4 Hidden Summer Getaway Cities Near Shanghai: So Cool You Won't Want to Leave

Skip the crowded Moganshan and Anji! These underrated destinations near Shanghai offer cool summer temps around 25°C with stunning scenery and fewer tourists - you'll even save on AC bills! 🍃 1. Suichang, Zhejiang: 🌡️Avg summer temp: 26℃ 📍Highlights: Zhejiang's southern secret with 83% forest coverage, recommended by Lonely Planet! - Must-do: - Nianjianyan Cliff: Sea of clouds + glass walkway at sunrise feels like fairyland - Dushan Ancient Village: Ming Dynasty stone village by Wuxi River, try catching fish - Fenglu Hotpot: Slow-cooked local pork with tofu & bamboo shoots - mind-blowing flavor! 🚗Transport: High-speed rail to Lishui + 1.5h drive (SUV recommended for mountain roads) 2. Liyang, Jiangsu: 🌡️Avg summer temp: 27℃ 📍Highlights: "Bamboo Sea Town" at Jiangsu-Anhui border, featured in A Bite of China - Must-do: - Stay in Nanshan Bamboo Sea homestays, ride trains through bamboo forests to see pandas - Tianmu Lake Water Park: Night light shows + wave pool for ultimate cooling - Tianmu Lake Fish Head Soup: 3-hour claypot stew with milky white broth 🚗Transport: High-speed rail from Nanjing/Hangzhou + direct buses between attractions 3. Pan'an, Zhejiang: 🌡️Avg summer temp: 24℃ 📍Highlights: "Zhejiang's Heart", filming location for The Untamed - Must-do: - Hike Shibao Glacier Valley: Wade through icy streams between canyons - Wushi Village: Ancient volcanic stone village where nights need light blankets - Pan'an Cloud Peak Tea: Fresh high-mountain tea paired with local honey 🚗Transport: Self-drive via Hang-Shao-Tai Expressway, or train to Yiwu + bus 4. Chongming Island (Hengsha), Shanghai: 🌡️Avg summer temp: 28℃ 📍Highlights: Shanghai's only zero-industry island - 15min bike ride to sea! - Must-do: - Bike around Hengsha Island: Windmill dams perfect for Japanese-style photos - Dongtan Wetland: Catch tidal flats at sunset with egrets returning home - Chongming Cake + White Goat: Locals' most recommended traditional flavors 🚢Transport: 40min speedboat from Wusong Port (bikes allowed) 📌Summer Tips: - Mountain areas get sudden rain - pack foldable umbrellas & mosquito repellent - Book Liyang/Suichang homestays 2 weeks in advance! - Pair Chongming with Changxing Island (filming location for Cry Me a Sad River) Even locals haven't explored all these spots - save this guide for your crowd-free summer escape!