? Or is it too short for the first time?

Also, where is the best place to enjoy NYE?

Answer

Your trip from 25th December to 2nd January gives you about 9 full days in Shanghai, which is a decent amount of time for a first visit. You can certainly explore Shanghai itself and also do 1–2 day trips to nearby cities or water towns, but keep in mind that traveling to multiple cities like Suzhou and Nanjing in a short period can feel rushed.

Suggestions for day trips and nearby destinations:

Suzhou: Famous for its classical gardens, canals, and silk industry. It is about 30–40 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train. Ideal for a full-day trip.
Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen: These are traditional water towns with picturesque canals. They are slightly smaller and quieter than Suzhou, around 1–1.5 hours from Shanghai, perfect for a half-day or full-day excursion.
Nanjing: Historical city with Ming dynasty city walls, Confucius Temple, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Travel takes roughly 1.5–2 hours by high-speed train from Shanghai. A full day or an overnight stay is recommended.
Hangzhou: About 1 hour from Shanghai by train, famous for West Lake, tea plantations, and scenic views. Highly recommended if you want a nature-focused day trip.

For your Shanghai itinerary itself, consider:

The Bund and Huangpu River for the iconic skyline and evening lights.
Yu Garden and Old City for traditional Chinese architecture and street food.
French Concession for boutique shops, cafes, and a relaxed stroll.
Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views.

For New Year’s Eve (NYE):

The Bund is the most popular spot, with crowds gathering to see fireworks and enjoy the city lights.
Many high-end bars and restaurants in Lujiazui offer NYE dinners and rooftop views of the skyline.
People also celebrate at Xintiandi or along Nanjing Road with festive events and live music.

Tips:

Book high-speed train tickets in advance, especially around the New Year period.
Prioritize one water town if you want a relaxed experience; trying to do both Suzhou and Nanjing might feel rushed.
Check the weather forecast; late December can be cold and damp in Shanghai, so dress warmly.

Overall, your plan is manageable, but focus on 1–2 nearby cities or water towns and spend the rest of your time exploring Shanghai’s rich culture and cuisine to make the most of your first trip to China.

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