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20 Breathtaking Cities Within 6 Hours of Shanghai

ShanghaiWOWeng 2018-11-29


Whether you’re doing it to escape the heat or the monotony of Shanghai, planning a nice getaway from your busy city life is always a good idea. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of 20 destinations that are reasonably within no more than five hours away from Shanghai. Have a look and enjoy your much-deserved mini-vacation!



Under 2 hours

Huangshan (1hr 10mins)



Located in Anhui province, Mount Huangshan is famous for its knife-like peaks, low-hanging clouds, distinctively-shaped granite rocks and twisted pine trees. This mountain has inspired many classical poems and paintings. This is a destination definitely worth the short journey.



The mountain is one of the five famous mountains in China and was made a UNESCO heritage site in 1990.



Aside from the beauty of Mt. Huangshan, there are side excursions to take including a visit to Emerald Valley. Emerald Valley is also known as “Lovers Valley” because of its scenic and mesmerizing beauty. It is 6km stretch of waterway at the foothills of Mt. Huangshan. But what is amazing about it is the vibrant green of its waters.



If this spot looks familiar to you, that’s because it’s one of the filming sites of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.



But more famously, this area is known for the ancient towns of Hong Cun and Xidi, which are recognized by UNESCO for preserving the architectural elements representing the ancient Ming and Qing dynasties.




Jin’an (1hr 40mins)



Fly for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by plane and you’ll find yourself in the “Spring City” of Jin’an, which has long been referred to using its nickname because of the four springs that prevail during the year: Baotu Spring, Heihu (Flying Tiger) Spring, Wulong (Five Dragon) Spring and Zhenzhu (Pearl) Spring. Jin’an produced a lot of talents in history like Li Qingzhao — a famous female poet of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and Bian Que — a medical scientist of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC). The renowned Chinese poet Li Bai wrote many poems about the scenic views and cultural relics of Jin’an. And once you get into the city, you will understand why he was praising its nature so much, because Jin’an really has a lot to offer. 




A section of The Great Wall passes through the city; the Simen Stone Pagoda was built in the Sui Dynasty, and the spectacular Thousand-Buddha Mountain, Red Leaves Valley, Daming Lake and more panoramic spots in the region make this city a worthwhile destination with over 4,000 years of iconic history.



Qingdao (1hr 45mins)



Located on the Shandong Peninsula and overlooking the Yellow Sea, this coastal city is the hometown of the popular Qingdao beer brand.



Just less than 2 hours away by plane, this city is perfect if you are a beer lover as they play host to their annual beer festival every August. Even if you decide to visit when such festivals aren’t scheduled to make an appearance, you will still be mesmerized by the sprawling beaches and beer trucks selling fresh supplies of Qingdao all over the city. You can also visit the factory where you see the beer being freshly made.



Aside from beer, you can catch a glimpse of old German architecture. The best time to go to Qingdao is in the summer when temperatures usually average 27-28 degrees Celsius (high).


Xiamen (1hr 50mins)



Less than a 2-hour flight away is one of the most beautiful places in China. Xiamen is located on the southeastern cost of Fujian Province and considered to be one of the cleanest sea ports in the country, boasting a wide gulf with deep waters. The city is surrounded by picturesque views and numerous beaches, attracting more and more tourists not only for its scenery within the city but also with mind-boggling spots nearby. 



Take a 10-minute-long ferry to the Gulangyu Island, also known as the Piano Island for its romantic flair and charming Victorian-era style European buildings. Xiamen is also the best getaway to Tulou, a living UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is not only the cluster of Hakka culture (dates back to the 12th century) but also the most extraordinary type of Chinese rural dwellings reserved up until now. Serving as accommodation buildings and defensive constructions, all the tulles are circular and rectangular in shape and mostly dwelt by a single clan of several generations. 



Taipei (1hr 50mins)



To be super accurate, it will take you 1 hour and 55 min to get to the capital of Taiwan, a city with a crazy mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western cultures. The food, art, culture and architecture have colossal influences brought from different corners of the world which we highly recommend you experience for yourself,



Take a bike and explore the wide expanse of tea fields, river parks, and numerous hot springs. If you decide to stay in the city, don’t miss out on the Minnan-style temples adorned with distinct decorative art. Or take a walk along the heritage lanes. Dihua street, for instance, has long been famous for its fabric market and Chinese medicine shops. After a row of restorations, it also got crammed with restaurants, cafes, art studios, and other spots to get your portion of a new life in the city. 



