Recommended Scenic Spots for Self-Driving Tours Around Shanghai

There are several scenic tourist attractions around Shanghai with breathtaking views, perfect for self-driving tours. Here are some of the best options for you to explore!

1、 Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park

This is the source of the Qiantang River, the mother river of Zhejiang Province, and is one of the national key forest parks. The park boasts changing clouds, towering trees, and abundant species, making it a natural beauty tourism destination.

If you want to get close to nature, relax and escape the heat, avoid the holiday crowds and seek tranquility, or “trace the source,” Qianjiangyuan is a good choice.

Walking along the green, lush stairways in the mountains, you will be accompanied by the sound of streams all the way. As you go higher, the sound of water becomes smaller, and you are closer to the source of water. It is hard to imagine that the magnificent Qiantang River tide starts from this trickle. There is also a “negative ion breathing area” where you can take a deep breath of the fresh air in the forest, which is truly refreshing!

Ticket: Adult ticket 60 yuan (for reference)

Address: Qixi Town, Kaihua County, Quzhou City

Transportation: Take the bullet train from Hongqiao to Quzhou, then take a bus from Quzhou to Kaihua County, and then take a bus from Kaihua to the scenic spot. There is one bus every morning and afternoon, and the ticket price is around 20 yuan.

2、 Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area

There is also a Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. Although its fame is not as loud as that of the Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area in Jinan, it is also a national 4A-level tourist attraction, and its scenery is even more beautiful than that of the Thousand Buddha Mountain in Jinan!

Suichang Thousand Buddha Mountain is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The bizarre rocks on the mountain can be seen as thousands of Buddha statues, hence the name. The scenic area is a secluded canyon with dense woods, and clear mountain springs run through it, creating fascinating waterfalls, pools, lakes, ponds, and valleys. The primitive forest, bizarre peaks and rocks, and beautiful scenery are known as “Little Jiuzhaigou in the south of the Yangtze River”.

There is a Future Temple in the Thousand Buddha Mountain, covering an area of about one square kilometer. There is a magical natural mountain Maitreya Buddha in the temple, standing 100 meters tall, facing east and west, wearing a natural robe and extending his hand to protect all beings. The Buddha is a mountain, and the mountain is a Buddha, which is awe-inspiring!

Ticket: Adult ticket 80 yuan; children under 1.2 meters tall are free; children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall, students with student cards, disabled people, senior citizens with preferential certificates, and active military personnel are entitled to half-price tickets. Valid ID cards or student cards are required when purchasing tickets (for reference)

Transportation: From Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, take Hangzhou exit to Hangzhou-Jinqu Expressway – turn to Longyu exit to Longli Expressway and exit at Suichang (or from Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway – take Hangzhou exit to Hangzhou-Xinjing Expressway and exit at Xin’anjiang – then take National Highway to Longyu – then take Longli Expressway and exit at Suichang)

3、 Mount Daming

The only provincial scenic spot in western Zhejiang, Lin’an, a national 4A-level scenic tourist area, is a shining pearl embedded in the golden tourist line from Hangzhou to Mount Huangshan.

It is famous for its “a blue lake, ten miles of secluded valleys, 100-meter waterfalls, thousands of acres of meadows, 10,000-meter caves, towering peaks, boundless forest”, and is known as “Mount Huangshan of Zhejiang”.

In the morning of summer, especially after a rain, the green mountains are emerald green, and the rising sun shines on the white clouds, making the cluster of peaks and forests emerge from the rolling clouds, like the fairy islands scattered in the sea.

Ticket: 110 yuan (for reference)

Self-driving: Take Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway to Hangzhou Ring Expressway – exit at Liuyuan to Hangzhou-Yu Expressway (60 kilometers) – pass Lin’an, Yuqian, and Changhua, then take Provincial Highway 02 (30 kilometers), pass Longgang, Jiakou, and turn left at Baiguo Village to the scenic spot for 4 kilometers (special road)

4、 Tiantangzhai

Tiantangzhai is located at the junction of Jinzhai County, Anhui Province and Luotian County, Hubei Province. It is known as “the last primitive forest in East China, the kingdom of plants, and the sea of flowers”.

Tiantangzhai is located in the Dabie Mountains, which is the watershed of China’s north-south water system. The water north of the mountain flows northward into the Huaihe River, and the water south of the mountain flows southward into the Yangtze River. Therefore, on the top of Tiantangzhai, you can see the Central Plains to the north and Jingchu to the south, and all the towering mountains are within sight.

There is a Tiantang Pond on the top of Tiantang, which is 1729 meters above sea level. The pond water does not overflow or dry up, and it is commonly known as the “Yaochi” (Pool of the Jade Emperor).

There is a plank road in Tiantangzhai, located on Baimating (White Horse Peak). It is arranged in a zigzag shape on the cliff on one side of the mountain. The whole side is almost vertical. Although it is not made of glass, its height, steepness, and danger will still make you tremble!

