The Best Things To Do In Shanghai

Shanghai is one city you can’t help but notice especially since it has carved out a niche for itself as one of the greatest tourist spots on the globe. Not to mention the fact that it has actually achieved the awesome feat of outstripping the impressive capital, Beijing in terms of sheer size and marvels which can rival those any city in the world has to offer. Located on China’s eastern coast, the city lies to the south of Jiangsu and to the north of Zhejiang while the East China Sea lies to its east.

Museums and art galleries bring this city’s illustrious past to life while its pulse can be felt in the green parks, gardens and squares which dot its cityscape. It is also home to Shanghai Circus World and Disneyland Park which are certainly worth visiting for a thrilling, unforgettable experience. One of the perks of visiting a world-famous tourist hot spot are the loads of options on offer and Shanghai does not disappoint. Visitors from Hong Kong will be able to board a train at Hung Hom Station and alight at Shanghai Railway Station. The city’s Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station also receives visitors from the capital and Zhejiang. Tourists who don’t have much time to spare will be pleased to find that most of China’s major cities provide flights which alight at Hongqiao airport.

There is no better place to feel Shanghai’s pulse than the Bund. Set against the Huangpu river and the city’s skyscrapers, it is the one spot where tourists and residents alike gather to dance to ballroom music, practice tai chi in the cool morning breeze and capture precious memories on film in the glimmer of flashing neon lights at dusk. A visit to Huxinting Tea House will also provide the opportunity to unwind from all that sightseeing and to enjoy fragrant brews as you bask in its calm, soothing ambience and snack on traditional delicacies. For a touch of excitement and colour, a visit to Shanghai Circus World should be on the cards. Amazing acrobatic displays, breathtaking spectacles all against a colorful setting will make it the high point of your visit to this coastal city filled with marvels.

HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SHANGHAI…

The Bund (Waitan)

Visit The Bund and you will be entering the hub of Colonial architecture in Shanghai. Since the nineteenth century, this has been where “east meets west”, and has been a home for both finance and modern art. Wander the streets and stroll the waterfront of the Huangpu River – take in the sights and ambience, and stop a while to people-watch as the locals go about their day.

Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden)

Yuyuan Garden was born in the sixteenth century, when an official decided to establish a perfect garden for his aging father. Located in the centre of the Old Town, the perfection of the garden has definitely been maintained – it is now regarded as one of the most popular attractions in Shanghai! Over two hectares, the garden can be crowded, but maintains an air of serenity at all times. Stroll through the manicured gardens and pavilions, cross the zig zag bridges (to confuse evil spirits), and watch the majestic Koi fish glide through the waters of the ponds.

Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si)

Take time out to relax and visit the Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si) in the Putuo District of Shanghai. This working temple houses two magnificent white jade statues, which are on display. The first is 1.9 metres high, is encrusted with semi-precious stones, and shows Buddha in a meditative state. The second has Buddha in a happy repose, as he goes peacefully to death.

Pudong

Wander through Pudong – on the east side of the Huangpu River – and experience modern Shanghai at its best. Admire the architectural achievements of the city as it has marched into the 21st century. The hub of the financial district, it blends together with the largest park in Shanghai, Century Park, and there is also great shopping to be enjoyed! If you want more a little more, get the heart racing with a ride to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower and view the landscape from 468 metres high!

Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is living proof of the city’s rapid modernisation, and its architectural brilliance. Take a stroll around the 632-metre-high building and admire how it twists into the sky – simply beautiful, but also functional in its design to minimise the impact of the wind. If you want to get a better view, take the super-fast lift to the viewing platform located 561 metres above the ground – the views are magnificent!