Welcome back to our countdown! In Part I, we tackled the first 10 ultimate summer road trip getaways from Shanghai, winding through the historic villas of Moganshan, the organic waters of Qiandao Lake, and the shaded avenues of Nanjing.
But the Yangtze River Delta is far too geographically rich to stop there. If you hold a valid Chinese driving permit or a temporary license, hitting the open highway can lead you to ancient islands connected by massive ocean bridges, neon-lit water towns with covered corridors, and hidden mountain ranges roaring with multi-tiered waterfalls.
Below is the complete Part II of our self-drive guide, revealing destinations 11 through 20 within our 500-kilometer boundary. Pack your daypacks, cue up your navigation apps, and let's dive back into the road!
Quick Overview of Part II Destinations
11. Shaoxing (Zhejiang) – Where Rice Wine Meets Ancient Canals
The Summer Appeal & Sights
While world-famous water towns like Wuzhen draw massive international crowds, Shaoxing remains a wonderfully authentic, fully functioning local city that has preserved its canal life for centuries.
Driving into Shaoxing allows you to bypass the standard tourist loops and explore the historic Cangqiao Zhijie Street, where locals still wash vegetables and chat right on the canal steps. Summer is perfect for renting a traditional, foot-steered Black-Awning Rowboat (Wupengchuan) to glide beneath 800-year-old stone bridges that keep the water paths beautifully shaded.
What to Eat
Shaoxing is the undisputed world capital of Huangjiu (Chinese Yellow Rice Wine). In the summer, local traditional ice cream shops serve refreshing Yellow Wine Soft-Serve Ice Cream. For dinner, indulge in Drunken Crab or Drunken Shrimp, where ultra-fresh river seafood is marinated cold in aged, aromatic Shaoxing wine, ginger, and rock sugar.
Where to Stay
Anya Resort Shaoxing: A breathtaking, minimalist luxury property hidden away against rugged stone quarry walls and quiet reflection pools.
The Xianheng Hotel: A grand cultural landmark downtown themed entirely around the stories of China's famous modern writer, Lu Xun.
12. Zhoushan Islands & Putuoshan (Zhejiang) – The Oceanic Getaway
The Summer Appeal & Sights
If you crave salty sea breezes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and sweeping island hopping, the Zhoushan Archipelago is an incredible self-drive experience. Getting there involves driving over the Zhoushan Cross-Sea Bridge Network—a spectacular series of five mega-suspension bridges that hop from island to island over the open ocean.
Park your vehicle at the Zhujiajian Pier and take a quick 15-minute ferry to Putuoshan, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. It features a majestic, 33-meter-tall golden statue of Guanyin overlooking the breaking waves of the East China Sea.
What to Eat
Zhoushan is home to one of China’s largest fishing grounds, making it a legendary seafood paradise. Head to the bustling night markets along the Shenjiamen Waterfront to pick live seafood from glass tanks. Have them prepare a massive platter of Garlic Steamed Oysters, spicy stir-fried blue crabs, and rich, savory ribbonfish braised in dark soy sauce.
Where to Stay
The Westin Zhujiajian Resort: Perched directly on a secluded cove of Zhujiajian Island, offering direct private beach access, indoor and outdoor pools, and stunning ocean views away from the Putuoshan temple crowds.
13. Wuxi & Taihu Lake (Jiangsu) – The Great Inland Sea Highway
The Summer Appeal & Sights
Wuxi sits beautifully on the northern shores of Taihu Lake, a massive freshwater body so vast it feels exactly like driving alongside an open ocean. The primary road trip highlight here is cruising down the Taihu Hubin Expressway, a beautifully paved highway that hugs the shoreline.
Key stops include Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle), where you can ride a traditional wooden sailboat across the water, and the grand Lingshan Grand Buddha—a colossal, 88-meter-tall bronze monument that stands proudly against the green hillsides.
What to Eat
Wuxi cuisine is highly celebrated for its bold use of sweetness and rich braising techniques. You must order Wuxi Sweet Braised Pork Ribs (Wuxi Paigu), which are slow-cooked until the meat effortlessly slips off the bone, coated in a glossy, deeply savory, and sweet reduction. Pair it with a plate of delicate whitebait fish omelets caught directly from the lake.
