Top 4 destinations nearby Shanghai to visit by car

 

Shanghai is a glorious city full of hustle and bustle. But if you are ready for a break from skyscrapers and crowds, here you have a list of the best destinations outside Shanghai where you can slow down a bit in the countryside of China and not far away from Shanghai by car.

 

Shenxianju

Shenxianju is a national scenic attraction in Taizhou, East China’s Zhejiang province and it takes you around 4.5 hours by car to get there. It is famous for its mountain sights and has a large number of naturally-formed waterfalls and deep pools. You can enjoy the spectacular view from the suspension bridge, experience the zipline and ironroad climbing.

 

 

If you want to do more trekking, then Gongyu village is not far away from Shenxianju and is known as Shangri La of the East. Or you can visit Potan Ancient Town where you can find many well-preserved ancient houses and temples.

 

 

Putuoshan

Putuoshan is located in the Zhoushan islands of Zhejiang Province. It takes 4.5 hours to reach there by car. It is the Zhōushān Archipelago’s most celebrated isle and one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains – is the abode of Guanyin, the eternally compassionate Goddess of Mercy.

 

 

This secluded mountain offers an evocative view of the ocean and has long been regarded as the “pure land”. Throughout the year the average temperature is around 20 °C. Besides, you can see bizarre rocks as well as queer cliffs everywhere along the hiking route. Where the mountain connects with the sea, you’ll find a lot of spectacular caves.

 

 

Yangzhou

Yangzhou is a city in Jiangsu province, China. It is around 3.5 hours drive from Shanghai to Yangzhou. A far less-touristy alternative to Suzhou, this city was built on the wealth of its salt merchants. You can visit the Ge Yuan Garden which is considered to be one of the four best gardens in China and also Dongguan Street famous for its Ming and Qing dynasty buildings.

 

 

Yangzhou morning tea brings together the dual features of Cantonese morning tea and northern breakfast, as well as local customs and dietary characteristics of Yangzhou that you definitely must try. The key of drinking morning tea in Yangzhou is pursuing the ‘leisure’.

 

 

Shaoxing

Shaoxing is a city in Zhejiang, 3.5 hours drive from Shanghai to Shaoxing. The city is famous for its traditional Chinese bridges, boats, architecture, wine, and a huge number of textile and cloth factories and production.

 

 

Here, you can enjoy the authentic and classic scenery of water town. Besides, Shaoxing has some antique markets that are really worth visiting. When visiting the markets, you will see there are many old stone archways, flagstone streets along the river as well as delicate small stores.

 

Tianmu Lake

Tianmu Lake is in the south of Liyang City in Jiangsu Province. You can arrive there by car in 3.5 hours. It is famous for its bamboo forest and its hot springs.

 

 

Yushui Hot Springs Resort is hidden in a tranquil and beautiful bamboo forest. The water temperature is between 38ºC to 42ºC (100-108ºF) with rare calcium bicarbonate style hot springs, which is nice for your body.