If you didn’t know, shanghai is often called The Pearl of the Orient. It is a city that combines decadent modernity and history. It’s also on the eastern coast of China. Shanghai is one of the fastest developing and lively cities in the world. With its breathtaking skyline, unique cultural diversity, and busy city center, shanghai has a lot to offer for tourists. Different historical sites, beautiful gardens, architectural wonders, and shopping centers exist. In this article, I’ll review some things to do in Shanghai. Whether it is the old charm of the Bund or the new shine of Lujiazui, I hope to offer you a mess-free way to plan your travel to this unique city.
What Are the Must-See Attractions in Shanghai?
Understanding the Staples of The Bund and Why It Is Important
The Huangpu River’s western side is home to one of the the Bund. It served as a significant financial center in the early 20th century and remains one of Shanghai’s most popular destinations. The Bund promenade is about 1.5 kilometers long and contains over 52 colonial-era structures built using Neo-Classical and Gothic Revival styles. skyscrapers in Lujiazui.
Steel framing and reinforced concrete, which were cutting-edge for the era, allowed the structures to last this long. The Bund is beautified by warm, illuminant LED lights that light the buildings at night. Other efforts, like restricting construction along the riverfront, have been implemented to ensure the site’s conservation.
Visitors to the Bund can also view the historic Customs House, featuring one of the largest mechanical tower clocks in the world. They can also stop by the Peace Hotel, which marries Art Deco style with luxuriant interiors. Such aspects further emphasize the balance of cultural significance and technological advancement that the Bund represents.
A Visit to the Iconic Shanghai Tower
Considered a marvel of contemporary engineering and design, the Shanghai Tower is 632 meters tall with 128 floors, making it the second tallest structure in the world and the tallest in China. As of 2015, when it was completed, its impressive twisting form was unique because it was designed to cut down winds by as much as 24%. The tower also contains offices, high-end hotels, shops, and observation decks, including one of the highest in the world, all to provide magnificent views of Shanghai. Additionally, the skin of the tower was engineered to help save energy while still allowing for natural air flow into the building, making it a sustainable architectural marvel. The tower frequently attracts visitors intrigued by the advanced elevator systems, which boast some of the fastest speeds in the world at 20.5 meters per second.
Walking at the Huangpu River Promenade
You can walk beside the Huangpu River and see the beauty of the Shanghai waterfront. It showcases the famous skyline of Shanghai with the Oriental Pearl Tower, The Bund, and modern skyscrapers within Pudong and Puxi districts. The promenade offers beautiful landscaping, so walkers can admire the sights while resting on some of the available benches. Also, it is right next to a lot of cultural places, restaurants, and public facilities, which makes it a perfect highlight for tourists, combining rest and city walking.
Which Cultural Experiences Should You Not Miss in Shanghai?
Unveiling the Pillars of the Ancient Zhujiajiao Town
Zhujiajiao, which translates to Zhujia Bridge, is a town with beautiful traditions known as the Venice of China. It is one of the very few ancient water towns that have survived for over a millenium, more than 1700 years to be precise. It is home to dozens of canals and bridges made of stone, as well as architecture from the Quaing and Ming dynasties, making the locality a treasured cultural masterpiece. The town is filled with marvelous sights everywhere, like the Ke Zhi Garden, Fang Sheng Bridge, and scores of other traditional tea houses and stores over 100 years old. Zhujiajiao also contains the most ancient stone arch bridge, the biggest of all Ke Zhi Garden. The garden itself is believed to be more than a hundred years old. One can get to know the beauty of the town by walking or riding in boathouses.
The Art and History at Shanghai Museum
The ancient art and culture of the Chinese people is well preserved at The Shanghai Museum, which is widely accepted to be one of the finest museums of its kind. Its myriad holdings include over 1200 artifacts with many relics in a wide variety of mediums, including bronze ware, ceramics, jade and sculptures, calligraphy, and paintings. From the Neolithic Age to Qing Dynasty, the museum traces China’s artistic and historical evolution. Some of the more famous sections include the Ancient Bronze Gallery, which is renowned for its refinement and chiseled artistry, and the Calligraphy Gallery, which exhibits works from all the classical dynasties. The building is found in People’s Square, and much like the rest of the structure, the building is modern but designed in the traditional Chinese philosophy of “round heaven, square earth,” which gives the entire structure a new twist. It’s free to enter, making it all the more appealing to people in Shanghai looking to immerse themselves in culture and education.
