Hidden gems near Shanghai, easily accessible by high-speed rail

Hey guys! 👋 If you've been in Shanghai for a while, you might be thinking of taking a weekend or short holiday trip to the surrounding area. Today, we're sharing 7 hidden gem cities near Shanghai that are just 1–2 hours away by high-speed rail. We've got all the fun and food you need! 👇 Suzhou 🚄 30 minutes 📍 Must-see: The Humble Administrator's Garden, a representative of Jiangnan classical gardens, with a view at every step and a full view of Jiangnan charm, as if traveling back in time. There's also the Pingjiang Road Historical District, with ancient streets and alleys, small bridges, and flowing water, creating a great atmosphere. 🍱 Food: Squirrel fish, with a delicate shape and sweet and sour taste. Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) are also a must-try, with a burst of soup in every bite. These two are must-eats in Suzhou! 🌟 Recommended because: It's super close to Shanghai, so you can easily make a weekend round trip. You can experience the gentleness of Jiangnan water towns and enjoy a feast, making it perfect for a short trip. Wuxi 🚄 40 minutes 📍 Must-see: Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake, with stunning scenery, especially when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Nanchang Street by the ancient canal, with its charming night lights. 🍱 Food: Wuxi-style braised pork ribs, with tender meat and a sweet taste. Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are also a specialty, with fresh and sweet soup. 🌟 Recommended because: It combines natural scenery and cultural charm, with sightseeing, photography, and food all in one trip. Hangzhou 🚄 1 hour 📍 Must-see: West Lake, beautiful in all seasons, whether you're strolling along Su Causeway or taking a boat ride. Xixi National Wetland Park, with its unique wetland scenery and closeness to nature. 🍱 Food: West Lake vinegar fish, a classic Hangzhou dish with tender fish and a perfect sweet and sour taste. Congbaohui (scallion pancake) is also a must-try. 🌟 Recommended because: It has beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage, and plenty of food and entertainment, making it a great place to visit. Jiaxing 🚄 40 minutes 📍 Must-see: Wuzhen East Gate, an authentic water town with white walls and black tiles, and leisurely boats, full of poetry. South Lake, with its beautiful scenery and historical significance. 🍱 Food: Jiaxing meat zongzi (rice dumplings), with fragrant and soft glutinous rice and fatty but not greasy pork belly, are super satisfying. There's also Qianshi cake, which is soft and sweet. 🌟 Recommended because: If you love ancient towns, don't miss this one. You can experience the tranquility and beauty of Jiangnan water towns and enjoy a feast. Ningbo 🚄 1.5 hours 📍 Must-see: Laowaitan, with its exotic charm and unique architectural style, and its dazzling night lights. Dongqian Lake, with its beautiful scenery, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. 🍱 Food: Ningbo tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), which are soft and chewy with sweet filling. Red crab, which is salty and delicious, is a Ningbo specialty. 🌟 Recommended because: It has both historical and cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery, with tempting food, making it worth a visit. Nanjing 🚄 2 hours 📍 Must-see: Confucius Temple–Qinhuai Scenic Area, with its ancient charm and strong Nanjing flavor. Nanjing Museum, with its rich collection, is a feast for the eyes. 🍱 Food: Duck blood vermicelli soup, with fresh and delicious soup and smooth vermicelli. Salted duck, with tender meat and a salty and fragrant taste. 🌟 Recommended because: As a historical city, Nanjing has so much to see and do, with cultural and food tours all in one. Shaoxing 🚄 1 hour 📍 Must-see: Lu Xun's hometown, with many scenes from Lu Xun's works, full of cultural atmosphere. Cangqiao Straight Street, with its ancient streets and bridges, shows the style of Jiangnan water towns. 🍱 Food: Meigan cai kou rou (braised pork with preserved vegetables), with the perfect combination of the aroma of preserved vegetables and meat. Yellow wine popsicles, with a faint wine aroma, are also a specialty. 🌟 Recommended because: It has a strong cultural atmosphere and is full of poetry, making it perfect for a leisurely visit. With so many hidden gem cities, pick one and set off on a spontaneous trip! 🎉