Ticket: Adult ticket 115 yuan (for reference)

Address: No. 009 Township Road, Tiantangzhai Town, Jinzhai County, Lu’an City

Transportation: Jinzhai Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Tiantangzhai. It takes more than 3 hours to take a bullet train from Shanghai to Jinzhai Railway Station. Then take a bus from the bus station next to the railway station to Meishan Town, where there are buses to Tiantangzhai.

5、 Guniujiang Scenic Area

The Guniujiang Scenic Area is located at the junction of Shitai County and Qimen County. It is one of the three high mountains in southern Anhui (Mount Huangshan, Qingliangfeng, and Guniujiang). It is named Guniujiang because its shape resembles a Guniu (male ox) falling from the sky.

Guniujiang, formerly known as “Western Mount Huangshan”, is the main body of the Mount Huangshan mountain range extending westward. It is known for its majestic, strange, dangerous, and beautiful features. The mountain scenery is beautiful and picturesque. There are not many tourists here, and the water pools, waterfalls, canyons, and hiking routes attract quiet tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Guniu Lake is a peaceful and serene environment, with its green surface like a mirror reflecting the green mountains and trees. A boardwalk has been built on the shore, and backpackers can go hiking to Mount Dali, which is 1528 meters above sea level. The slope is very steep along the way, and most of the time you have to step on leaves and dirt to move forward. When you reach the top of the mountain and set up camp, you can watch the sunrise and sunset.

In the dense forest of Guniujiang, there is also a bustling and prosperous animal world. Among them, various forest birds and frogs, as well as a variety of animals under national key protection, such as sika deer, tufted deer, muntjac, clouded leopard, short-tailed monkey, macaque, small Indian civet, otter, etc., are also abundant. It is also a snake kingdom. 38 species were found in the first survey, which is rare in China.

Address: Likou Town, Qimen County, Huangshan City

Transportation: Buses to Shitai, Chizhou, and Anling from Qimen Bus Station all pass by the scenic spot. After getting off the bus, you still need to walk 1.5 kilometers to reach the entrance of the scenic spot.

Self-driving: Starting from Shanghai – Shanghai-Suzhou-Zhejiang Expressway – Shanghai-Suzhou-Zhejiang-Anhui Expressway – Xuan-Guang Expressway – Wuhu-Xuan Expressway – Wuhu-Ma Expressway – Wuhu-Dali Expressway – Exit at Yinjiahui Expressway – Take National Highway 318 and turn left to Yinhuizhen – Drive towards Provincial Highway 221 – Shitai County – take County Road 025 – arrive at Guniujiang in Shitai

6、 Mount Niutou

Wuyi Niutou Mountain National Forest Park is located in Wuyi County, Zhejiang Province, which is known as “the Huaqing Pool of the south of the Yangtze River and the Peach Blossom Land of Zhejiang”.

The park belongs to the middle mountain landform, with towering peaks, towering into the clouds. There are many mountains above 1000 meters. Mount Niutou, with an altitude of 1560 meters, is known as the “First Peak of the Eight Districts of Jinhua”. It is not only named after immortals but also blessed by water.

The blue lake and waterfall accompanied by ancient trees and cliffs, rafting, climbing and playing in the waves, the Niutou Mountain Shenniugu Valley rafting, steep peaks and cliffs, deep canyons and rapid currents, the rafting route is 3 kilometers long with over 20 large and small drops, and the newly designed raft rafting is known as the “First Rafting in Zhejiang”.

The sightseeing boardwalk itself is built on the cliff halfway up the mountain. You can see the long Jinsuo Bridge spanning the two cliffs and Tianshi Peak on the opposite side from afar. It has a majestic atmosphere, and it is also the best place to take photos.

Ticket: Adult ticket 85 yuan

Address: Shangcun Village, Xilian Township, Liucheng Town, Wuyi County, Jinhua City

Transportation: Take a bus from Jinhua South Bus Station to Wuyi Passenger Transport Center, then take a bus to Wuyi West Bus Station. At the West Station, take a minibus to Liucheng Town (15-20 minutes per trip, about 1 hour journey). Rent a van in Liucheng Town to go to the scenic spot.

Self-driving: Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway – Hangzhou-Jinqu Expressway – Jinliwen Expressway – exit at Wuyi

7、 Caishixi

The Caishixi Scenic Area is located at the foot of Mount Tai, including the Peach Blossom Valley and Peach Blossom Source Scenic Areas. It covers an area of 1173 hectares with a forest coverage rate of over 85%. It is known as “the Mount Tai Forest Museum”, “the Little Jiangnan of Mount Tai”, and “the Little Jiuzhaigou in the north”, and is a leisure and sightseeing resort in Mount Tai.

The Caishixi Scenic Area has over 20 large and small attractions, truly a sight at every step, attracting tourists to linger. Here, you can enjoy the natural and cultural landscapes, which are perfectly integrated. The paintings are in the water and the water is in the paintings. Along the stream, you can see colorful banded colorful stones, a geological wonder that is 1.8 billion years old and has five generations living together. It is known as “the Mount Tai Forest Museum”.

