Top Xian and Shanghai Attractions & Experiences 2024/2025

What to See & Do in Shanghai

Traditional Chinese culture and western culture have perfectly joined together in Shanghai - this modernized international metropolis but yet not losing traditional Chinese features. Nowadays, Shanghai is the commercial and financial center of China. Some people call Shanghai "Paris of the East", but the other nickname "Pearl of the Orient" may describe Shanghai better. Profound historical monuments, giant skyscrapers and prosperous economy have made Shanghai a beautiful and dazzling a pearl.

The most famous place in Shanghai is the Bund. Some people say:"the story of The Bund is the story of Shanghai". The Bund was once the location of foreign concession. 52 different style buildings of Gothic, Romanesque, baroque and other styles, which are called Wanguo Building Complex, lie to the west of the Bund. If you want to experience the charms and romance of this sleepless city, you must come to the Bund. The night view of the Bund should be definitely on your trip list.

After you come to Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Pudong district, you will finally understand how modern and prosperous Shanghai is. Almost all skyscrapers of Shanghai are standing in here. Include the famous Oriental Pearl Tower, the 88-storied Jinmao Tower and World Financial Center. All of them have few observatories, and you can get a bird's's view of Shanghai from those observatories. Make sure the weather is good when you top on the observatory, or you will just see a vague Shanghai in the middle of mist.

If you are interested in Chinese classical garden architecture and design style, you must visit Yu Garden. This is a private garden dated back in Ming Dynasty. The garden is full of delicacy and elegance of Chinese style. Out of Yu Garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you could find many elaborating and lovely traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. Next to the garden, there is an over 600-years old temple - the City God Temple. The temple is surrounded by over a hundred stores and shops. You can eat every Shanghai special snacks here.

Nanjing Road - Shanghai's busiest shopping road is a great choice when you need to purchase. This is a shoppers' paradise. You can find the latest fashions, cutting edge, electronics and beautiful jewelry here. While if you are exhausted due to the sightseeing or shopping, you can get a rest at Xintiandi. Xintiandi is an affluent car-free shopping, eating and entertainment district. Wandering at Xintiandi, you will feel like you were in the 1920s or 1930s of Shanghai. However, when you walk into the stores, the modern inner decorations will give you a total different experience. The place is suitable for Petty Bourgeoisie, you can get yourself a total relax coffee time during your busy trip.

There are also many fun spots deserving your visit in Shanghai. The Madame Tussauds in Shanghai, you can get close to many "celebrities" here. In Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, you will witness how Shanghai became a cosmopolitan city from a shabby fishing village. History lovers won't miss this center. The 1933 Old Millfun is favored by young artists. It's the creative industry center in Shanghai. If you are looking for something new, may this place will give you some fresh ideas.

Many places, like Tianzifang, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Fenjing Water Town, are also great choices for your Shanghai trip. So many things to do and see in Shanghai, so what are you waiting for? Just pack your stuff and come to explore this fascinating city!

More Shanghai Featured Activities & Local Experience

Shanghai's night view is extremely breathtaking, so don't forget to bring your camera, SLRs is best. Huangpu River Cruise is one of the best nightlife to see the sleepless Shanghai. You could also take a sightseeing bus. It's a double-decker bus, and it will connect Nangjing Road, the Bund, People's Square, Oriental Pearl Tower and other sites together. Like Beijing has roast duck, Shanghai has the famous Nanxiang Steamed Meat Dumplings and Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish. If you travel with kids, Shanghai Circus World and Shanghai Disneyland are good places to have family fun.

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