Day Trip Ideas from Shanghi

Question

We will be in Shanghi, for the first time, and will be hiring a driver/guide. We have a few days in the city and have also arranged two day trips so far. First one to Suzhou/Tongli (by car) and the second one to Hangzhou (by train). We think we have 1 more day to play with and looking for additional day trip suggestions we can do with our driver/guide. Thank you!

Answer

With a driver/guide and one extra day from Shanghai, you have several interesting options depending on whether you want cultural experiences, scenic water towns, or historical sites. Here are some suggestions:

Zhujiajiao Water Town: About 1 hour from Shanghai, this charming ancient town features canals, arched stone bridges, and old architecture. A leisurely stroll, boat ride, and tasting local snacks make for a relaxing day trip.
Qibao Ancient Town: Located within Shanghai suburbs, Qibao is smaller than Suzhou/Tongli but offers traditional streets, temples, and street food. Ideal if you want a closer, less time-intensive trip.
Nanjing: About 2-3 hours by car, Nanjing offers rich history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Confucius Temple area. This is a longer day trip but manageable with a private driver.
Wuzhen Water Town: Approximately 2 hours by car, Wuzhen is a larger, scenic water town with museums, canal-side streets, and evening lights. A bit farther than Zhujiajiao, but highly picturesque.
Mount Putuo or Moganshan: For a nature-focused day, Moganshan is a mountain retreat with bamboo forests and hiking trails (2-3 hours drive), while Mount Putuo (Zhejiang province) is a famous Buddhist island with temples, though it may require a longer travel day.

Additional tips for your day trip:

Start early to maximize sightseeing time and avoid traffic.
Check opening hours and local events to avoid closures.
Consider whether you want more cultural immersion (temples, towns) or natural scenery (mountains, rivers) when choosing between options.

With a private driver/guide, any of these day trips can be flexible and tailored to your interests, making it easy to enjoy a full day outside Shanghai without the stress of public transport or tight schedules.

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