Local Cuisine: Shanghai Soup Dumplings
Soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are the pride of Shanghainese cuisine and one of the best representations of China’s food culture. The thin skin on the dumpling is made of semi-transparent dough and is filled with exquisitely seasoned pork meat and delicious soup broth. The soup-filled center is created by adding gelatinized broth, which melts during steaming, thus creating an explosion of flavors at the first bite. Traditionally served in bamboo steamers, they are best consumed with black vinegar and ginger. Local brands like Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao are renowned for Shanghainese cuisines and for serving these tasty dumplings. If you want to experience the food scene in Shanghai, it is essential to try these dumplings.
What Neighborhoods Are Best for Sightseeing in Shanghai?
Diving Deeper into Xintiandi District
Xintiandi, a popular x walking area in Shanghai, has modern and classical buildings. This place retains and converts old Shikumen-style houses to expensive dining places, art shops, and fine galleries. It is a cultural center that provides elite shopping, the finest food, and unlimited entertainment options. Some tourist attractions include Shanghai xintiandi style mall and the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party Museum. Xintiandi is the ideal place to visit, whether for shopping or experiencing the energetic nightlife.
Exploring the Old French Concession area of Shanghai
Old French Concession in Shanghai gained popularity for its trees that line the roads, remarkable buildings, and active cultural life. Known for its colonial architecture and modern Chinese aesthetics, the Former French Concession area combines both. Tourists can stroll through charming streets, with famous Tianzifang containing shops, cafes, art galleries, and many beautifully maintained colonial-style houses. Fuxing Park, the most popular park in the area, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation or recreation. This district captures a blend of rich history and modern lifestyle, attracting travelers eager to discover the many sides of Shanghai.
Shopping and Dining on Nanjing Road
As one of Shanghai’s leading shopping hot spots, Nanjing Road features a mix of luxury stores, traditional Chinese shops, and multinational brands. It is divided into East and West sections. With its bustling (and at times loud) street culture, historic department stores, and modern malls, Nanjing Road East is very famous. Nanjing Road West is tailored for premium shoppers with exclusive boutiques and high-end restaurants. It guarantees something for everyone, with dining options from local street food to sophisticated international cuisine. It’s one of the best tourist destinations in Shanghai for local experiences. Shanghai’s cultural history perfectly blends with its Retail and Dining branches, making it a must-see for tourists and residents.
How to Enjoy Outdoor Activities in Shanghai?
Enjoying a casual stroll in Yu Garden
Apart from the noise of the urban landscape, Yu Garden acts as a classical Chinese garden offering a calm space for residents of Shanghai. Its establishment dates back to the Ming dynasty when ancient landscape designs added rockeries, traditional ponds filled with koi, gardens, and pavilions. It is a reflection of the empire in which your garden was built. A famous feature of the garden is the Grand and Exquisite Jade Rock, a magnificent piece of architecture carefully crafted. On the other hand, the Yu Bazaar gives you a chance to purchase traditional souvenirs or taste local delicacies. To get a much deeper understanding of the history and art Yu Garden has to offer, it is best to visit on weekdays, free from crowds.
Relaxation Parks in Shanghai
The best thing about Shanghai is that it has many parks that bring you calmness in the active environment of the city. One of the most interesting parks is Century Park in Pudong. It is the biggest park in the city, with huge lakes, large lawns, and many walking routes that can be used for jogging or walking. Fuxing Park is also well known for combining European-style gardening with traditional Chinese; it also has a lovely morning when the local people practice tai chi and dancing. The Jing’ a Sculpture Park is more fusionistic, as it is a modern art park with a lot of greenery, making it an incredibly tranquil and peaceful place to think and exercise. Each park is unique in its own way, and each one offers something different, making it a perfect place for some relaxation and nature.
Things To Do At Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland is the perfect place to have fun and spend time with family and friends because of its wide range of activities for all ages. Visitors are welcome to explore different themed lands like Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland, which also have exciting rides such as the TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure. Apart from the rides, guests can marvel at Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle in the world, which has many interactive experiences to engage in. Moreover, daily parades and live performances contribute to the lively atmosphere of the park and provide entertainment for everyone. In addition, there are a lot of walking paths in the park, making it easy for guests to exercise as they walk between the various attractions. Disneyland in Shanghai expertly combines physical activity with magical experiences for a truly unforgettable visit.
