Top 10 Best Things to do in Shanghai

By Peter K Burian – Wikimedia

Top 10 Best Things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai city is vibrant, high-paced, has bright lights, towering skyscrapers, bustling markets, and artistic energy.  It is one of China’s largest cities and has endless activities and attractions.

This metropolis has one of the most efficient metro systems that will take you to any corner of the city. The city is defined by its eclectic nightlife, fancy clubs, and couture houses. More than 24 million people call this city home.

During your visit, you will want to sample some delicious Chinese dumplings, eat at the best restaurants and cafes. You can also sample the street food while here.

As you plan your visit to this fantastic Chinese city, I have a list of things that you will find helpful. Here are the 10 best things to do in Shanghai.

1. Walk Along the Bund

By Daniel Case – Wikimedia

The Bund is also known as Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu and is located on the west bank of the Huangpu River. This 1.5-kilometre stretch is famous for its waterfront view of Pudong, the financial district across the river.

The light show at night gives the city skyline an incredible view. There are colonial buildings that line the waterfront.

The walkway along the river is wide and well-paved. You get an amazing view of the financial district on one side and the 20th-century European buildings on the other.

For the best experience at the Bund, visit at sunrise and you will find senior citizens practise tai chi and fly kites in front of the skyline.

2. Zhujiajiao

This next activity will give you a brief experience of what it would feel like to live during the era of the Ming dynasty. It is an ancient water village close to Shanghai.

Zhujiajiao is around an hour away from Shanghai. This place is made up of several waterways, old crumbling buildings, alleyways, temples and street food.

It served as a commercial hub for the Ming Dynasty that brought about the construction of the picturesque waterways.

The canals have bridges over them that connect the charming streets that tourists wander about. Along the streets are tiny cafés and hole-in-the-wall shops selling souvenirs.

The best time to visit this ancient village is during the week since it gets crowded during the weekends.

3. Yu Yuan Garden

By Peter K Burian – Wikimedia

The Yu Yuan Garden is beautiful boasting of well-preserved zen, greenery, and delicate flowers. This garden is over 400 years old, sits on 5 acres and offers the perfect escape out of the city.

You will get a chance to stroll through pavilions, corridors, streams, and into the open courtyards. It took 20 years to complete the landscaping of this garden.

The garden was private during the Ming Dynasty, it was reserved for Pan Yunduan and his family.

It got damaged during the British occupation, Taiping Rebellion and the Opium Wars. The damage was not extensive thus making the restoration work easy.

This beautiful garden has six main scenic areas and 30 pavilions fitted with ornate structures. There are decorated bridges and colourful pagodas divided by dragon walls.

4. Qibao

Another ancient village to visit similar to Zhujiajiao, although smaller, is Qibao. It is close to Shanghai city and is one of the eight ancient water towns that will be worthwhile for your visit.

Qibao is famous for its sumptuous street gastronomy and beautiful views of the canals. It has a few streets making it look like a small town.

For the best experience, visit this village during the week for an affordable shopping spree and wine-tasting at Qibao’s winery.

You can access this village through the subway.

5. Pudong Skyscrapers

By Peter K Burian – Wikimedia

Having been to the Bund, then you will have already seen the financial district across the river. How about you get a close up look of Pudong’s towering buildings at a close range.

This district is filled with amazing and unique skyscrapers, with some being the tallest in the world.

It is hard to imagine that this place was mostly made up of farmlands a few decades ago. Pudong is one of the fastest-growing districts in China.

High-end shops can be found at the base of all the skyscrapers housing many observation decks. To stroll through this area, use the elevated pedestrian pathways between the skyscrapers.

6. The Oriental Pearl Observation Deck at Night

A view of Shanghai at night is a magical experience that many look forward to when in the city. To experience this, head over to Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Pudong district.

This is the tallest tower in Asia and the third tallest television tower in the world.

The tower has been described as a large and small pearl dropping on a plate of jade. It consists of 3 gigantic columns, 5 small spheres, basement and the square.

To get to the observation area, there is a transparent lift that gives one a beautiful panoramic view of the city. This was the first elevator of its kind in the world.

There are three observation areas on three different floors giving unique views on different heights. You will get the best views of a lit Shanghai at night.

7. Longhua Temple

By Corinne Launay – Wikimedia

This is Shanghai’s largest, oldest and most active temple that has five halls and two towers. It also boasts of a 7-ton 2-meter-high copper bell, that is struck on New Year’s Eve only.

The main attraction at this temple is a 7-storey pagoda that has eight sides but is closed to visitors. Around the temple is Longhua Martyr’s Cemetery.

This temple was built in the 10^th century and was named after the pipal tree believed to be where Buddha reached enlightenment.

Spend your time here exploring the five main halls that are filled to the brim with ornate sculptures and numerous buddhas.

The temple gets even more picturesque during spring with peach blossoms.

8. The Jin Mao Tower

In this tower, you will find the iconic 5-star luxury hotel known as the Grand Hyatt.

This is the third tallest hotel in the world and has been featured in the Guinness World Record among 200 others. It won the Millennium Edition for being the highest hotel in the world.

The Jin Mao Tower is strategically located in the Lujiazui financial centre opposite the World Trade Centre.

The hotel occupies the top 36 floors of the Jin Mao Tower, a perfect setting for panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

If you stay at the hotel, you will get to choose among the sophisticated rooms and suites as per your preferences. There is a shopping mall with several dining options within walking distance.

9. Xintiandi

This is an interesting place to visit in Shanghai that is dedicated to a car-free shopping and fine dining experience.

There are well preserved old Shikumen houses. Most of these buildings have been demolished in other parts of the city.

The Communist Party of China holds its congressional meeting here making a significant historical area.

This place turns into a hangout area in the evenings where people enjoy a drink, a meal and catching up with friends.

It is clean, trendy and has great spots for amazing photos.

10. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

By taylorandayumi – Wikimedia

Last on the list is Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. This is one of the touristy places in Shanghai.

It was formerly the centre of life in the city and now is the major shopping and dining area leading to the Bund.

The streets are lit with neon lights at night along with the high-end stores, cafes and restaurants. This is the main shopping street in the city.

There are two sections to Nanjing Road; the West Nanjing Road and the Nanjing Road East.

Nanjing Road West has the main pedestrian walking street and Nanjing East is more commercial with restaurants and hotels.

It stretches from the Bund to the People’s Square and you must take a stroll along with it at both morning and night.