Don’t fly to Switzerland or Xinjiang! 2 hours from Shanghai to 4 affordable hidden gems
No need to take leave or squeeze through crowds✨
Depart from Shanghai by high-speed train or self-drive, 2 hours direct, 4 lesser-known secret spots that are simply divine
Little Switzerland of Jiangnan, Little Kanas, Heart-shaped Bamboo Sea, Water Town Secrets all covered
Weekend trips on a whim, photos ready to post straight out of the camera, maximum cost performance📍
☁️ Huzhou Anji | Little Switzerland of Jiangnan
Must-visit spots: Xiaohangkeng Viewing Platform, Jiangnan Tianchi, Zhongnan Herb Garden
Tickets: Xiaohangkeng 49.9 RMB, Jiangnan Tianchi 80 RMB, Zhongnan Herb Garden 150 RMB
Photo spots: Campground No.1 Lawn, Lonely Tree, Alpine Lake, Bamboo Sea Meadow
Transport: 1.5h high-speed train to Anji Station, then 20min taxi; 2h self-drive
Food: Braised dried bamboo shoots with pork, native chicken pot, Anji white tea, about 50 RMB per person to eat to your fill
Highlights: Tens of thousands of acres of bamboo sea + alpine meadows, Swiss-style healing scenery, full of negative oxygen ions, one-stop camping, hiking, oxygen intake, soft light in the morning and evening, forest-style photos easily captured
🎋 Changzhou Liyang | Nanshan Bamboo Sea + Heart-shaped Lake
Must-visit spots: Nanshan Bamboo Sea, Heart-shaped Lake, Jing Lake
Tickets: Nanshan Bamboo Sea 81 RMB, Heart-shaped Lake free
Photo spots: Panoramic view of Heart-shaped Lake, Bamboo Forest Mini Train, Jing Lake Bamboo Raft, Jiming Village
Transport: 1h high-speed train to Liyang Station, 15min taxi; 1.5h self-drive
Food: Tianmu Lake claypot fish head, black rice, pig liver, rich local flavors
Highlights: 35,000 acres of lush bamboo forest rivaling Swiss forests, Heart-shaped Lake clear and green, free entry, bamboo rafting through the bamboo sea, tranquil and healing, perfect for families and couples
🏞️ Shaoxing Xinchang | Little Kanas of Eastern Zhejiang
Must-visit spots: Chuan Yan Nineteen Peaks, Hanfei River, Xiayanbei Village
Tickets: Chuan Yan Nineteen Peaks 60 RMB, Hanfei River free
Photo spots: Feilong Glass Walkway, Hanfei River Big Bend, Sea of Clouds Terraces, Danxia Strange Peaks
Transport: 1.5h high-speed train to Shengzhou Xinchang Station, 20min taxi; 2h self-drive
Food: Xinchang fried rice cakes, taro dumplings, lamb bone soup, carb lovers rejoice
Highlights: Danxia landform + canyon streams, recreating the grandeur of Kanas, misty like a fairyland, filming location for martial arts dramas, stunning for ancient style and natural scenery photography
🪷 Jiaxing Tongxiang | The Pinnacle of Water Towns
Must-visit spots: Wuzhen, Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town
Tickets: Wuzhen East Scenic Area 110 RMB, West Scenic Area 150 RMB; Puyuan Ancient Town free
Photo spots: Wuzhen’s small bridges and flowing water, West Scenic Area night view, Puyuan’s bluestone roads, ancient bridges and eaves
Transport: 20min high-speed train to Tongxiang Station, then bus/taxi; 1.5h self-drive
Food: Tongxiang casserole, Dingsheng cake, braised duck, Wuzhen lamb noodles
Highlights: Authentic Jiangnan water town, avoid crowds by visiting lesser-known ancient towns, white walls and black tiles, small bridges and flowing water, more lively than popular water towns, evening night scenes full of atmosphere
💡 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Dress: Light-colored dresses, casual wear fit all scenes and look great in photos; it’s cool in the mountains early and late, bring a light jacket
2. Trip length: 1-2 days per place is just right, perfect for a relaxed weekend trip
3. Best seasons: Spring and autumn are best, comfortable climate, lush greenery, perfect photo lighting
4. Travel: Book train tickets and accommodations in advance for weekends, arrive at popular spots before 9 AM to avoid crowds
The hidden beauties around Shanghai really can’t be kept secret anymore
No need to spend big flying abroad, world-class scenery just 2 hours away
Plan your weekend now and embark on a healing journey🌿