What Are the Best Views and Scenic Spots in Shanghai?
Skyline Views from the Oriental Pearl Tower
Looking for an extraordinary photograph for your social media profile? Then, the Pearl Tower is the place to be. The tower is situated in the Pu Dong area, and when you are on top of the tower, you can view the dazzling city of Shanghai, which is pridefully guarded by landmarks like the Bund and the Huangpu River. The Pearl Tower has many observation decks, like the 259-meter deck from where the city appears to come alive. For those interested in greater experiences, the revolving restaurant and museum at the tower’s base provide the highest comfort level. This gives the viewer a healthy mix of modern and ancient china.
Opportunities For Photography At Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to take photos at the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel because the lighting effects, alongside the urban details of Shanghai, create bright and stunning illumination. The tunnel that joins the Bund and Lujiazui is also “The Bund” and is one of the surreal photogenic features of the city. The enchanting ride through the tunnel is animated with an array of colorful lights ideal for photos. In addition to the tunnel, where stunning photographs of both banks of the Huangpu River can be taken, this site is characterized by its unique creativity in allowing photographers to unleash their unique lighting and composition strategies to capture remarkable images of the stunning city of Shanghai.
The Huangpu River: Boat Tours and Scenic Views of the Shanghai Skyline
The Towers at the Huangpu River exemplify the deeply rooted culture of Shangai with its breathtaking views. Most importantly, the Towering Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the Jin Mao Mile Feature are essential landmarks that showcase China’s developing economy and architecture. A perfect way to marvel at these centrally located sights is taking a boat ride down the river. These rides are particularly fascinating during the late evening when all the bright lights illuminate the buildings. Along with these remarkable sights, the brightly lit skyscrapers and the ancient structures on the Bund help Fujian stand out as a global financial capital.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the must-see things to do in Shanghai?
A: Some must-see things to do in Shanghai include visiting the Jade Buddha Temple, exploring Tianzifang for arts and crafts, enjoying the views along the Bund, and experiencing the Shanghai Circus World. Each of these attractions offers a unique glimpse into both modern and traditional Chinese culture.
Q: Are there any day trips worth taking near Shanghai?
A: Yes, there are several day trips worth taking near Shanghai. Popular options include visiting the ancient town of Zhujiajiao, known for its canals and ancient architecture, or the water town of Suzhou, famous for its classical gardens and silk production.
Q: How can I travel in Shanghai efficiently?
A: The most efficient way to travel in Shanghai is by using the Shanghai Metro, which covers a vast network connecting major attractions. Taxis and buses are also available, but for convenience, many visitors use the WeChat app for payment and navigation.
Q: What is the best time to visit Shanghai for its attractions?
A: The best time to visit Shanghai for its attractions is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. This allows for comfortable exploration of sights like the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition and the waterfront promenade.
Q: What are some unique restaurants in Shanghai?
A: Shanghai has a plethora of unique eateries, including those on the top floors of skyscrapers like the Shanghai World Financial Center, which offer breathtaking views of the city. You can also find traditional shikumen-style restaurants in the French Concession area that serve authentic local cuisine.
Q: Is Shanghai Circus World a good family-friendly attraction?
A: Yes, Shanghai Circus World is considered a family-friendly attraction. It features thrilling performances that combine acrobatics and traditional Chinese artistry, making it a captivating experience for both children and adults.
Q: Why should I visit Tianzifang in Shanghai?
A: Tianzifang is worth a visit for its unique combination of narrow alleys filled with local artists’ studios, boutique shops, and cozy eateries. The area retains the charm of old Shanghai while providing a modern twist with contemporary arts and crafts.
Q: What historical sites can I see while living in Shanghai?
A: While living in Shanghai, you can explore numerous historical sites, including colonial buildings along the Bund, the historic French Concession area, and the pagoda at Jing’an Temple, which dates back centuries, showing the rich history of the largest city in China.
Q: How does the nightlife in Shanghai compare to its daytime attractions?
A: Shanghai’s nightlife is vibrant and offers a stark contrast to its daytime attractions. After exploring things to see during the day, visitors can enjoy bars and nightclubs along the Bund, offering stunning views, or experience local night markets with a variety of street food options.