The best Shanghai day trips and getaways

Yes, we know that this photo from the Tongli Museum of Ancient Chinese Sex Culture is strategically cut off.

Anji Bamboo Forest: Crouching urbanite, hidden paradise

Anji's Bamboo Forest has been seen by millions -- it provided scenery for the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" -- but is visited by few. (more...)

Your essential Shanghai day trips

If you haven't explored the area around Shanghai, heading the list should be Nanxiang, Tongli, Chongming Island, Songjiang and Sheshan. (more...) 

Jiaxing’s Yuehe Historic Street: A Shanghai day trip on the rocks

Jiaxing (嘉兴), the main waterway of North and South China for 1,700 years, offers a day trip from Shanghai for those looking for peace, quiet, a delicious meal and ... oddly shaped rocks. (more...) 

Putuo's Thousand-Step Beach offers a quiet space to relax.

Eat, pray, surf in Putuoshan

Although better known as Shanghai’s local beach town, Putuoshan is also a hidden Buddhist escape for local devotees and culture seekers. (more...)

Get set for the stars: Visit Shanghai Film Studios

For a 'reel' escape from Shanghai's urban chaos head for Shanghai Film Studios in Sonjiang, where you can walk through the scenes of your favorite movies and possibly see your idols in action. (more...)

Shanghai Thames Town: A little piece of England in China

If you’re tired of Shanghai's concrete monotony, take the metro to nearby Thames Town for some quaint English charm. (more...) 

If you’ve ever wondered what being in one of those hamster exercise balls feels like on water, this attraction at Oriental Land lets you figure it out.

Oriental Land: Weird name, but we love it

Windmills, tanks and bamboo groves make for a fun-filled Shanghai day trip at this alternative theme park. (more...) 

The art of Zen and doing nothing in Xitang

This tiny water town near Shanghai is a tranquil slice of heaven. Sit back, relax and take it all in. (more...) 

Going Dutch: Shanghai's 'Holland Town' brings Europe to the city

The Expo isn't the only place in Shanghai where you can sample some international culture. Skip out to Holland Town for some European charm. (more...)

Xianghai Temple: Shanghai spiritual retreat

Escape your own ignorance with the help of Buddhist monks at Xianghai Temple. It might take more time than a your average Shanghai day trip, but enlightenment is worth it, right? (more...)

Shengsi Island: Seafood lovers' paradise

This Shanghai day trip has sun, sand and lots and lots of seafood. Skip breakfast, don your crocs and hop on a boat to gorge yourself on fresh fish, wriggling shrimp and the specialty, hairy clams. (more...)