Travel in China Part I: Shanghai Day Trips

Now that the much-anticipated Global ECLP Conference in Shanghai is just over a month away, it is a perfect time to start planning that weekend getaway in China. To help our ECLPs choose their destination, I have prepared a three-part “Travel in China” series that will outline my picks for the best travel destinations in China.

Since our conference will be held in Shanghai, here are my picks for Shanghai day trips:

Shanghai

Finding time to explore all Shanghai has to offer is every traveler’s main problem.

• My favorite location in the city is the unique Taikang Lu for shopping, relaxing, and grabbing a coffee. The French Concession also offers a welcome respite from Shanghai’s crowd with its tree-lined neighborhoods and colonial architecture.

• If you welcome the excitement of the crowds, go to Yu Gardens, where tourists can buy an assortment of souvenirs from traditional qípáo dresses to Chairman Mao figurines. 

• Next, visit the Shanghai Planning Museum to witness the history of the city’s remarkable growth and what the city planners have in store for the next generation. 

• For a bird’s eye view of this development, travel to the Pudong side’s Jin Mao Tower, where you can get 360-degree views of the Shanghai area.

• No tour of Shanghai would be complete without grabbing dinner and a drink from any of the 5-star restaurants along the famous Shanghai Bund. At night the Pudong side’s skyline lights is aglow in neon, making visible the many ships traveling down the HuangPu River toward the Pacific.

Hangzhou

Copyright: China Foto PressDescription: One of the most scenic cities in China, Hangzhou surrounds a huge lake (West Lake) where there are pagodas (vertical temples), various cultural sites, and causeways crossing the body of water. The city is known for its natural beauty and its teahouses and silk production. If you go, try the famous Longjing Tea.

Getting there: A high-speed train from Shanghai can get you to Hangzhou in less than two hours.

Accommodations: Although close enough for a day trip, the city has an assortment of hotels with Asian motifs that make a night’s stay preferable.

Time Needed: 1-2 days

Weather: Moderate (30-55 degrees Fahrenheit)

Suzhou

Copyright: Galen R Frysinger

Description: Another scenic city close to Shanghai, Suzhou is famous for its natural beauty, canals, stone bridges, classical Chinese architecture and gardens. It was the silk capital of China in the past and is remarkably well preserved with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Getting there: 45 min train ride from Shanghai

Accommodations: Not necessary – this is a day trip.

Time Needed: 1 day

Weather: Moderate (30-55 degrees Farenheit) 

China experts, please feel free to comment on this blog! The next posting will be on classic tours in China.

Safe travels!

Posted by Jeff