Shanghai is a bustling city located in eastern China, known for its modern architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. However, if you’re looking to escape the city and explore the surrounding areas, there are many day trips available from Shanghai.
Here are some popular day trip destinations from Shanghai:
Zhujiajiao Water Town: This ancient water town is located about 50 kilometers from Shanghai and is known for its charming canals, bridges, and historic buildings. Visitors can take a boat ride, stroll through the narrow streets, and sample local snacks.
Suzhou: Suzhou is a city known for its beautiful classical gardens, historic water towns, and silk production. Visitors can explore the gardens, take a boat ride along the canals, and visit the ancient water towns.
Hangzhou: Hangzhou is a scenic city located about 170 kilometers from Shanghai and is known for its West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the lake, explore the historic pagodas and temples, and sample the famous Dragon Well tea.
These are just a few examples of the many day trip options available from Shanghai. There are also many tour operators and travel agencies that offer customized itineraries based on your interests and preferences.
Best Shanghai Day Trips
| Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour | Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour | From Shanghai: Private Full-Day Suzhou Gardens | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Duration | 10 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Starting Time | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Meeting Point | From hotel | From hotel | Hotel pick-up |
| Includes | Entrance tickets, Local Chinese style lunch, Boat ride in Zhou Zhuang Village, Guide | Transportation in a private air-conditioned van, guide and driver | Entrance fees, Travel insurance, Transport , Lunch, guide |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Shanghai Day Trips For [2024]
- Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour
- Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour
- From Shanghai: Private Full-Day Suzhou Gardens
- Full-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour and Huangpu River Cruise
- Shanghai: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
- Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour
- Wuzhen Private Full-Day Tour from Shanghai
Best Shanghai Day Trips Reviews
#1. Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour
Suzhou and Zhouzhuang are two of the most beautiful water towns near Shanghai, known for their ancient architecture, charming canals, and traditional way of life. A day tour of these two towns is a popular way to experience their beauty and history.
The tour typically starts in the morning, with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai. The journey to Suzhou takes about an hour, where you will visit the classical gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of the most famous and well-preserved gardens in China. You can also visit the Lingering Garden, which is renowned for its unique rock formations, exquisite buildings, and beautiful water features.
After visiting Suzhou, you will head to Zhouzhuang, which is about an hour’s drive from Suzhou. Zhouzhuang is a beautiful water town known for its ancient bridges, canals, and old-style buildings. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canals, stroll through the narrow streets, and explore the local shops and restaurants.
During the tour, you can also enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample Suzhou and Zhouzhuang’s famous cuisine.
The tour usually ends in the evening, with a return trip to Shanghai. Keep in mind that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and safety protocols may be in place. It’s essential to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your trip.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour
A private city tour of Shanghai is an excellent way to explore the city’s top attractions, learn about its history and culture, and experience its vibrant atmosphere. Here’s what you can expect from an 8-hour private city tour:
The tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai by your private guide and driver. You’ll first head to the famous waterfront promenade known as the Bund, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline and learn about its colonial history.
Next, you’ll visit the historic Yu Garden, which is a beautiful traditional Chinese garden with pavilions, bridges, and rock formations. You can stroll through the garden, enjoy a cup of tea, and browse the nearby shops and markets.
Afterward, you’ll head to the famous French Concession, a historic district known for its charming tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture, and trendy cafes and shops. You can also visit the Shanghai Museum, which is renowned for its vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.
Later, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. You can take an elevator to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city.
The tour also includes a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample Shanghai’s famous cuisine and other regional specialties.
Finally, you can visit the trendy Xintiandi area, known for its mix of modern and traditional architecture, chic restaurants, and bars. You can enjoy some free time to explore the area or do some shopping before returning to your hotel.
A private city tour of Shanghai allows you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. From Shanghai: Private Full-Day Suzhou Gardens
Suzhou is a beautiful city located about 100 kilometers west of Shanghai, known for its classical Chinese gardens, ancient water towns, and rich cultural heritage. A private full-day tour of Suzhou’s gardens is an excellent way to explore the city’s top attractions and learn about its history and culture. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:
The tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai by your private guide and driver. You’ll head to Suzhou, which takes about an hour by car or train.
Upon arrival, you’ll first visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of the most famous and well-preserved classical gardens in China. You can stroll through the garden, admire the exquisite pavilions, bridges, and rock formations, and learn about its history and significance.
Next, you’ll visit the Lingering Garden, which is renowned for its unique rock formations, beautiful water features, and exquisite buildings. You can also explore the nearby Suzhou Museum, which is home to a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit the Master of the Nets Garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its harmonious design and peaceful atmosphere. You can admire the beautiful buildings, ponds, and rock formations and learn about its significance in Chinese culture.
Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the old city of Suzhou, where you can stroll through the narrow streets, see traditional architecture, and visit local shops and markets.
At the end of the tour, you’ll return to Shanghai with your guide and driver, or you can choose to stay overnight in Suzhou and explore more of the city’s attractions and water towns.
A private full-day tour of Suzhou’s gardens allows you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Full-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour and Huangpu River Cruise
Zhujiajiao is a charming water town located about 50 kilometers west of Shanghai, known for its picturesque canals, ancient bridges, and traditional buildings. A full-day tour of Zhujiajiao water town and Huangpu River cruise is an excellent way to explore the town’s top attractions and experience the beauty of the Huangpu River. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:
The tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai by your private guide and driver. You’ll head to Zhujiajiao, which takes about an hour by car.
Upon arrival, you’ll first explore the town’s charming streets and alleys, lined with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants. You can stroll through the ancient bridges, admire the beautiful canals, and learn about the town’s rich history and culture.
Next, you’ll visit the Kezhi Garden, which is a beautiful traditional Chinese garden with pavilions, bridges, and rock formations. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and learn about the garden’s significance in Chinese culture.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll board a Huangpu River cruise, which offers stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline and the Huangpu River. You can enjoy the panoramic views and take memorable photos.
Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the trendy Xintiandi area, known for its mix of modern and traditional architecture, chic restaurants, and bars. You can enjoy some free time to explore the area or do some shopping before returning to your hotel.
A private full-day tour of Zhujiajiao water town and Huangpu River cruise allows you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Shanghai: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
A full-day sightseeing tour of Shanghai is an excellent way to explore the city’s top attractions and learn about its history and culture. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:
The tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai by your private guide and driver. You’ll head to the Bund, which is a famous waterfront area with stunning views of the Huangpu River and the city’s skyline.
Next, you’ll visit the Yu Garden, which is a beautiful traditional Chinese garden with pavilions, rock formations, and water features. You can stroll through the garden, admire its beauty, and learn about its history and significance.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll explore the French Concession area, known for its mix of European and Chinese architecture, trendy cafes, and boutique shops. You can stroll through the tree-lined streets, see the beautiful mansions and villas, and learn about the area’s history and culture.
Next, you’ll visit the Jade Buddha Temple, which is a famous Buddhist temple with beautiful jade statues and traditional Chinese architecture. You can learn about Buddhism and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
Finally, you’ll visit the Shanghai Tower, which is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. You can take the elevator to the observation deck and enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or a location of your choice in Shanghai.
A full-day sightseeing tour of Shanghai allows you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour
A private tour of Shanghai’s highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town is an excellent way to experience the city’s top attractions and explore a charming ancient water town. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:
The tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai by your private guide and driver. You’ll head to the Bund, which is a famous waterfront area with stunning views of the Huangpu River and the city’s skyline. You can take a leisurely walk along the Bund and learn about its history and significance.
Next, you’ll visit the Yu Garden, which is a beautiful traditional Chinese garden with pavilions, rock formations, and water features. You can stroll through the garden, admire its beauty, and learn about its history and significance.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll head to Zhujiajiao Water Town, which is a charming ancient water town located about 50 kilometers west of Shanghai. You can explore the town’s narrow alleys, picturesque canals, and ancient bridges. You can also visit the local temples and museums and learn about the town’s rich history and culture.
Finally, you’ll head back to Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Tower, which is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. You can take the elevator to the observation deck and enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or a location of your choice in Shanghai.
A private tour of Shanghai’s highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town allows you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Wuzhen Private Full-Day Tour from Shanghai
A private full-day tour of Wuzhen from Shanghai is an excellent way to explore one of China’s most beautiful water towns and learn about its history and culture. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:
The tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai by your private guide and driver. You’ll head to Wuzhen, which is a picturesque water town located about 120 kilometers southwest of Shanghai.
Once you arrive in Wuzhen, you’ll explore the town’s narrow alleys, picturesque canals, and ancient bridges. You can visit the local museums and learn about the town’s rich history and culture. You can also take a boat ride along the canals and admire the beautiful scenery.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you can continue to explore the town and visit its famous attractions such as the Hundred-Bed Museum, which is a unique museum showcasing the different styles of traditional Chinese beds.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or a location of your choice in Shanghai.
A private tour of Wuzhen from Shanghai allows you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Make sure to communicate your interests and preferences to your guide so that they can tailor the itinerary to your needs.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.