Take a stroll through the neon-lit neighborhoods when it gets dark and finish your adventurous day in one of the many bars in the area. But something tells me that this day will last way longer that you may have expected; indeed Taipei is a city full of surprises.



Under 3 hours


Seoul (2hrs 5mins)



A little over 2 hours away by plane lies Seoul, the capital and largest metropolis in South Korea. The city bursts with dynamic vibes and places to get lost in. It is also a haven for passionate foodies, proving an extremely big variety of snacks and dishes to tuck into. Have a sip of Soju with locals and make yourself disappear in the buzzing downtown, visit the Dongdaemun or Namdaemun night markets, and party in Itaewon or Hongdae afterwards. 



Explore another side of the city and go to Bukchon Hanok Village, home to approximately 900 hanok and the largest concentration of traditional Korean homes. 



You can also choose to take a tour inside Seoul’s five main palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty: Changdeokgung, the primary royal residence until 1872; Changgyeonggung, the Summer Palace of the Goryeo King going back to the 15th century; Deoksugung, a massive walled compound of palaces built in different styles, including some of painted wood, cryptomeria wood and stucco; Gyeongbokgung, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, and Gyeonghuigung as a special treat. All the spots are surrounded by fluffy mountains behind and streams, providing the best fengshui ever.



Hong Kong (2hrs 30mins)



Hong Kong’s skyline surrounding the Victoria Harbor is quite a memorable sight. This former British colony really does have everything. From city to nature; skyscrapers to excellent hiking; Michelin star dining to no-name bakeries in fishing towns; international spots to Cantonese places where not a word of English is spoken; craft breweries to upscale cocktail bars, and local breakfast stands to high-end imported dessert shops, there’s something for everyone!



Xian (2hrs 40mins)



Located less than a 3-hour flight away in northwestern China is Xi’An, one of the oldest cities in the country and the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the Republic. As the starting point of the Silk Road, it has always been a home for poets, merchants, emperors and courtesans. Unfortunately, its glory ended in the early 10th century, and in recent times the city mostly became famous among tourists around the world for the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.



So if you still haven’t seen those warriors standing still inside a huge warehouse, you have all the chances to make it real. But there is, of course, many other areas of the city worth visiting like the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi or the Muslim Quarter. 2-3 days spent in the city will be enough to enlighten yourself in the most historical site of Zhongguo. 



Macau (2hrs 45mins)



Less than three hours away, you can take a direct flight from Shanghai to the former Portuguese colony of Macau which was returned to China in 1999. Now famous for its many casinos, you can still experience the flavor of colonial Macau through architecture and cuisine.



With Portuguese influences still strong within the city, you can walk through the historic city center which is a recognized UNESCO site and throughout the town. From old churches to bakeries, it’s easy to forget you are in China with some locals still speaking in Portuguese.



If you want to try your luck at gambling, you can take a pick from one of the many casinos in the area.



Tokyo (2hrs 45mins)


Photo source: Livejapan


Located over two hours away from Shanghai, you can easily fly to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. From the most beautiful cherry blossom displays to the freshest seafood, innovative technology and interesting architectural designs, this city has it all.



It is one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. 



Whether you spend an afternoon at the Imperial Palace or walk through Rikugien Garden, you can experience the beautiful landscaping and numerous scenic trails.


Photo source: Japan-Guide


Some of the must see’s in the city include the Tsukiji Fish Market, which is known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. A visit to Tsukiji Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants. There are restaurants both in the inner and outer market area which are typically open from 5 in the morning to around noon or early afternoon. Beginning October 8th 2018, the market will relocate to Toyosu and will reopen as the Toyosu Market.


Photo source: Japan Guide


Also, a visit to Harajuku will prove entertaining to see the hip and young fashion trends. And if you enjoy shopping, the bustling area of Shibuya will satisfy all your needs. Over a dozen major department store branches can be found around the area, thus catering to all types of shoppers.