Where to Stay
The Radisson Blu Resort Wuxi Taihu: A sprawling, modern resort property featuring lush private gardens, extensive fitness centers, and immediate access to the scenic lakeside driving routes.
14. Chongming Island (Shanghai) – The Backyard Eco-Wetland
The Summer Appeal & Sights
If you want a fantastic summer road trip without the hassle of leaving the Shanghai municipality boundaries, Chongming Island is the perfect option. Located right at the mouth of the Yangtze River, you access the island by driving through the Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge, a magnificent 25-kilometer engineering marvel.
Chongming is a dedicated eco-island covered in organic farms, lavender fields, and thick forests. Spend your summer day cycling under the shaded paths of Dongping National Forest Park or head to Dongtan Wetland Park at night, which is widely recognized as one of the best spots in the region for stargazing and catching clear views of the Milky Way.
What to Eat
The food here is hyper-local and fresh from the farms. Taste Chongming Hairy Crab, which are smaller than the autumn varieties but exceptionally sweet in the summer. Pair them with fresh, organic farm-to-table stir-fried greens and a wedge of traditional Chongming Sweet Rice Cake (Chongming Gao) flavored with red bean and osmanthus.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Regency Chongming: An exceptional, pet-friendly luxury resort featuring extensive private villas, mountain bike rentals, and beautiful wooden walkways that lead right into the surrounding wetland trails.
15. Tiantai Mountain (Zhejiang) – Roaring Cascades and Sacred Zen
The Summer Appeal & Sights
For travelers looking to escape the summer heat inside a deep, mist-filled mountain gap, Tiantai Mountain in eastern Zhejiang is a hidden gem. It is the birthplace of the Tiantai sect of Buddhism and features the magnificent Tiantai Waterfall—a roaring, multi-tiered natural cascade that drops a spectacular 325 meters down sheer granite cliffs, filling the entire canyon with a refreshing, icy spray.
Drive up the winding mountain roads to visit Guoqing Temple, a serene, fully active 1,400-year-old monastery untouched by commercialism, where ancient monks still tend to the gardens.
What to Eat
Because of the heavy Buddhist presence, Tiantai features an exceptional array of vegetarian court cuisine. For street snacking, try authentic Tiantai Moba, a savory local flatbread made from thin dough stuffed with scrambled eggs, fresh wild greens, and minced tofu, fried until crispy on a hot iron skillet.
Where to Stay
The Tiantai Hotel: Features beautiful, Zen-inspired architectural designs, expansive meditation gardens, and a highly peaceful location situated right at the launching base of the mountain trails.
16. Shengsi Islands (Zhejiang) – The Emerald Reclaimed Village
The Summer Appeal & Sights
Located out in the East China Sea, the Shengsi Islands are part of the outer Zhoushan archipelago. To get there, you drive down Shanghai's deep-water port highway over the Donghai Bridge to the Shenjiawan Port, where you drive your car right onto a massive roll-on/roll-off vehicle ferry.
The absolute crown jewel of this road trip is visiting Houtouwan Abandoned Village on Shengshan Island. Once a thriving fishing hub, it was completely abandoned in the 1990s. Today, nature has fully reclaimed the village, wrapping every single stone house and wall in a thick, mesmerizing blanket of emerald-green ivy.
What to Eat
Island life means seafood dominates every single meal. Find a local cliffside diner and order Fresh Sea Urchin Noodles, featuring soft wheat noodles tossed with rich, buttery sea urchin roe harvested straight from the local rocks. Enjoy it alongside a bowl of steamed garlic mussels and cold local beers.
Where to Stay
Opt for one of the beautiful, modern boutique cliffside Minsu (Guesthouses) on Gouqi or Shengshan Island, which offer private infinity pools overlooking the rolling ocean waves and working fishing fleets.
17. Changzhou (Jiangsu) – Dinosaur Waterparks and Taoist Lakes
The Summer Appeal & Sights
If you are traveling with family or a group of friends looking for high-energy summer cooling, Changzhou is an excellent 2-hour drive up the G42 Expressway. The city is home to Global Dinosaur Town, featuring one of China's largest and most advanced dinosaur-themed water amusement parks, packed with massive wave pools and thrilling water slides.
