Departing from Shanghai: Where you can travel during Labour holiday?
Labour Day(劳动节) in China is a national holiday celebrated from May 1st to May 5th this year. During this time, many Chinese citizens take advantage of the extended holiday to travel domestically or internationally. In this May Day Special series, we will recommend some nearby touristic cities departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu.
Departing from Shanghai
Nestled at the heart of China’s eastern coast, Shanghai stands as a dynamic transportation hub, facilitating seamless journeys to nearby cities and beyond. With its extensive railway network, including high-speed trains racing to key destinations across the region, Shanghai serves as a gateway to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of neighboring provinces.
Shanghai to Nanjing
Nanjing(南京) is one of the oldest cities in Chinese civilization, and is one of the four ancient capitals of China. It is known as the “ancient capital of six dynasties” and the “city of ten dynasties”. It has a rich cultural heritage and rich historical sites.
Transportation
The preferred mode of transportation from Shanghai to Nanjing is undoubtedly the high-speed train, departing regularly from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arriving at Nanjing South Railway Station. The swift journey covers the distance between the two cities in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Attractions
- Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area 秦淮河夫子庙
The Qinhuai River Scenic Area of Confucius Temple is centered on Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River is the axis. It includes surrounding scenic spots such as Zhanyuan, Wuyi Lane, Dongshuiguan and other attractions, as well as the streets and residences on both sides of the Qinhuai River. It is known as the “Ten Miles of Qinhuai River”.
2. Zhongshan Scenic Area 钟山风景区
Zhongshan has been known as one of the “Four Famous Mountains in Jiangnan” since ancient times. Zhongshan Scenic Area has both historical sites and natural scenery. It is mainly composed of three major scenic spots: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum(孙中山纪念堂), Ming Xiaoling Tomb(明孝陵), Linggu Temple(灵谷寺), Meiling Palace(美玲宫), and other scenic spots. It is a famous national scenic spot.
Food
Duck blood and bean-starchy vermicelli soup 鸭血粉丝汤
Nanjing Salted Duck 南京盐水鸭
Shanghai to Ninbo
Ningbo(宁波), also known as Yongcheng, is a prefecture-level city in Zhejiang Province, a famous historical and cultural city, and an important port city on the southeast coast. Ningbo is dominated by plains and hills, with fresh air, distinct four seasons and numerous natural scenery.
Transportation
The preferred mode of travel from Shanghai to Ningbo is undoubtedly the high-speed train, departing regularly from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arriving promptly at Ningbo Railway Station. Covering the distance between these bustling cities in approximately 2 hours.
Attractions
- Tianyi Pavilion 天一阁
Tianyi Pavilion Scenic Area consists of Tianyi Pavilion Museum and Moon Lake. Tianyi Pavilion was built in the 40th year of Jiajing reign in the Ming Dynasty. It is the earliest existing private library pavilion in China. It has a long history and rich cultural value. It has the reputation of “the only pavilion in the world that has collected books for thousands of years”.
2. The Old Bund 老外滩
The Old Bund is built along the Yong River and retains a large number of old buildings. The main attractions are the Catholic Church, the Hot Spring Club, Yan’s Villa, and the Yongjiang Bridge. The fusion of Eastern and Western culture, with its antique charm, has become a landmark of Ningbo.
3. Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town 石浦渔港古城
Shipu Fishing Port Ancient town is one of the four largest fishing ports in China and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ningbo. Here you will find traditional fisherman style and folk culture, where you can taste fresh seafood and feel the unique marine cultural atmosphere.
Food
Oil Zanzi 油赞子
Red crab 红膏炝蟹
Shanghai to Suzhou
Suzhou(苏州) is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province. It has been called a paradise on earth by literati since ancient times, and was also exclaimed as the “Venice of the East” by Marco Polo. Suzhou has always been famous for its beautiful landscapes and elegant gardens.
Transportation
For travelers journeying from Shanghai to Suzhou, the high-speed train emerges as the favored choice, departing frequently from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arriving swiftly at Suzhou Railway Station. Spanning the distance between these two iconic cities in approximately 30 minutes.
Attractions
- Humble Administrator’s Garden 拙政园
Built in the early years of Zhengde in the Ming Dynasty (early 16th century), it is a representative work of Jiangnan classical gardens. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is divided into three parts: east, middle and west. The east garden is spacious and spacious, the middle garden is the essence of the whole garden, and the west garden has exquisite architecture and each has its own characteristics.
2. Pingjiang Road 平江路
Pingjiang Road is a historical old street in Suzhou, a small road along the river, with a total length of about 1.6 kilometers. It is the most complete preserved area of the ancient city of Suzhou so far, and can be called the epitome of the ancient city.
Food
Squirrel mandarin fish 松鼠桂鱼
Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs 阳澄湖大闸蟹
So what is your decision on choosing which city as your next travel spot? Follow us to stay tuned the with latest updates, and continue reading our new articles about May Day Special series. The next departing city is from Beijing, capital of China. We will unlock some new cities for your China travel bucket lists:)
