Weekend Island Getaway! Discover a New Way to Enjoy a Mini-Vacation in Shanghai

As the pace of city life accelerates, we all need a corner where we can slow down. No need to travel far—Shanghai's Chongming Islands have the perfect answer.

Chongming Island, China's third-largest island, is a seaside retreat right at the doorstep of Shanghai. Surrounded by the sea on one side and rivers on the other three, it's just a one-hour drive from downtown Shanghai. Here, you can witness the majestic confluence of river and sea, and immerse yourself in the island's lush greenery. Beyond the sea breeze, river embankments, and pastoral landscapes, Chongming Island also boasts a hidden gem nurtured by the waters—the Dongtan Wetland. Located at the easternmost tip of the island, this is the largest and most typical estuarine tidal wetland in China.

If you’re not up for a long trip this weekend, why not relax on Changxing Island? Check out the Yangtze River's First Beach and soak in the island vibes. Without leaving Shanghai, you can enjoy a variety of holiday experiences. At Changxing Island Country Park, the vast lawns are perfect for kids to run wild. In addition to its natural scenery, the park features a botanical garden, fruit orchard, citrus grove, farm garden, sunny lawn, nature adventure park, museum, Flower Creek Lake, a 10,000-meter running track, and more—offering over 20 activities to explore.

Hengsha Island, just 1.5 hours from Shanghai, is a "hidden gem at the mouth of the Yangtze River." This small island retains the charm of 1980s Shanghai farm life, with its white towers, reed marshes, and artistic farmlands forming a natural photography haven. With fewer crowds and wilder landscapes, every snapshot here feels like a page from a nature diary.

The island's artistic farmlands are home to a Guinness World Record-holding "largest rice field art." Using the earth as a canvas and rice plants as brushes, the vast rice fields create stunning artistic masterpieces. Climb the massive high-altitude viewing platform to take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the rice field art.

Post by Vision Art Space | Aug 26, 2025