Five Must-Visit Cities for a Weekend Getaway from Shanghai by High-Speed Rail

Tired of the hustle and bustle of Shanghai? These high-speed rail destinations are perfect for a quick weekend escape. Check them out! 1. Suzhou 🌸 Why go? From Shanghai, you can reach Suzhou in as little as 20 minutes. Stroll along Pingjiang Road Historic District and experience the charm of Jiangnan, with its whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, small bridges, and flowing water. The Humble Administrator's Garden offers scenic beauty at every turn, showcasing the beauty of classical gardens, while the Lion Grove Garden's rock formations are both fun and photogenic. Cost: Tickets to the Humble Administrator's Garden are around CNY 70, and tickets to the Lion Grove Garden are around CNY 40. Accommodation ranges from CNY 300-800 per night, catering to different budgets. Food is also affordable, with Shengjian Mantou (pan-fried buns) and Suzhou-style noodles costing between CNY 20-50 per person. Trip length: 2 days. One day for exploring gardens and another for wandering through the ancient streets, immersing yourself in the Jiangnan atmosphere. 2. Hangzhou 🌿 Why go? A 30-minute high-speed train ride from Shanghai brings you to Hangzhou. West Lake's scenery is breathtaking, with iconic spots like Su Causeway and Broken Bridge offering picturesque views. The China National Tea Museum provides insights into tea culture, and the tea plantations in Longjing Village are stunning. Cost: West Lake is free to enter, and other attractions mostly cost between CNY 20-50. Accommodation ranges from CNY 300-800 per night. Local delicacies like Pian Er Chuan noodles and Dingsheng Cake cost between CNY 20-50 per person. Trip length: 2 days. Explore West Lake on the first day, and visit Longjing Village on the second day to enjoy tea and experience the tranquility of the tea countryside. 3. Nanjing 🏰 Why go? Nanjing is a 1-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai. The magnificent architecture of the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is awe-inspiring, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is steeped in history, and the Qinhuai River scenery at Confucius Temple is poetic. Cost: The Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is free to enter, while the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum costs around CNY 60. Accommodation ranges from CNY 300-800 per night. Local specialties like duck blood vermicelli soup and salted duck cost between CNY 20-50 per person. Trip length: 2 days. Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum on the first day, and explore Confucius Temple and enjoy Nanjing snacks on the second day. 4. Wuzhen 🏡 Why go? Wuzhen is a 1-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai. The night view of Wuzhen West Scenic Area is dreamlike, and the classic Jiangnan water town scenery is captivating. Here, you can stroll through the ancient streets and experience the tranquility and beauty of the old town. Cost: Tickets to Wuzhen West Scenic Area cost around CNY 150. Accommodation ranges from CNY 300-800 per night. Local dishes like Wuzhen pork belly and Dingsheng Cake cost between CNY 20-50 per person. Trip length: 2 days. Explore Wuzhen West Scenic Area on the first day, and visit the East Scenic Area on the second day to experience the town's vibrant atmosphere. 5. Wuxi 🌊 Why go? Wuxi is a 30-minute high-speed train ride from Shanghai. The cherry blossoms at Turtle Head Isle are breathtaking in full bloom, the Buddha statue at Lingshan Grand Buddha is majestic and sacred, and the ancient architecture at Three Kingdoms City is steeped in history. Cost: Tickets to Turtle Head Isle are around CNY 100, and tickets to Lingshan Grand Buddha are around CNY 210. Accommodation ranges from CNY 300-800 per night. Local treats like Xiaolongbao (steamed buns) and sweet taro cost between CNY 20-50 per person. Trip length: 2 days. Visit Turtle Head Isle on the first day, and explore Lingshan Grand Buddha on the second day to experience the charm of Buddhist culture. Escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and unwind in one of these cities this weekend!