Avoid the crowds and head here, a niche travel city just 1 hour from Shanghai

One-day trip to Pinghu: A lazy weekend getaway near Shanghai Transportation suggestions: • 🚄 High-speed train + Didi: About 30 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao to Pinghu, then a 10-minute taxi ride to the city center • 🚗 Self-driving: About 1 hour via Hukun Expressway to Shenhai Expressway, navigate to "Donghu Scenic Area" parking lot Food recommendations: • 🥟 Xian De Lai Shaomai: Thin skin with plenty of filling, shrimp filling recommended (about 25 RMB/steamer basket) • 🍜 Maogou Rice Noodles: Local specialty snack with delicious broth (15 RMB/bowl) • 🥢 Lao Pinghu Benbang Cuisine: Try classic dishes like fried eel in fragrant oil and braised bamboo shoots (60-80 RMB per person) Itinerary: 1. Morning: Wake up naturally and depart, recommended to arrive in Pinghu before 11:30 AM 2. Lunch: Choose a time-honored restaurant in Nanhetou Historic Street, then browse creative shops 3. Afternoon activities: • ⛳ Jiulongshan Golf: Experience the 9-hole practice course (about 150 RMB/hour) • 🏇 Horse Riding Experience: Basic riding course (180 RMB/30 minutes) • 🌉 Iron Chain Bridge Adventure: Thrilling experience on Jiulongshan Coastal Boardwalk • 🦀 Waipushan Tide Pooling: Catch small crabs at low tide (check tide table for the day) 4. Evening: Watch the sunset at "Nancun Shudui" teahouse by Donghu Lake, with a distant view of Baoben Tower 5. Dinner: Try Pinghu fermented eggs, fried dough sticks, and other local snacks at Nanhetou Night Market 6. Night view: Donghu Light Show (starts at 8:00 PM) or nighttime amusement at Danghu Park Practical tips: • Donghu Scenic Area is free to enter, Jiulongshan ticket is 50 RMB (includes Waipushan) • Golf and horse riding require booking one day in advance • Best time is September to October, bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and comfortable sports shoes • If driving, bring some snacks as dining options inside the scenic area are limited Budget reference: • Transportation: High-speed train round trip 80 RMB/person, or self-driving fuel + toll about 200 RMB • Food: Lunch 60 RMB + snacks 30 RMB + dinner 80 RMB • Activities: Jiulongshan 50 RMB + golf 150 RMB + horse riding 180 RMB • Total about 500-600 RMB per person This itinerary lets you enjoy a lazy morning while experiencing the mountain and sea beauty and cultural charm of Pinghu. It’s recommended to start your return trip before 9:00 PM to ensure enough rest. Don’t forget your camera—Waipushan Lighthouse and Donghu night views are very photogenic!