Address: Peach Blossom Valley

Ticket: 127 yuan/person; Peach Blossom Valley Caishixi Half-Mountain Tour: 50 yuan/person

Transportation: There is a No. 16 bus line from the square in front of Mount Tai Railway Station to and from the scenic spot, but it stops operating at 5 pm.

Self-driving: Drive along National Highway 104 to the scenic spot. The entrance is about 2 kilometers east of National Highway 104, next to the clear traffic signs of the scenic spot on National Highway 104.

8、 Taihuyuan

The Taihuyuan Scenic Area is located at the foot of Mount Mu in Lin’an, Hangzhou. The main source of Taihu Lake is located here, hence the name Taihuyuan. The scenic area is surrounded by towering cliffs, long streams singing, waterfalls cascading, wild monkeys in groups, and the ecology and primitiveness are similar to Jiuzhaigou, so it is known as the Little Jiuzhaigou. The scenic area is known for its coolness. The highest temperature in summer does not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. It is a paradise for wild animals and plants, and is also an ideal summer resort.

The Dragon Beard Wall, Yunbi Pool, Qianyuan Cliff, and Zuihua Waterfall form a natural garden. The towering Dragon Beard Wall at the mouth of the canyon is a classic of Taihuyuan. The large patches of dragon beard grass growing on the stone wall hang in the air and are elegant. The Zuihua Waterfall and the Jumping Stones are a romantic combination in Taihuyuan. The Zuihua Waterfall is in the middle of the canyon. The waterfall falls on the rocks, and watching the light dance of the water is like watching a long-sleeved woman performing. It has the same charm as the water in Jiuzhaigou.

Ticket price: 83 yuan (for reference)

Address: Baisha Village, Taihuyuan Town, Lin’an City, Hangzhou City

Self-driving: Starting from Shanghai, take Humin Road, then enter the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway via Xinzhuang. Enter Hangzhou Gen Shan West Road from the Pengbu interchange of the Expressway and drive westward to enter Hangzhou City, the journey takes about 2 hours.

9、 Shitang Bamboo Sea

Shitang Bamboo Sea is located in Nanjing. The Qian Shitang Village in Hengxi Street, Jiangning District, which is known as “the last piece of treasure land”, is known as the “Little Jiuzhaigou” of Nanjing.

It has 30,000 acres of contiguous bamboo forests, which are nestled next to Jiulong Lake. The biological diversity within the territory forms a beautiful natural scenery dominated by tea mountains, bamboo forests, and pine waves. Inside the bamboo sea, your eyes will be filled with lush bamboos, green mountains and green water, and the reflection of bamboos in the water, which is very beautiful. In the hot summer, taking a walk on the path by the lake, the air is fresh, and the breeze is refreshing and comfortable.

Ticket: Free

Address: Qian Shitang Village, Hengxi Street, Jiangning District, Nanjing City

Transportation: Take the high-speed train or bullet train to Nanjing, which takes about 2 hours. Take Metro Line 1/10 in Nanjing City to Andemen Station, transfer to Bus No. 712 to Hengxi, and then transfer to Bus No. 966 to reach the scenic spot.

10、 Shangxi Village

Shangxi Village Tourist Scenic Area, also known as Jiupao Jie Scenic Area, has nine waterfalls with different shapes, named after the roaring sound. The vast waterfall group is a major characteristic landscape of Shangxi Village. Streams and waterfalls run through the entire Shangxi Village. There are nine waterfalls of different sizes in the green canyon of 1.5 kilometers in diameter, including Shuanglong Waterfall, Longmen Waterfall, Longxu Waterfall, Longtan Waterfall, Yixian Waterfall, Yanghou Waterfall… They are one after another along the stream.

Because it is unknown to the world, coupled with its beautiful scenery and simple villagers, it has become a veritable paradise.

Ticket: No ticket required

Address: Shangxi Village, Pingmen Township, Chun’an County, Hangzhou City

Self-driving: Starting from Shanghai – Shanghai-Kunming Expressway – Hangzhou Ring Expressway East Line – Hangzhou-Rui Expressway – Changwen Highway – Shangxi Village

11、 Longquan Mountain

Longquan Mountain is located in Longquan City, Zhejiang Province, within the Fengyangshan-Baishanzu National Nature Reserve. Its main peak, Huangmaojian, is 1929 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

Longquan Mountain in summer is a summer resort, known as “the cool world”. Currently, the scenic spot has opened six scenic areas, including Longquan Grand Canyon, Green Field Villa, Cliff Strange Pines, Qixingtan, Huangmaojian, and Oujiang Source.

The Longquan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is about 3 kilometers from the Green Field Villa. On both sides of the canyon, majestic peaks stand tall, and streams in the valley are surging. The natural wonders have created the 100-meter double-fold Longquan Grand Waterfall, which is spectacular.

Ticket: 80 yuan (for reference)

Address: Fengyangshan, Longquan City, Lishui City

Self-driving: Starting from Shanghai – A20 Outer Ring Road – A8 Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway – Hangzhou – enter the Ring Expressway – Hangzhou-Jinqu Expressway – exit at Jinhua, before reaching Jinliwen Expressway – exit at Lishui.