Five worth-visiting attractions for self-driving trips around Shanghai

Shanghai is known as the "Magic City" by its residents. It is one of the top ten first-tier cities in the world and serves as the leader of China's economy. The city's economic development has been extremely rapid, but it lacks in talent, so large numbers of people from other regions come here for work every year. Although Shanghai has many tourist attractions, they are overcrowded, especially during holidays. Fortunately, there are numerous tourist attractions near Shanghai, so if you don't want to visit crowded areas, you can still choose to go on a self-driving tour in the outskirts of Shanghai.

Shajia Bay

Shajiabang is located in Suzhou, Changzhou, close to Shanghai. It is the largest wetland park in East China. It is a famous red tourism area in China with military training base, national defense education park, and historical and cultural village. The most unique feature is the dense reed marsh, which is like a natural maze. In the Anti-Japanese War, wounded soldiers would hide in the reed marsh.

Thousand Island Lake

Thousand Island Lake is located in Chun'an, Hangzhou. It can be said to be one of the most successful tourist attractions in terms of name change. At the beginning of the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the country vigorously built hydropower stations. Thousand Island Lake was built during that period and was originally called "Xin'anjiang Reservoir". After the reservoir was completed, not only were the two ancient cities of Checheng and Shicheng submerged, but the surrounding mountains were also submerged. As a result, numerous islands were formed. Later, people discovered that Xin'anjiang Reservoir had over a thousand islands, so it was renamed "Thousand Island Lake". With the picturesque islands, tourism was developed. Nowadays, Thousand Island Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Zhujiagang Town

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located in Qingpu District, Shanghai and is one of the most famous ancient towns in Shanghai. In May 24, 2018, it was successfully selected as one of the top 50 most beautiful characteristic small towns. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is known as the "Venice of Shanghai" and is a typical classical water town. Walking along the ancient streets, visiting famous gardens and ancient temples, enjoying sweet and crispy sticky rice sugar lotus roots, delicious scallion pancakes, and smelling the unique "stinky" smell of Changsha stinky tofu, it's truly delightful.

Tongli Ancient Town

Tongli Ancient Town is one of the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan, and is currently the only Jiangnan ancient town selected as a World Heritage Site. Compared to other ancient towns, Tongli Ancient Town is much more peaceful, located in the suburbs of Suzhou. It is the most suitable ancient town for self-driving, with easy parking and close to the highway exit. The most important thing is that Tongli Ancient Town gathers all the characteristics of Jiangnan water towns. It not only has small bridges, flowing water, and beautiful houses, but also has the world heritage Suzhou Garden "Retreat and Reflection Garden", as well as the famous small islands with "smoke and rain scenery" called "Luoxingzhou".
Shanghai Wild Animal Park is located at No. 178 Nanliu Highway, Pudong New District, and it is one of the few national 5A-level zoos in China, indicating its large scale. As China's first national wildlife zoo with an animal performance hall, it is home to a large number of wild animals, including tens of thousands of rare animals. One of the most popular shows in the park is the international circus theater, especially the thrilling performances by the Russian national circus.