Escape Shanghai for the Weekend: Top 5 Cities for a Short Trip by High-Speed Train

Been working hard in Shanghai? Take a break and relax for the weekend! These cities, accessible by high-speed train, are perfect for short trips. Save this list! 🚄 Suzhou: "The Grace of a Riverside Town in Jiangnan" 🚩 Recommended because: It's only about 20 minutes from Shanghai by train. Stroll along Pingjiang Road Historical Street, and experience the charm of Jiangnan with its white walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water. The Humble Administrator's Garden offers a beautiful scene at every turn, showcasing the beauty of classical gardens. The rockery in the Lion Grove Garden is fun and photogenic. 💰 Cost: For tickets, the Humble Administrator's Garden costs around CNY 70, and the Lion Grove Garden costs around CNY 40. Accommodation costs vary from CNY 300–800 per night, depending on your preference. The food is also inexpensive. You can enjoy pan-fried buns and Suzhou-style soup noodles for an average of CNY 20–50 per person. ⏰ Trip duration: 2 days. Spend one day visiting the gardens and one day strolling through the ancient streets for an immersive experience of Jiangnan's charm. Hangzhou: "A Poetic and Romantic Destination" 🚩 Recommended because: Hangzhou is close to Shanghai, about 1 hour by high-speed train. West Lake is a must-see, beautiful as a painting whether it's sunny or rainy. You can rent a bicycle and ride along the lake, enjoying the breeze. Lingyin Temple is also worth a visit, where you can listen to the ancient temple bells and feel the peace and serenity. 💰 Cost: West Lake is free, Feilai Peak at Lingyin Temple costs CNY 45, and entering the temple requires an additional CNY 30 for incense. Accommodation in an average hotel costs CNY 400–600 per night. Hangzhou cuisine is very distinctive, with Grandma's Kitchen and Green Tea Restaurant costing around CNY 100 per person. ⏰ Trip duration: 2 days. Spend one day enjoying West Lake and one day visiting the ancient temple to relax your body and mind in a poetic atmosphere. Nanjing: "The Charm of an Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties" 🚩 Recommended because: It takes just over 1 hour by high-speed train to get there. Nanjing has a rich historical heritage. Visit Jiming Temple to see the cherry blossoms 🌸 (blooming season is March–April), experience the charm of Jinling Pearl at Xuanwu Lake, and visit the Nanjing Museum to immerse yourself in history. 💰 Cost: Jiming Temple costs around CNY 10, Xuanwu Lake is free, and the Nanjing Museum is free but requires advance booking. Accommodation costs CNY 300–700 per night. Nanjing's cuisine is rich, with duck blood vermicelli soup and salted duck costing an average of CNY 30–80 per person. ⏰ Trip duration: 2 days. Spend one day visiting cultural attractions and one day sampling local cuisine to experience the charm of the ancient capital. Wuzhen: "The Ancient Riverside Town of Dreams" 🚩 Recommended because: It is easy to get to Wuzhen from Shanghai by high-speed train and then by car. Wuzhen is divided into East and West Wuzhen. East Wuzhen is simple and quaint, while West Wuzhen has beautiful night views. Take a gondola ride on West Wuzhen at night and feel like you've traveled back to ancient times. 💰 Cost: East Wuzhen costs CNY 110, West Wuzhen costs CNY 150, and a joint ticket costs CNY 190. Accommodation in waterfront homestays is more expensive, costing CNY 800–1,500 per night, while ordinary inns cost CNY 300–600. Snacks are affordable, with Dingsheng cake and Gousao cake costing an average of CNY 30–50 per person. ⏰ Trip duration: 1–2 days. Take your time to stroll around and experience the peace and beauty of the riverside town. Wuxi: "The Scenery of Taihu Pearl" 🚩 Recommended because: It's only about half an hour away by high-speed train. Yuantouzhu is a must-see attraction. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, maple leaves are fiery in autumn, and you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Taihu Lake. Nanchang Street is quaint, brightly lit at night, and very lively. 💰 Cost: Yuantouzhu costs around CNY 90, and Nanchang Street is free. Accommodation costs CNY 300–600 per night. Wuxi cuisine is mainly sweet, with braised spareribs and Yulan cake costing an average of CNY 50–100 per person. ⏰ Trip duration: 2 days. Spend one day sightseeing and one day eating and enjoying a pleasant weekend. Take advantage of the weekend to escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and relax in these cities! 🥳