Photo source: Japan Guide


A prominent landmark of Shibuya is the large intersection in front of the station's Hachiko Exit. The intersection is heavily decorated by bright neon-lit advertisements and giant video screens and gets flooded by pedestrians each time the crossing light turns green, making it a popular photo and movie filming spot.


Zhangjiajie (2hrs 25mins)



Take a 2-hour flight to travel to Zhangjiajie. This scenic spot has attracted the attention of many tourists following the release of the movie Avatar. The Hallelujah Mountains were inspired exactly by the precarious peaks of the National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie. Limpid streams, cliff paths, massive karst caves and dense forests, it will take you at least 2 days to explore. And there is another area that is also worth a trip. The Tianmen Mountain will require far less walking, but still there is a lot of picturesque spots to delve into. There is also a cable car there featuring even more beautiful views. 



Guilin (2hrs 55mins)



Guilin is a city in southern China known for its dramatic landscape of limestone karst hills, so a riverboat journey on the Li River is one of the best ways to see the majestic sites. Also, expect to visit the limestone cave. The Reed Flute cave is one of the more famous ones in the area.



Another way to experience Guilin is at the Yaoshan Mountain Scenic Resort. On the cable car ride you can experience the peaks of mountains hiding behind the clouds.



But that’s not all. A visit to the old town of Daxu is also worth it. The ancient village of Daxu somehow managed to make time stand still and has maintained its antique architecture and traditional way of life.



Probably the most popular attraction in Daxu is its ancient street. Stretching about 2.5km, the street is noted for its bluestone pavement made smooth from a thousand years worth of carts, shoes and weather.


Photo source: Tripadvisor @user Antonella L


Under 4 hours


Hanoi (3hrs10mins)



If you’re looking for a cultural journey that is not jam-packed with activities, Hanoi is the perfect city for you.


One pillar temple


The capital of Vietnam is located in the country’s northern region. Seeped in history and culture, Hanoi is a blend of South East Asian, Chinese and French influences. There is plenty to see, eat and experience.  


One Pilar Pagoda. Photo source: Vietnam Tourism


Consider going to a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and walk through the old town and the Colonial quarters.



Not only are there a ton of eateries on the street, but Hanoi is a coffee town so there are plenty of street side cafés.



If city gazing isn’t your cup of tea, you can drive about two hours out of Hanoi and join a cruise to see the limestone mountains and caves of Halong Bay.


Photo source: Halong Bay



Chengdu (3hrs 25mins)



Chengdu is a bit more than 3 hours away, but still we HAD to include it in our list. The city is not particularly famous for its picturesque views and dazzling nature, but frankly speaking, it has a lot to show off. The first thing is the decent local food, the Sichuan specialties like Dan Dan noodles, Braise Pork Guokui and Chen Mapo Tofu are fairly deserved their popularity all over the country. 



Chengdu has also been famous as a very “laid-back” city, making a huge emphasize on culture and leisure so you can expect to see quite a lot of green spaces around the city. But the most important thing that Chengdu hordes rush to see is their Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. This panda’s paradise is nestled 18 km north from city center and shelters more than 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas.



Sapporo (3hrs 30mins)



Sapporo, capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, is famous for its beer, skiing and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival that features enormous ice sculptures. But don’t let the summer weather stop you from visiting; there is plenty to do in this city all year round!


Photo source: Hokkaidolikers.com


Summer time is flowering season in Hokkaido and Furano with Biei are popular destinations for the ever-lovable lavender and other rainbow color flower fields. 



Another highlight of Sapporo is their month-long summer festival that takes place in Odori Park.



The Sapporo Summer Festival attracts more than a million visitors to its cavernous beer garden stretching from 5-chome to 11-chome in Odori Park operating for about a month; a Hokkai Bon Odori dance; the Sapporo Bazaar antique fair, the Tanuki Festival along the Tanukikoji shopping street; the Susukino Festival, and numerous other events held in conjunction with it. 



Hokkaido is loaded with a wide range of delicious foods. You might have heard that it is often called the Kingdom of Food in Japan especially for seafood and dairy products. The Nijo Fish Market is a public seafood market that occupies a whole city block and is famous for their fresh Hokkaido seafood. While you’re there, try the Uni Ikura Donburi which includes sea urchin and salmon eggs.


