A potentially awesome area to ride in close to Shanghai is northern Jiangsu province. Basically it is the area north of the Yangtze River, which is adjacent to Chongming Island. It used to be that you needed two ferries to access the area.

Having recently explored this area on a bicycle, I can attest to the fact that it is truly awesome for riding conditions on two wheels. Smooth, wide roads, tons of villages that haven't been developed yet, friendly people, cheap prices, and there is even a beach. It can't be a nice beach, but the fact that GOLD BEACH is a tourist attraction so close to Shanghai, it begs further investigation. There is a plethora of coastline which might reveal some gems, who knows.

At any rate, having done tons of trips to the south and west of Shanghai, this was my first real trip north and it was quite the learning experience. I would love to repeat this on a motorcycle where I can go faster, but there remains a huge obstacle.

That is, the only way to access it is by expressway. They have recently completed the highway that goes across Chongming Island, thus linking up the city of Qidong (the first large city one you cross over the river). Now you can get there in an hour by bus. However, motorcycles and other two-wheeled traffic are strictly forbidden, and the enforcement is backed up by multiple toll booths. If somehow you could sneak on, don't bother, because the bridge itself is flanked by toll booths on either side. You would eventually run into a toll booth and not be able to pass. Cars, I am certain of it, would have to pay twice in either direction.

If that weren't enough, they cancelled the ferries from Chongming Island into Qidong after the highway was completed. This is an extreme piss-off because there is literally no alternative, and Shanghai motorcycles are effectively firewalled out of the area. But I did ask the policeman and he said the only way to access Chongming is to go via Shanghai. Then he indicated it might be possible to use another ferry at the far north of the island which links it up to HAI MEN city, in another prefecture in Jiangsu province.

It is certainly worth a try, but I have my doubts. Anyways, just wanted to put the info out in case others were wondering.