Top 10 Things To Do In Shanghai

As it’s one of China’s biggest and most bustling cities, planning a trip to Shanghai can be a tad overwhelming. Yet stick to this list and you’re guaranteed to have the best attractions covered.

While it may not be China’s capital, Shanghai most definitely feels like it, drawing in millions of tourists every year. Here, glitzy skyscrapers and gigantic shopping complexes coexist with traditional gardens and temples. A to-do list for this city could fill multiple pages, but Culture Trip has narrowed down the activities to 10 of the best.

1. The Bund

Building

There’s a reason visitors swarm to Shanghai’s mile-long Bund, a waterfront area in the centre of the city. In the daytime, you can enjoy a stroll along the Huangpu River, taking in the impressive, eclectic architecture. You can even cross the water via The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (which measures high on the cheese factor, but is still a lot of fun). During the evening, come armed with a camera to get a shot of the majestic, glittering skyline; highlights include the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Centre.

2. Stroll around the Former French Concession Shíkùmén

Building, Market, Shop

While technically it’s in the centre of Shanghai, the French Concession feels as if it’s a hundred miles away. Dating back to 1849, the area has a much more relaxed feel than the more modern parts of the city, perfect for whiling away a few hours in the afternoon. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, drink a cappuccino at one of the many coffee shops and delis or browse at upmarket boutiques.

4. Jinmao Tower

Archaeological site

Skyscrapers are hardly a rarity in Shanghai, but Jinmao Tower (a five-minute walk from Lujiazui station) should be on any daredevil’s agenda. Not only does it offer spectacular panoramic views, but it comes complete with an outdoor glass walkway that’s handrail-free. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, scale the heights and teeter across the glass walkway, peering down to the city below if you dare. While it does come with a hefty price tag of 388 yuan (£44), it’s certainly worth it.

5. People's Park, Shanghai

Park

The urban oasis that is People’s Park lies off Nanjing Road, and while it’s a pleasant enough place to enjoy some peace and quiet, its true beauty lies in the people who frequent it. Get up close with locals as they gather for early morning exercise or dance rituals, or take a stroll to the Marriage Market, a place where proud parents gather to advertise their offspring in the pursuit of finding them a potential life partner.

6. Disneyland Shanghai

Amusement Park

As the only place to get your dose of Disney magic in mainland China, Disneyland is certainly worth a visit. With its own subway stop, it’s easily accessible from the centre. You’ll find the usual Disney favourites (such as Toy Story Land and Tomorrowland) and Chinese twists (the Gardens of Imagination is a garden-designed Disney park with Chinese zodiac murals). It’s smaller than some of the other Disney parks and manageable in one day, so pop on your mouse ears and take in the magic.

7. West Nanjing Rd

Building

No trip to Shanghai is complete without a detour to Nanjing Road, the ultimate shopping street, divided into Nanjing Road East and Nanjing Road West. Here you’ll find every possible retailer, so window shop at upmarket Gucci and Tiffany or pile your basket high at Forever 21 and Sephora.

8. Shanghai Museum

Museum

At the centre of People’s Square you’ll find the Shanghai Museum, an unmissable chance to take in some Chinese history and learn about ancient Chinese art, ceramics, sculptures and the Ming and Qing dynasties. With pieces dating back 800 years, the museum offers deep insight into both the city and China itself.

9. Jing’an Temple

Architectural Landmark

On West Nanjing road, the ancient Jing’an temple certainly stands out against a crowded backdrop of shops and restaurants, with many people stopping to gaze up at its glittering golden roof towering above the traffic and pedestrians. Dating back to 247 AD, the temple houses three main halls, with the Mahavira Hall hosting the spectacular Jade Buddha.

10. Maglev Museum

Museum

Arrive from the airport in style by shunning the subway and hopping on Shanghai’s lightning-speed Maglev instead. Connecting Pudong International Airport and Shanghai’s centre in under eight minutes, at peak, the train can reach speeds of an astonishing 430 kilometres per hour (267 miles per hour). If you have time on your hands, take a detour to the accompanying Maglev Museum to learn all about the history of this epic feat of Chinese engineering.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Rachel Deason.

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