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Step into the beautiful metropolis of Shanghai and watch the fast-paced life unfold right in front of your eyes. This buzzing and vibrant municipality in China creates the right kind of atmosphere for any type of traveler as there are plenty of things to do in Shanghai and a lot to see and explore here. Overflowing with cosmopolitan clubs, fine eateries, chic cafes, pretty neighborhoods, stunning boulevards, magnificent trains, the Shanghai stock market, charming tea houses, exquisite museums, beautiful green spaces and more, this city will surely keep one riveted! So, get those chopsticks ready and get set to unearth the beauty of this wonderfully dynamic city where the modern and traditional coexist in the best manner possible.
#10: Zip, Zap And Zoom Around Shanghai In The World’s Fastest Train!
Imagine never being late to work and always reaching that morning meeting or morning class right on time? Well, while the rest of the world still has to wait for this miracle, Shanghai allows its residents one of the fastest train rides. Hop on to the Maglev and experience the quickest journey you can imagine from the airport to the city center in just about 8 minutes. That’s 30 kilometers that you just zipped by and you won’t even feel it as the journey is as mechanically lightweight as possible! It will feel like you didn’t move at all.
If this train has left you fascinated to the extent that you want to know more about it, you can learn more (maybe even try to copy the mechanisms for our trains) at the Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum in Pudong.[1]Travel China Guide – Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT) This is one train ride that will never leave you tired or restless!
#9: Take A Trip Back In Time At The Yuyuan Garden
After a crazy quick train journey, unwind and get back to normal speed at the Yuyuan garden in Shanghai. This classical garden is the perfect place to just relax and have a good picnic or a soothing walk. This garden has survived all the others from the Ming Dynasty era and remains true to its eternally colorful character with the colorful pagodas, beautiful scenery, decorated bridges and more![2]Travel China Guide – Yuyuan Garden
This garden is counted in the list of Shanghai attractions mainly due to the Exquisite Jade Rock. The highlight of this rock is that when you pour water from the top of the rock, it will flow through all the various holes, lending a scenic sight. There are also dragon walls all around that separate the different enclaves and are a plethora of colors and visuals. It is definitely a perfect place for an evening walk!
#8: Soak In The Scenic Delights Along The Bund Waterfront
If you are ever stuck wondering what to do in Shanghai and want a quiet but fun-filled time, head to the Bund. A person never truly explores Shanghai unless they have explored the Bund. Situated just near Yuyuang Park, this area is the city’s magical waterfront boulevard where skyscrapers dominate the skyline, pretty parks dot the entrances and Gothic architecture brings out the true spirit of the city.
There is plenty to do here from taking a photography tour, a walk along the riverfront, a boat cruise on the Huangpu River, a historical tour of all the classical buildings along the waterfront, a quiet nap in the manicured lawns or you can simply just watch the locals pass their time at this hub.[3]China Highlights – The Bund — the Symbol of Shanghai
#7: Soar High Above The Clouds With A Skywalk At The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Keep your head above the clouds by taking a walk in the upper floor corridor of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower that has a glass bottom so that you can experience a 360-degree view of the city. This is one of the best things to do in Shanghai as one gets to see the city in its entire beauty. Watch the flickering lights of this fast-paced city life and then have a scrumptious dinner at the revolving restaurant.[4]Shanghai Highlights – Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower
Considered Asia’s 4th highest tower and the 6th highest in the world, this tower looks like pearls dropping down. Space enthusiasts will be delighted here as there is a space capsule that looks like a shuttle and an astronaut greets you and shows you videos about outer space. Go ahead, get enchanted by the outer space, grab a meal in the skies and watch the world go by!
#6: Feel Close To The Buddha At The Jade Buddha Temple
To experience some peace and meditation, one of the things to do in Shanghai is to go to the Jade Buddha Temple where the bright yellow walls will awaken your senses instantly. There are several grand halls with various statues and pictures that you can enjoy. But the highlight of this temple is the 1.9m-high Buddha statue. It is made from jade that is pale-green in color and stands out in the entire temple.[5]lonely planet – Jade Buddha Temple It is located in the Jade Buddha Hall complex.