For a complete change of pace, drive 40 minutes out of the city to the Oriental Salt Lake Resort (Maoshan), a stunning, massive cultural park built in traditional ancient style at the base of a sacred mountain.
What to Eat
Before hitting the theme parks, grab breakfast in town and try Changzhou Sesame Flatbreads (Changzhou Dashaoobing), which come in sweet or savory varieties and are baked until shattered-crisp. Follow it up with a bowl of delicate, thin-skinned soup dumplings packed with rich broth.
Where to Stay
Oriental Salt Lake Resort Courtyard Villas: Staying inside the resort grounds allows you to experience beautiful traditional courtyard rooms, evening light shows, and morning mist rolling off the lake.
18. Yangzhou (Jiangsu) – Classical Banquets and Slender West Lake
The Summer Appeal & Sights
Located north of the Yangtze River, Yangzhou is a city that has elevated slow living into an art form. It is the heart of Huaiyang Culture, and summer is the ideal time to take a leisurely drive along the weeping-willow-lined banks of Slender West Lake (Shou Xi Hu).
Wander down the historic brick paths of Dongguan Street, explore the beautiful bamboo groves of Geyuan Garden, and experience the historic bathhouse culture that has defined the city for centuries.
What to Eat
Yangzhou’s culinary output is world-famous. You must try authentic Yangzhou Fried Rice, a masterpiece of precision where every single grain of rice is perfectly coated in egg, tossed with sea sea cucumber, ham, shrimp, and fresh peas. Order Lion’s Head Meatballs (Lion's Head)—massive, ultra-tender pork meatballs simmered for hours in a pristine, crystal-clear vegetable broth.
Where to Stay
Shangri-La Hotel, Yangzhou: Offers excellent modern luxury amenities, extensive indoor pools, and an exceptional in-house dining room that serves some of the finest Huaiyang cuisine in the city.
19. Yixing (Jiangsu) – Purple Clay Art and Cool Spring Caves
The Summer Appeal & Sights
Yixing is globally legendary among tea enthusiasts as the home of Zisha (Purple Clay) Teapots. Beyond pottery, it is an exceptional summer getaway housing the Yixing Bamboo Sea, a vast 10,000-acre forest that stays incredibly cool.
Drive deep into the valleys to explore Shanjuan Cave, a massive underground limestone cave system where you can escape the summer sun entirely, winding through brightly lit stalactites before boarding a small wooden boat to row out along an underground river.
What to Eat
Because of the pure mountain springs filtering through the limestone, Yixing is famous for Spring Water Tofu Stew. The local tofu is incredibly silky and clean-tasting, simmered with fresh bamboo tips, wild mushrooms, and local mountain herbs.
Where to Stay
Le Méridien Yixing: Features a beautiful lakeside location, sleek modern architecture, and an ideal launch point for driving out to both the pottery markets and the bamboo forests.
20. Xitang Water Town (Zhejiang) – Covered Corridors and Neon Nights
The Summer Appeal & Sights
Rounding out our list is Xitang, located just an hour's drive southwest of Shanghai. Xitang stands out from other water towns because of its unique Covered Corridors (Langpeng)—a 1.3-kilometer-long continuous wooden roof structure that lines the canals, allowing you to walk and explore the ancient water town completely shielded from the hot summer sun.
While peaceful during the day, Xitang comes alive at night during the summer, with its historic canal-side buildings transforming into a vibrant, neon-lit strip of modern bars and live music lounges.
What to Eat
Grab a canal-side table and try Lotus-Wrapped Steamed Pork (Hezhi Rou), where tender pork belly is seasoned with five-spice powder, wrapped tightly in a fresh, fragrant green lotus leaf, and steamed until it becomes incredibly juicy. Wash it down with a glass of sweet local osmanthus rice wine.
Where to Stay
Misty Water Resort Xitang: A beautiful, high-end boutique property located right inside the ancient scenic zone, seamlessly blending historic wood architecture with sleek, modern luxury interiors.
Final Check for Your Road Trip Portfolio
By splitting your itinerary into targeted zones, you can easily conquer East China's best loops. Whether you seek the high-energy waterparks of Changzhou, the historical plane-tree canopies of Nanjing, or the coastal bridge drives of Zhoushan, navigating the roads yourself guarantees a summer adventure that stays completely on your own terms. Have a safe drive!
