Shanghai is not only the biggest city in China, it’s the most populous city in the world. With remarkable feats of engineering as well as remnants of ancient Chinese history, you can experience ultramodern and archaic in a matter of hours. There’s the lightning-fast Maglev train, but also the ancient town of Zhujiajiao. Whether you feel like a peaceful garden jaunt or the excitement of Nanjing Road, you will not be disappointed. Here are ten of the best places to visit in China’s largest city, Shanghai.
The Zhongshan Lu (The Bund)
Shanghai’s waterfront is simply stunning, and the Zhongshan Lu—often called The Bund—is the perfect place for a view. The promenade is ideal if you’re looking for a casual stroll: across the river you’ll see a plethora of skyscrapers, while behind you sprawls a wide variety of architectural styles. The view at night is particularly breathtaking, as many of the skyscrapers are illuminated by colored lights. Whether you’re looking for a photo op, a chance to explore varied architecture, or a boat tour around the port, The Bund is a Shanghai fixture you can’t miss.
Yu Yuan Garden
The Yu Garden was first built in 1559, and has endured quite a lot. It suffered damage during the First Opium War and the Taiping Rebellion, but was repaired by the early sixties and opened to the public. These five acres have great historical significance, and still attract large numbers of visitors every year. There are six primary scenic areas, replete with pavilions, ornate decorations, and brightly-colored pagodas. Be sure to notice the ‘dragon walls’ that separate each area!
Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao is a water town, like a quaint, peaceful Chinese version of Venice. Take a stroll along the Fangsheng Bridge, Shanghai’s largest arch bridge, which stretches out for 70 meters. Or, if you’d rather leave the land, take a ferry ride up and down the main canal. This ancient town is still home to many very old buildings, but there’s also an increasing number of modern additions, so you’ll find plenty to do.
Nanjing Road
Shoppers will undoubtedly find themselves drawn to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s primary shopping street as well as an entertainment district. Starting at The Bund and running several miles west, it’s lined with everything from street vendors and boutiques to malls and department stores. You’ll also encounter a variety of street performances, especially if you visit during the Chinese New Year, when the street is a hotspot for celebration.
The Shanghai Museum
If you’re interested in classical Chinese art, this is the place to visit. Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum boasts four floors of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jade collections, ink drawings, and more. With over a million artifacts, it’s no surprise that this is often called one of the best museums in China.
Oriental Pearl Tower
One of the skyscrapers you can view from The Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1991, it features 11 linked spheres of different sizes, and it is these spheres that produced the name ‘Pearl Tower’. The highest of these, the Space Module, contains an observation deck at the 350-meter mark, complete with a glass-floored external viewing area. In addition to this and other viewing decks, there’s also a revolving restaurant and the Space Hotel.
The People’s Square
The People’s Square is Shanghai’s best public space, built on a former racecourse. Often used as a reference point, this bustling square is home to numerous important buildings. Here is where you’ll find the Shanghai museum, the Grand Theater, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. But you’ll also see people, the hustle and bustle of Shanghai commuters. Don’t miss the People’s Park if you’re looking for a nice spot for a picnic!
The China Art Museum
This museum is the largest art gallery in all of Asia, so it’s no wonder people often refer to it as the China Art Palace. The building itself is unique, but it’s what’s inside that will really impress you. Here are massive collections of modern Chinese art, as well as exhibits showing Shanghai’s cultural development. If you fancy yourself a museum-lover, or have any interest in Chinese culture, do yourself a favor and visit the China Art Museum.
World Financial Center
Completed in 2008, this mixed-use skyscraper is filled with offices, observation decks, shopping malls, and one of the highest hotels in the world. It’s observation deck at 474 meters is one of the highest observation decks in China, an ideal spot to observe the city below. It’s also adjacent to the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower, marking the world’s first adjacent grouping of three supertall skyscrapers. If you’re feeling daring, try the Sky Walk on the hundredth floor—a 55-meter corridor of transparent glass that provides a great view.
Longhua Temple
The Longhua Temple is Shanghai’s oldest religious site, as well as the largest. The complex has five main halls, with a massive 14,000-pound bell near the entrance. Throughout the site you’ll find a plethora of buddhas and other sculptures, and a springtime visit will provide you with beautiful peach blossoms to beautify the exterior. This is the perfect place to witness locals in worship, and a tranquil setting to escape the downtown hustle and bustle.
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