Whether you’re in Shanghai for a day or more, there will be plenty of attractions to see and do. It’s best to cluster sights by proximity to make commuting easier. Shanghai’s subway system is super convenient to use, and in most cases, subway exits are close enough to the attractions. Here is my list of Shanghai city highlights.
Shanghai City Highlights:
The Bund (外滩)
The Bund is a waterfront promenade running parallel to the Huangpu River. It’s a symbol of Old Shanghai during its glory days in the 1920s and today, the architecture is a juxtaposition between old and new Shanghai. Walk along the Bund to see architectural and cultural landmarks including the Bund Observatory, international banks and consulates. The Bund faces the skyscrapers of Pudong District and Shanghai’s major landmark, the Oriental Pearl Tower. Try visiting once during the day and again at night for 2 different views of Pudong.
Yuyuan Gardens (豫园)
A short distance away is Yuyuan Gardens, also known as Yu Gardens. Before the communist rule tightened in 1949, Shanghai was divided into foreign concessions where foreigners were not subject to Chinese laws; Yu Garden was a Chinese-only area. Walk through Yuyaun Garden and you’ll see goldfish ponds, pavilions, arched doorways, manicured trees and Tai Hu Lake stones. These are limestones characterized by large holes and are used in traditional Chinese landscaping.
Yu Gardens Bazaar
Across from Yuyuan Gardens is the Yu Gardens Bazaar. Local and foreign tourists flock to this bustling shopping area that sells kitschy souvenirs, tea, and antiques. There are even 2 Starbucks there. Click here to read more about the Bazaar.
Xin Tian Di (新天地)
Xin Tian Di translates to “new heaven and earth” and it’s the ritzy, modern hub of Shanghai. The area was once the French concession and features restored shikumen houses on narrow alleyways. Shikumen reached the height of its popularity in the 1930s and is a style of architecture with exteriors that resemble European terrace houses and interiors that maintain the residential style of Southern China – a true combination of east and west architectural elements. Xin Tian Di is home to some of Shanghai’s best shopping, restaurants and nightlife spots. It’s fun to sit back at any one of the street cafes and people-watch.
My favourite shopping in Shanghai is along Huaihai Middle Road in Xin Tian Di – it’s where the locals shop! It’s a little more upscale than the mostly touristy Nanjing Road.
Tian Zi Fang (田子坊)
Located near the French Concession area, Tian Zi Fang is an artsy district packed with art galleries, arts and crafts stores, cafes and restaurants. The area is characterized by its labyrinth of narrow alleyways and traditional shikumen architecture. But unlike Xin Tian Di, this area is more bohemian than posh. I really liked Tian Zi Fang for finding unique souvenirs and seeing what’s trending in Shanghai.
Zen Massage
Asia is known for its endless supply of affordable and easily accessible massage parlors. Unlike the off-the-street massage parlours common throughout southeast Asia, Zen Massage is a little more highbrow. This is one of my favourite massage parlours in Asia (my favourite is in Taipei). As soon as you step through the main entrance, you’ll see how its name is synonymous with the surroundings. Go for the weekday special between 11am-6pm and make sure you book an appointment to secure a private room.
Huang Pu River Boat Cruise
Night tours along the Huangpu River run nightly on large river ferries. The ferry reaches Yangpu Bridge to the north before turning around to Nanpu Bridge in the south. The entire ride takes approximately 50 minutes and you can see city lights to the east and west of the Bund.
Nanjing Road (南京路)
This is a long shopping road in Shanghai lined with shopping malls, department stores and some international chains like Apple, Zara and Forever21. Nanjing Road East is mostly pedestrian only. There are always special events happening on Nanjing Road, like the NBA Nation All Star in August 2015 where players including Toronto Raptors’ DeMarre Carroll did a meet and greet.
South Bund Fabric Market
The South Bund Fabric Market is home to hundreds of tailors and seamstresses and it’s Shanghai’s prime destination for bespoke clothes. Both locals and foreigners come here to make anything from custom dress shirts to cashmere coats to dresses and suits. If it can be stitched and sewn, it can be made at the fabric market. Click here to read more about it.
People’s Square (人民广场) & Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (上海当代艺术馆)
People’s Square is home to the Shanghai Government, Shanghai Museum, Grand Theatre, Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, and People’s Park. The Museum of Contemporary Art used to be the house for the race track before 1948, and People’s Park was the race track.
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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