How would you describe Shanghai? Maybe as a bustling, eclectic metropolitan city that can support a lavish lifestyle and satisfy the most artistic to tastes? However you describe it – words like calm, tranquil and zen certainly don't come to mind. Life in this fast-paced city can wear you out from time to time.

Well, CGTN is with you.

As you cram yourselves into crushed subway carriages on that seemingly never-ending commute to work, you may be too busy to realize that another holiday is just around the corner. Well good news! The May Day break is upon us, lasting from April 29 to May 1 this year. 

You may be tempted to stay at home for three days, catching up on sleep as you shudder at the thought of crowds of tourists on the Bund or in the former French Concession. But the truth is, travel doesn't have to be tiresome. And if you have no idea where to go, no worries. We've done the homework for you. After some careful digging, picking and fact-checking, three eye-opening retreat spots are shortlisted below. 

Imagine Italy's breathtaking Riviera views with fewer tourists and a more rustic vibe. Dongji is the destination you are looking for. Comprising 28 small islands, of which only four are inhabited, the Dongji Islands welcome visitors who seek seclusion and adventure. 

About 20km to the northeast of the more famous Putuo Island, home to one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, Dongji is a much better option if you want to escape the crowds.

Located off the coast of east China's Zhejiang Province, the Dongji Islands house a collection of small fishing villages, and thanks to their remoteness have preserved their natural greenery and clear water. 

Address: Dongji Town, Putuo District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, 316100

Driving time: Approximately four hours from Shanghai to Shenjiamen port in Zhoushan city, then take the daily ferries to the islands (approx.two-three hours).

Accommodation: Hotels and hostels on respective islands

Tips: Prepare medication if you get sea sick, bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and check out the ferry timetable when planning your trip, since connecting ferries are not so frequent. At this time of year, the weather should be good, but prepare for fog – low visibility can lead to ferry cancellations.

Notice: if you do not have a Chinese passport, you need to obtain an Aliens' Travel Permit for free at the Public Security Bureau in Shenjiamen. 

‍Leafy trees arch over stone bridges and peaceful canals. Narrow lanes stretch along the waterways where fishermen have sung absentmindedly on their boats for hundreds of years. In the lovely water town of Nanxun, traditional wood-panelled dwellings are dotted everywhere. Every corner is filled with a tranquil ambience that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

East China's more famous water towns like Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen have mesmerized tourists from across the world, but that fame has led to overwhelming crowds and commercialized shopping streets. Nanxun, on the other hand, remains off the beaten track and absent from the package tourism radar, with local travel guide TimeOut Shanghai naming it the best water town for Shanghai weekend escapees. Plus it's in a great location if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Suzhou and Hangzhou too!

Address: Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313009

Driving time: Approximately two hours

Accommodation: Hotels, riverside inns and B&Bs.

Tips: The southwest part of the town is quieter. Visit the Little Lotus Garden and Jiayetang Library for some great picturesque views.

Located in Deqing county in Zhejiang Province, Mount Mogan (Moganshan in Chinese) is not entirely off the beaten track and receives many foreign visitors looking for a secluded mountain retreat. Rich bamboo and pine forests are crisscrossed by moss covered mountain trails. Hidden among the forests are western-style villas mixed with traditional Chinese mansions. 

The New York Times described Mount Mogan as the Hamptons of eastern China. In fact, the place used to be the summer retreat for the Shanghai elite as well as Chinese leaders including Chairman Mao. Nowadays, the mountain opens its arms to everyone.

Address: Moganshan Town, Deqing County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313200

Driving time: Approximately three hours

Accommodation: Choose from luxury mountain villa resorts to low-budget family-run B&Bs 

Tips: Bring insect repellent and sunscreen, and prepare your cameras for some magical sunrise and sunset views.

Now that you've got a Chinese driver's license (if not, check out our Escape Beijing article linked below… or find a friend who has a license), you may have to get used to new traffic regulations put in place by Shanghai authorities on March 25, as an effort to improve road safety and ease congestion. We summarized a few of the more noteworthy new rules below.

1. Children aged 12 and below are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.

2. Failing to make way for pedestrians leads to a fine and having three traffic points deducted. 

3. Passengers will be fined up to 50 yuan for not wearing seat belts.

4. Two continuous lane changes will incur a fine of 200 yuan.

5. Roads with two or more lanes have a 60km/h speed limit, with the exception of expressways.