Uni Ikura Donburi. Photo source: Leo D’lion at Flickr.


Hokkaido is also famous for its fresh dairy. So, while in Sapporo it would be a shame to miss out on their freshly-served ice cream. If you go to the flower fields, they will also have soft serve with flower flavors including lavender. One such place that has it is Farm Tomita, which boasts the largest lavender field in Hokkaido.



Lijiang (3hrs 50mins)



Located in Yunnan province, the ancient town of Lijiang is a mix of historical sites, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and ethnic minority cultures.



Lijiang is an important transit point along the Ancient Tea Horse Road . From the 6th century to the 20th century, people in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces traveled by foot and horseback with pack horses to exchange tea for horses with people in Tibet — and thus the pathway was called the Tea Horse Road.


Old Town of Lijiang is a recognized UNESCI site for it's the only town in China's history without city walls. It is famous for its ancient architecture and orderly system of waterways. Another ancient town worth visiting in Lijiang is Shuhe Ancient Town, which is more rustic and quiet than Lijiang Old Town.

Photo source: Stuck In Customs

If you enjoy nature, then hike up the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is the most southerly snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere outside of the Andes, soaring to about 5,500 meters (18,000 ft).

Photo source: China Guide


You an even catch a show “Impressions of Lijiang” which is directed by Zhang Yimou and definitely makes an impression with the mountain as the background.

Photo source: Synar.net

But if you are a hiker, visiting the Tiger Leaping Gorge may just be what you’re looking for. This is considered by some to be the deepest and most beautiful gorge east of the Tibetan Plateau with hiking trails that avid hikers around the world would dream of.

Photo source: China Highlights


Manila (3hrs 50mins)



Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely-populated bayside city on the island of Luzon which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers.



If you’re looking for a bit of culture, check out the Spanish Old Town (Intramuros). Churches and schools built with complete Spanish influence make it hard to believe you are in Asia.



Be sure to stop by the San Agustin Church of Manila, one of four Filipino  churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It was named a National Historical Landmark by the Filipino government in 1976.



Even the Jeepney is an attraction in itself! Made from former Army jeeps, it is unique to Manila.Take a spin around the different areas of Manila.



If you want to go somewhere memorable, take a 2-3 hour drive to Tagaytay and visit the world’s smallest active volcano. There is something for everyone in Manila.


Under 5 hours


Bangkok (4hrs 30mins)



If southeast Asia is your ideal getaway destination, Bangkok will be the perfect place for you! Just less than five hours away, you can enjoy all the city has to offer.



Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. You can check out Muay Thai fights at the Lumpini Stadium or go shopping in the city center via BTS Skytrain and hit up the malls like Siam Paragon, Emporium and EmQuartier.


Lumpini stadium


Whether it is lounging over cocktails on one of the open-air terraces or discovering speakeasies on one of the city’s narrow streets, there is something for everyone.


Inside speakeasy Havana Social on Sukhumvit Soy 50


If you want to do something cultural, you can take a day trip to the Ayutthaya Temples which is a world-recognized UNESCO site. Or, if staying in town is more to your liking, you can visit the Royal Palace and the temples around the city like Wat Arun.



But, in the evening try to make time for Thai massage, which is an ancient healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. You can try Health Land massage (in different locations) for head to toe treatment.


Under 6 hours


Singapore (5hrs 25mins)



Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and multicultural population. Despite its small size, Singapore is comprised of a diversity of languages, religions, and cultures.


Photo source: Gardens by the Bay


For a quick getaway, a visit to the Gardens by the Bay is particularly impressive, especially seeing the design of the gardens and the different species of plants and the unique landscaping.



Driving through downtown, you can easily see the colonial influences from the old wing of the Raffles Hotel. If you fancy a drink, order the Singapore Sling from the Long Bar which is where it was created.


Photo source: Raffles Hotel


Singapore is also known for delicious cuisine, particularly their Chili Crab. And if you’re looking for delicious local eats, the best place to visit is the Hawker Center. There, you can have local favorites such as Kaya spread , Bah Kut The, Hokkien Mee…


Photo source: The Best Singapore





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