Suzhou & Nanjing: The Perfect Side Trips from Shanghai
Stay2CN | New Hotspot Cities | May 2026Everyone talks about Chengdu and Xi'an, but two incredible cities are just 30 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed rail.
SUZHOU (30 mins from Shanghai)
Why go: Canals, gardens, silk, slower pace
Must-see:
• Humble Administrator's Garden (UNESCO) — arrive at 7:30 AM to beat crowds
• Pingjiang Road — canal-side walking street
• Suzhou Museum — I.M. Pei design, free entry
• Tiger Hill — leaning pagoda older than Pisa
Eat: Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, Suzhou-style noodles
Stay: One night is enough. Book a canal-side boutique hotel.
NANJING (1 hour from Shanghai)
Why go: Former capital, deep history, excellent food
Must-see:
• Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall — heavy but essential
• Purple Mountain — Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
• Confucius Temple area — touristy but atmospheric at night
• City Wall — 600 years old, less crowded than Xi'an
Eat: Nanjing salted duck, duck blood vermicelli soup
Stay: Two days recommended.
Logistics:
• Book HSR tickets on Trip.com
• G-trains: 30 mins to Suzhou, 60–90 mins to Nanjing
• Second class: ¥40 to Suzhou, ¥140 to Nanjing
Pro tip: Do Suzhou as a day trip, Nanjing as a weekend. Both beat fighting Shanghai crowds.
Which do you prefer — Suzhou's gardens or Nanjing's history?
Stay2CN Team
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