Top Attractions & Things to Do in Shanghai Yantgtze River

Shanghai evokes so much history, excess, glamour, mystique and exotic. It has art deco architecture and skyrocketing buildings, traditional temples and gardens and elegant water towns. With many things to see and do, it is good to spend 2 to 3 days in the cosmopolitan city.

Skyscrapers & Modern Fashion

Visit: The Bund, Nanjing Road, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

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 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 will definitely on your trip list. Nanjing Road - Shanghai’s busiest shopping road is a great choice when you need to purchase. This is a shopper’s paradise. You can find the latest fashions, cutting edge, electronics and beautiful jewelry here.

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, including the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the 88-storied Jinmao Tower. In Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, you’ll witness how Shanghai became a cosmopolitan city from a shabby fishing village. History lovers won’t miss this center.

Traditional Temples & Gardens

Visit: Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar

The modernized international metropolis has another side owned traditional Chinese features. 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 Yuyuan Garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you could find many elaborating and lovely traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. Also, there is Chinese Buddhist temple - Jade Buddha Temple located in Shanghai. In the temple, you could see a sitting Buddha and a smaller reclining Buddha.

Exquisite Water Towns nearby

Visit: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Fengjing Water Town

Want a day trip from Shanghai? Escaping to the ancient town will be a nice choice. The water towns near Shanghai include Zhujiajiao Water Town (48 km from Shanghai) or Fengjing Water Town (60 km from Shanghai). In Zhujiajiao, you could take a half hour ride on a small boat on the river, view the little shops on the riverbank, visit Fengsheng Bridge, Kezhi Garden and the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple. In Fengjing, take a boat and cruise along the towns’ winding waterways; sample local delicacies; and discover the history and culture of the people of the quaint village. If lucky, meet local artists and discover the longtime tradition of Jinshan peasant painting. If you like photography, bring your camera and take some great pictures here.