7 Lesser-Known Cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai for a Weekend Getaway

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this weekend? Check out these 7 lesser-known cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai that are just a 1-hour high-speed train ride away! Jiaxing, Tongxiang 📍Part of Jiaxing, a gentle water town, the hometown of Mao Dun, and the origin of Hangzhou white chrysanthemum. Must-see attractions: • Wuzhen (Xizha): Stunning night views, take a boat ride to enjoy the waterside houses. • Puyuan Ancient Town: Lesser-known and tranquil, with ancient streets and bridges. Travel tips: Take a high-speed train to Tongxiang Station, then take a bus directly to the scenic area. Visit Puyuan on Saturday morning, and have Tongxiang pot for lunch. Go to Wuzhen Xizha in the afternoon to see the night view, and stay in a Wuzhen homestay. Visit Dongzha on Sunday morning, and return in the afternoon. Huzhou, Nanxun 📍Known as the "Cover of Jiangnan", with a long history and prosperous culture. Must-see attractions: • Nanxun Ancient Town: Hundred Buildings and Jiayetang Library showcase the town's heritage. • Digu Port Ancient Town: Quiet and simple, with unique Chen's cuisine. Travel tips: Take a high-speed train to Huzhou Station, then transfer to Nanxun. Visit Nanxun Ancient Town on Saturday morning, and have Shuangjiao noodles for lunch. Go to Digu Port Ancient Town in the afternoon, and return to Nanxun for the night. Continue exploring on Sunday morning, and return in the afternoon. Shaoxing, Xinchang 📍Mountains and rivers, the essence of the Tang Poetry Road, and a filming location for TV dramas. Must-see attractions: • Nineteen Peaks Scenic Area: Danxia landform, majestic peaks. • Xinchang Great Buddha Temple: Solemn and majestic stone statue of Maitreya Buddha. Travel tips: Transfer at Shaoxing East Station. Visit Xinchang on Saturday morning, then go to Nineteen Peaks, and have Xinchang fried rice cakes for lunch. Go to the Great Buddha Temple in the afternoon, and stay in the county town for the night. Visit Meizhu Ancient Village on Sunday morning, and return in the afternoon. Suzhou, Kunshan 📍Economically developed, with historical and cultural resources and natural scenery. Must-see attractions: • Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: "China's No. 1 Water Town", with ancient bridges and flowing water. • Jinxi Ancient Town: Quiet and serene, with cultural heritage. Travel tips: Take a high-speed train to Kunshan South Station, then transfer to a bus. Visit Zhouzhuang on Saturday morning, and have Wansan pig's trotters for lunch. Go to Jinxi Ancient Town in the afternoon, and stay nearby for the night. Visit Qiandeng Ancient Town on Sunday morning, and return in the afternoon. Wuxi, Yixing 📍Known as the "Capital of Pottery", with abundant natural resources. Must-see attractions: • Yixing Bamboo Sea: A sea of green bamboo, with fresh air. • Shanjuan Cave: Fantastical and magnificent stalactites. Travel tips: Take a high-speed train to Yixing Station, then take a special line to the scenic area. Visit Yixing on Saturday morning, then go to the Bamboo Sea, and have black rice for lunch. Go to Shanjuan Cave in the afternoon, and stay in the city for the night. Visit Dingshu Town on Sunday morning, and return in the afternoon. Ningbo, Ninghai 📍Backed by mountains and facing the sea, with abundant resources and hot springs. Must-see attractions: • Qiantong Ancient Town: Unique layout, well-preserved buildings. • Forest Hot Spring: Excellent water quality, beneficial to body and mind. Travel tips: Transfer at Ningbo Station. Visit Ninghai on Saturday morning, then go to Qiantong Ancient Town, and have Qiantong's three treasures for lunch. Go to the Forest Hot Spring in the afternoon, and stay in a hot spring hotel for the night. Visit Ninghai Bay on Sunday morning, and return in the afternoon. Zhoushan, Daishan 📍An island county, with beautiful sea views and fresh seafood. Must-see attractions: • Dongsha Ancient Town: Ancient and quaint, with a fishing village atmosphere. • Lulan Qingsha: Fine sand and clear sea water. Travel tips: Take a boat from Zhoushan. Visit Daishan Island on Saturday morning, then go to Dongsha Ancient Town, and have seafood noodles for lunch. Go to Lulan Qingsha in the afternoon, and have a seafood feast for dinner. Visit Moxin Mountain on Sunday morning, and take a boat back in the afternoon. These lesser-known cities each have their own charm, so plan your trip now and make your weekend more exciting! 💕