2 Hours Direct from Shanghai! Three Little Swiss Towns in Jiangnan, Weekend Quick Getaway to Become Legendary
Within 2 hours by high-speed train or self-driving from Shanghai, no long-distance travel or crowded check-ins needed. These three hidden gem towns feature alpine meadows, lakeside bamboo seas, and cloud sea tea mountains, with scenery comparable to the Swiss countryside. Enjoy a relaxed two-day, one-night weekend trip to unlock your vacation freedom with full forest therapy vibes 🌿
First Stop: Anji, Zhejiang · Little Switzerland of Northern Zhejiang · Bamboo Sea and Cloud Sea Oxygen Bar
Transportation: Shanghai Hongqiao → Anji Station High-speed train about 1.2 hours | Self-driving about 1.8 hours
Keywords: Ten-thousand-acre bamboo sea, alpine lakes, cloud tea mountains, forest hiking
✅ Must-visit spots
· Cloud Grassland: Alpine meadows stretch endlessly, with cloud swings and sky scooters offering an amazing experience. When the sea of clouds surges, it looks just like the Swiss mountains, perfect for photos with a 100% success rate.
· China’s Great Bamboo Sea: Filming location of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," with deep and continuous bamboo forests. Stroll along the bamboo plank road and listen to the rustling bamboo waves, healing all fatigue.
· Jiangnan Tianchi: A high mountain lake hidden atop Tianmu Mountain. Enjoy cycling around the lake, camping, and picnicking with serene lake and mountain views, quiet and off the beaten path.
· White Tea Viewing Platform: Tea mountains turn green in spring, with layers of tea fields surrounding the green hills. Climb up for a panoramic view of lush greenery, every snapshot is a fresh masterpiece.
✅ Must-eat delicacies: Anji bamboo forest chicken, dried bamboo shoots with pork, white tea steamed egg, farmhouse salted fresh soup, black rice
✅ Recommended accommodations: Bamboo Sea Starry Sky Homestay, mountaintop forest cabin, tea field view inn
Second Stop: Liyang, Jiangsu · Little Switzerland of Southern Jiangsu · Lake and Tea Field Secret Spot
Transportation: Shanghai Hongqiao → Liyang Station High-speed train about 1.5 hours | Self-driving about 2 hours
Keywords: Tianmu Lake scenery, ten-thousand-acre tea fields, mountain-water plank roads, hot spring relaxation
✅ Must-visit spots
· Tianmu Lake Scenic Park: Sparkling lake, boat tours surrounded by mountains, climb the Zhuangyuan Pavilion for panoramic views, and enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeside trail.
· Nanshan Bamboo Sea: Bamboo shadows sway, take the ground cable car through the bamboo sea, encounter cute pandas, easy and refreshing oxygen-rich hiking, perfect for family trips.
· Caoshan Tourist Resort: Spring flower seas everywhere, tea fields, bamboo forests, and lakes coexist. Enjoy camping, barbecues, and countryside picking for a slow weekend.
· Pingqiao Stone Dam: The largest artificial stone dam in East China, with a spectacular waterfall. The surrounding forest is quiet, a hidden hiking spot.
✅ Must-eat delicacies: Tianmu Lake claypot fish head, Liyang liver sausage, stir-fried white celery with dried tofu, black rice, tea cake
✅ Recommended accommodations: Tianmu Lake view homestay, tea field hot spring hotel, countryside courtyard
Third Stop: Jiande, Zhejiang · Little Switzerland of Western Zhejiang · Jiangwu Mountain-Water Secret Spot
Transportation: Shanghai Hongqiao → Jiande Station High-speed train about 1.8 hours | Self-driving about 2 hours
Keywords: Xin’an River mist, Danxia mountain-water, riverside plank road, ancient village countryside
✅ Must-visit spots
· Xin’an River Landscape Gallery: Spring river mist drifts, take a boat to see green mountains and ancient villages on both sides, like walking in an ink painting.
· Daci Rock: Hanging temple built on a cliff, unique Danxia landform. Climb high to overlook Xin’an River scenery, when the sea of clouds swirls, it looks like a fairyland.
· Meicheng Ancient Town: Rich heritage of Yanzhou ancient city, with ancient city walls and archway streets full of old charm. Stroll by the river and enjoy the lively local atmosphere.
· Qili Sailing: Scenic section of Fuchun River, take a sailboat downstream, see towering peaks on both sides, and experience the poetic scene of “monkeys’ cries on both banks never cease.”
✅ Must-eat delicacies: Jiande tofu buns, Yanzhou dried vegetable duck, fresh Xin’an River fish, farmhouse chicken soup, mugwort rice cakes
✅ Recommended accommodations: Xin’an River riverside scenic homestay, ancient town specialty inns, forest view homestays
Weekend Quick Getaway Practical Travel Guide
✅ Travel mode: High-speed train is preferred for saving time and effort, with convenient direct bus connections from the station to scenic spots; self-driving offers more freedom with scenic stops along the way.
✅ Best itinerary: Slow travel over two days and one night, visiting 1-2 core attractions per day, avoiding rushed check-ins, focusing on forest-style relaxation.
✅ Outfit suggestions: Light-colored casual wear + comfortable hiking shoes, bring a light jacket (mountain areas have big temperature differences morning and night), fresh and practical for photos.
✅ Budget per person: 500-1000 RMB, all-inclusive for food, accommodation, and activities. Tickets for these niche scenic spots are affordable, offering great value.
✅ Warm tips: Occasional light rain in spring mountain areas, bring a folding umbrella or raincoat; popular homestays are in high demand on weekends, recommend booking 3 days in advance.
No need to travel far to Switzerland or endure long journeys. These three magical little towns just 2 hours from Shanghai hide the most healing Jiangnan mountain and countryside scenery. Weekend quick getaway, just go, and unlock your forest-style vacation time✨