Had a long and daunting week at the office? Wish to leap out of exhaustion in the short break that you get as a weekend, but have got no idea of where to go? That’s no reason to fret! We are here with the list of easy weekend getaways from Shanghai for a great holiday. As much as you try to make every moment count at work, you also deserve a rejuvenating holiday for an all-round betterment. In Bum Phillips words, “Winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half.” So, find the places, have fun, and enjoy the moment!
The largest, one of the most populous and developed cities in China – Shanghai, represents China’s rapidly improving economy. With the world’s busiest container port, it is the commercial and financial center of China. Not only the city’s development but also Shanghai’s cuisine, architecture, history, and diverse culture are popular beyond the boundaries of China. So, let’s explore the places to visit near Shanghai. These places are worth considering too when planning your Shanghai itinerary, and so is iEagle.com when booking flights to Shanghai.
1. Chongming Island:
Located on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Chongming Island is a peaceful weekend getaway from Shanghai. About one-third of the island is covered in thick forest and the flat terrain of fertile alluvial soil reaping rice, the wetland parks and wildlife reserves on the island take you far away from the restless city.
Rent a bike and ride through the scenic route to Dongping National Forest Park in the center of the island and towards north to Dongtan Wetlands Park. Boasting beautiful lakes and gardens, Dongping National Forest Park is the largest man-made forest in East China. Migratory birds flock here every year from November to March attracting bird-watchers, who gather at Egret Pavilion in the center of the wetland park to catch the sight of the birds.
2. The West Lake in Hangzhou:
The West Lake is an outright destination of every admirer of art and nature! And how can it not be? This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been the inspiration of romantic poets and painters throughout Chinese history. Do not miss the opportunity to be here on your weekend getaway from Shanghai.
The lake has a plethora of tourist attractions! They are popular as ‘Ten Scenes of West Lake’, which include lotus swaying in the breeze, moon over the peaceful lake in autumn, fish viewing at the flower pond, three ponds mirroring the moon, etc. So, go to this tranquil place, breath in the fresh air, and soak in the stunning views of the sunset behind the rolling mountains encircling the West Lake. The three islands within the lake and two pagodas add to the romantic and subtle beauty of the lake. Boating on the lake and or biking/walking around the lake are some of the ideal ways to unravel the beauty of this place!
3.Yellow Mountains in Huangshan City:
Want to experience the ethereal atmosphere like that of the heavens? Then, you must direct your weekend getaway from Shanghai towards Huangshan Mountains. You can either trek the stone-steps of the mountain or travel in cable cars that take you to different peaks up the mountain. Recognized as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the misty Huangshan Mountains are popular for its four sub-wonders i.e. peculiar pines, odd rock formations and their legends, seas of clouds, and hot springs.
The Greeting Guest Pine which looks like a person welcoming guests with open hands is one major attraction on the hillside. The strenuous hike up the Huangshan/ Yellow Mountains can turn all magical in a moment at Celestial Capital Peak, Lotus Peak, and Bright Top where you find yourself standing amidst the sea of clouds! Also, a bath in the hot springs of the Yellow Mountains is recommended to heal your tired muscles. By the end of your trip, you’ll surely appreciate the saying that ‘The fruits of labor are always sweet.”
4. Shanghai Disneyland Park:
Disneyland is definitely a childhood dream for many. Do you not long to land in your dream world? A visit to Shanghai Disneyland Park is highly recommended for a creative and fun-filled weekend getaway from Shanghai. The seven-themed park comprises Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrow land, and Toy Story Land.
You’ll surely lose the track of the time once you involve in exciting attractions like Soaring Over the Horizon, Voyage to Crystal Grotto, Golden Fairytale Fanfare, Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland maze, Ignite the Dream, and many more rides, challenges, stage shows, night-time fireworks, musical parades. All in all, Disneyland mesmerizes people of all ages!
5. Classic Chinese gardens of Suzhou:
A popular Chinese saying goes, “Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou”. With many historical, cultural, aesthetic landmarks and water towns, Suzhou is a must-visit place near Shanghai. This City of Gardens has over 60 well-preserved gardens, nine of which are listed by UNESCO as “World Heritage Sites”.
Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest one with bamboo and pine forests, lotus pools, open courtyards, pagodas, gardens within gardens, ponds connected through narrow streams, stone bridges, and more – every inch of this garden is a sight for sore eyes! The buildings in ‘Lingering Garden’ represent the Qing Dynasty’s architecture while ‘Lion Grove Garden’ earned its name due to many rock formations in the shape of a lion. Each garden in Suzhou is delicately attractive, and so it is one of the popular weekend getaways from Shanghai.
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