Shanghai attracts the world’s attention, as the World Expo have be held there. Is Shanghai travel on your schedule yet? Have you planned what to do in this highly cosmopolitan financial city of China?
Here is my suggested list of the top nine things to do in Shanghai.
“Shanghai at Night” is famous in China and worldwide. The Bund is the most famous and attractive sight there. The best time to admire the Bund is after dark when all the buildings are lit up, creating an extremely colourful and breathtaking scene. There are 52 blocks – comprised of banks, hotels, MNC headquarters – of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. The stunning views there attract not only visitors but film producers as well. There are two ways to admire the Bund.
Admire the Bund by Cruise
There are lots of sightseeing cruises that let you view the beautiful Bund every night. Make sure to go on one of these cruises.
Admire the Bund on the West Bank of the Huangpu River
Take a relaxing walk on the walking corridor along the Bund. Or you can drive along the Huangpu river bank and stop by the end of the Bund near the Russian Consulate where you can overlook the Oriental Pearl TV Tower on the opposite bank. You are not able to take good photos on board a cruise, so this is the best spot for you to take plenty of beautiful photos of Shanghai.
Xin Tian Di
Enjoy a cup of high tea at Shanghai Xin Tian Di at Puxi. It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture. It retains the antique walls, tiles, and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai. However, its interior embodies a totally different world of international galleries, bars and cafes, boutiques and theme restaurants.
City God Temple
This is one of the most remarkable landmarks in Shanghai. You must go there to taste the authentic, world-famous Shanghai Nanxiang Juicy Bun. There are also plenty of traditional Chinese restaurants and souvenir shops, alongside Starbucks.
Nanjing Road
Even if you are not a shopaholic, please spare an hour to visit Shanghai’s premier shopping street – Nanjing Road. There are upscale department stores within 1920s-style buildings, along with world-famous brands and restaurants. This place is ideal to shop for authentic Shanghainese snacks and souvenirs. If you don’t want to walk, a trackless sightseeing train only costs three yuan. After dark, flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and make Nanjing Road shine.
Maglev Train
Take the Shanghai Maglev Train from Pudong International Airport to the Lujiazui financial district. The Maglev has a regular service speed of 430 km/h and is the fastest railway system in commercial operation in the world. This 30km ride takes about eight minutes and 50 yuan one way, and 80 yuan for a round trip.
Jin Mao Tower
Get a good aerial view of Shanghai from the observation deck on the 88/F of Jin Mao Tower. The second tallest building in China, Jin Mao Tower is located in the centre of the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Districts in Pudong. This building includes modern offices, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, exhibition halls and banquet halls.
Hairy Crabs (Seasonal in Autumn)
Do a crab feast! Food hunting is important for most travellers. Shanghai’s cuisine is famous and hairy crabs are what you must eat there. However, hairy crabs are seasonal. If you go between September and November, it is the best time to not only enjoy hairy crabs, but a crab feast.
Rowing Boat – Water Village Tours
Take a rowing boat trip at one of the water villages near Shanghai. These villages are Wu Zhen, Zhujiajiao, and Zhou Zhuang, featuring river bank village houses and beautiful bridges – very picturesque.
