Explore China

Although Shanghai is an exciting city we recommend that interns get outside of the city to experience what life is like in different areas. Travel and accommodation is cheap and it will open the eyes to how most of the Chinese population’s lifestyles are.

The most famous destinations are:

Hangzhou lies in a subtropical monsoon belt and is definitely a must see if you come to Shanghai. You can spend the morning at West Lake, just stroll around or rent a boat and sail around. In the afternoon take a taxi up to Lingyin Temple Scenic Area. This temple built 1700 years ago has a giant wooden Buddha Statue which attracts tourists from all over. Just 2 hours with a bus or train from Shanghai!

Suzhou is famous for being a Garden City. This city is definitely what you probably have in mind when you say China- green gardens, small pavilions and pagodas, local shops selling traditional Chinese silk products and authentic restaurants. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is perhaps the biggest catch. All this just 40 minutes by train from Shanghai!

Nanjing in translation Southern Capital will definitely give you the right picture about Chinese modern history. The name depicts the former fame of the city as a country capital during Nationalist Leadership in forties. Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall will definitely show you what the movie Nanking was all about. Over 2 hours with a train from Shanghai, the same direction as Suzhou!

Huang Shan, which means Yellow Mountains, is definitely the place to visit if you want to get the feeling of Chinese Mountains. Off-beaten tracks and also very popular and traditional paths are leading between countless peaks, many times hidden in misty clouds. The most stunning is the sunrise. Worthy to spend a weekend there! Take an overnight train or 45minutes flight!

When in China, you should definitely visit some of the water villages. They look like small Venice with narrow boats that can take you for a sail on the channels. After the boat ride, it’s nice just to walk around, have a local meal and visit some of the traditional houses. Nearby Shanghai are 2 of them, Zhouzhuang and Zhuzhiajiao. There are daily tours to these places.