Shanghai, China — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Shanghai
Shanghai is a slick and modern city with millennia of rich cultural history to draw on. You can float along the Huangpu River on a scenic boat cruise, get lost in the maze-like Yu Garden, or have a drink in a traditional tea house. It is a great place to start your trip to China, as the blend of western and eastern culture ensures there's something for everyone to see and do in Shanghai.
No vacation in Shanghai is complete without a stroll along the Bund. The waterfront embankment affords visitors a great view of the city's most spectacular buildings by night and day, and while it is generally crowded with tourists and vendors during the daytime, the mornings and evenings offer great opportunities for photography.
Shanghai has a number of museums worth a visit, including the Shanghai Museum which houses 120,000 historical artifacts, the Bund History Museum, and the less family-friendly China Sex Culture Museum. You can also see many beautiful temples and pagodas, like the Jade Buddha Temple, Longhua Temple, and the magnificent Jinshan Donglin temple.
Jinshan City Beach is a nice break from the city on sunny days. There are plenty of opportunities for watersports and other activities, including boating, bungee jumping and 4-wheeling. The beach also hosts annual international volleyball and kite-flying competitions.
For discounts of up to 50% on many tourist attractions in Shanghai, visit the Woori Bank to sign up for a Shanghai Tourist Card.
Shopping in Shanghai
Shanghai is a major international destination, so as time passes more and more traditional shop fronts are being replaced by western-style stores.
The Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall is a fascinating blend of western and eastern shopping, and Huaihai Zhong Street has a great selection of Chinese silk, which is a popular souvenir. The Old Town Bazaar has a variety of crafts and antiques, including popular Shanghai souvenirs like jade bracelets, cloisonné jewelry and vases, lacquerware and porcelain items, and vintage Cultural Revolution books and posters.
Other shopping districts in Shanghai include Parkson Shopping Center, and the 'four cities': Yuyuan Shopping City, Xujiahui Shopping City, New Shanghai Shopping City and Jiali Sleepless City. Fuzhou Road is a great place to find cultural items like music, art and books.
Although knock-off items are popular buys in Shanghai, be aware that customs in many countries will not allow you to bring multiple items back with you. Counterfeit souvenirs are also common, so be wary of paying high prices for easily faked items like jade and antiques.
Flex your bargaining muscles at street shops and markets, but the prices in formal stores and hotels are generally fixed. Remember to keep smiling and draw the shopkeeper away from other customers for the best deals.
Shanghai Nightlife
Shanghai has a long-standing (and notorious) reputation as one of the world's top 'sin cities'. It has a seedy reputation and there are many warnings given to visitors, but the ever-changing face of Shanghai's nightlife is one that buzzes at all hours of the day.
The Bund has recently been given new life as a night time destination, with dilapidated buildings being demolished to make way for neon-lit jazz clubs, cocktail lounges, and restaurants. Glamour Bar hosts live music, art discussions, and an annual writers' festival for a bohemian 1930s vibe. The Gothic castle at 6 Bund also houses several chic and upscale restaurants and lounges. Xintiandi pedestrian mall is another collection of bars and lounges in the downtown area.
Shanghai is a major concert destination in Asia, and you'll find large international concerts on the calendar along with a number of local Mando-pop or Canto-pop acts. There are also a number of good jazz clubs on Fuxing Lu.
If classical entertainment is what you want, Shanghai has a number of options, including the Shanghai Philharmonic Society or the Shanghai Yueju Opera Group. You can also see acrobatic performances and touring productions of major Broadway shows like Les Miserables or touring ballet companies.
The district around the Julu Lu and Tongren Lu intersection is a cheaper and seedier option for those who want to party hard. There is a booming sex trade in Shanghai, and some areas of town are safer than others. It is best to stay in groups when going out at night.
Check the free local English-language papers like 8 Days, That's Shanghai, and City Weekend for up to date event listings.
Attractions for Kids
There is a lot to do for children in Shanghai. Nearly every park in the city, including Zhongshan Gongyuan and Xujiahui Gongyuan has a dedicated children's section, and amusement parks like Shanghai Happy Valley, Dino Beach water park, and Jinjiang Amusement Park are fun for old and young. Jinshan City Beach is also a great place to spend the day letting the kids run around.
For interactive and educational kids' activities, spend some time at the Aquaria 21, Shanghai's largest aquarium with touch pools and scuba lessons; the Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom, or the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.
