Getting out of Shanghai

Hi! Three of us 40 somethings are staying in Shanghai mid-April. I seem to be one of those rare people that prefers the country to the city, and would rather see a bit of more traditional China than a modern metropolis. Any ideas on this? An English equivalent might be someone who is staying in London, but might be recommended to visit York, Bath, Lincoln, etc. for a day or so. Is it naive to hope to do likewise in China? Thanks!

Getting out of Shanghai

Hi Shanghai is a very huge city but its suffice to spend 2 days there if yr intentions r also to visit the old china s u had mentioned.Usually,the tour of Shanghai can encompass the popular Jiangnan tour as narrated by some the tour path of the famous emperor Chien Long.These will bring u to ancient towns of Suzhou,Wuxi,Nanjing,watertowns of Zhouzhuang or Tongli,Wuzhen,n the scenic garden city of Hangzhou with its heavenly West lake that will take u back to history with the various Pagodas n temples n bridges.Try not to miss the Song dynasty show at the Song Dynasty Village,its mesmerising indeed.These tours r not too taxing n is very enjoyable.

Getting out of Shanghai

Ah yes not forgetting the magnificent Huangshan.See if u can make a trip there its worth the trouble.The sceneries will encapture u n u just dont feel like leaving it.

I would suggest that you go to a water village and stay overnight. My usual recommendations are Xitang (members.virtualtourist.com/m/1d57/f2e9f/t/) and Tongli (http://www.tongli.net).

You can just hop on a train and go to Souhou,beautiful gardens, it%26#39;s about an hour and there are about 3 trains an hour.

The fastest D trains actually take only about 36 mins to do Shanghai -- Suzhou. Otherwise average about 45 mins for the T trains. I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;d bother with anything that%26#39;s slower.

Also, please also remember that all the ';nice'; and ';pretty'; stuff are behind high walls, and will cost you quite a pretty penny in admission fees alone.

Thanks for all the advice guys! Going to discuss it with the other two going and sure we%26#39;ll make good use of your suggestions.

Please keep it coming!

Ellyse,

You said the gardens cost quite a pretty penny, how much is the average? I%26#39;m planning doing the 3 major gardens in 1 day.

Which are your ';major 3';?

1. Humble Administrators Garden

2. Master of the Nets Garden

3. Lingering Garden

Depending on time I might substitute Surging Waves Pavilion for the Lingering Garden.