Apart from this statue, there is also a reclining statue of the Buddha in the Reclining Buddha Hall. This statue is also made of jade but it is white in color and is inside a glass cabinet. Take a peek inside the workings of the Buddha here. Also, enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal in the restaurant in the temple complex.
#5: Go On A Shopping Spree At Nanjing Road
Who doesn’t like a good shopping session? In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Shanghai. Nanjing Road is a perfect destination for all shopaholics. It has something for everyone, from the young to the old and the men to the women to the children. There are plenty of shops here where you can also take back mementos and gifts. Choose from the different eateries at the Taikoo Hui or head to the Starbucks near it for a quick bite.[6]Go Shop Shanghai – Nanjing Road – A Guide to China’s #1 Shopping Street
There are also plenty of malls along this pedestrian street that start from the Bund and end at Jing’an Temple. Pick up some traditional antique wares like jade, silk goods, embroidery, clocks and wool from the specialty shops on the sidewalk. There are also upscale shops like Dunhill and Tiffany to catch up on the latest brands. This market is always buzzing with excitement. There is plenty to do here so get ready to have a ball!
#4: Catch Humorous Clowns In Action And Watch Stunning Acrobatics At The Shanghai Circus World
Have a fun time at the Shanghai Circus World where the advanced special effects, martial arts, acrobatics and dancing clowns will leave you entertained throughout. This is one of the coolest things to do in Shanghai. There are various performances held throughout the day. These include ribbon dances, sea lion performances, motorcycle acrobatics, comedy magic, musical performances, sound and light shows and much more.[7]Travel China Guide – Shanghai Circus World The circus is situated in Zhabei District and right opposite Zhabei Stadium. This circus is a delight for all travelers in Shanghai and makes for one heck of a fun time!
#3: Bring Out The Child In You At The Shanghai Disneyland Theme Park
One of the must do things to do in Shanghai is to go to Disneyland. Immerse yourself in the land of Disney characters, fun rides, magical live shows and fun shopping tours at the Shanghai Disneyland. This includes some Chinese cultural elements within the Disney theme and showcases the true character of both.
There are many things to do here. For example, take back a Duffy bear from the souvenir shop. If you are hungry, savor a delicious banquet at the Storybook Castle. For the music lovers, take part in a musical parade with Captain Jack Sparrow and his pirates. If sci-fi is more your thing, go wild in the world of TRON. Non matter what you like to do, you can relive some awesome moments from the Disney classics here.[8]Shanghai Disney Resort – Shanghai Disneyland It will definitely make you want to be a kid once again!
#2: Stroll Around The Cafes And Urban Landscapes Of The French Concession
Enjoy a charming European feel at the formerly French settlement in Shanghai, the French Concession. While this might not seem very Chinese, this is in fact one of the best things to do in Shanghai. There is plenty to do on a stroll around here.[9]TimeOut – ADD COMMENT The leafy Former French Concession stroll Consider visiting the Soong Ching Ling’s Memorial Residence. Another great thing to see is the French Renaissance-style buildings throughout the area. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Zhang Leping Museum where you can see the San Mao cartoons,
There are also a number of boutiques, cafes and bars where you can unwind at and enjoy the urban feel of this area. For example, slurp up some delicious fresh hand-pulled noodles at Nanchang Road. Another great thing to do is enjoy a frothy latte at the cozy chic European eateries on Ferguson Lane. Create your own scenic memories at this lively and cosmopolitan neighborhood.
#1: Step Into The World Of Ancient Artifacts And Historical Wonders At The Shanghai Museum
Visiting the Shanghai Museum is definitely one of the things to do in Shanghai. It gives visitors a sense of the ancient history and culture of this metropolis. Considered one of the best in China, this museum is arranged according to various themes. You can visit the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, Jade Gallery, Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, the Coin Gallery, the Minority Nationalities’ Art Gallery and much more.[10]Frommer’s – Museums & Mansions in Shanghai
The Painting Gallery is one of the more vibrant themes in the museum. One gets to see original paintings on silk scrolls that range from the Ming Dynasty to the Tang and Song Dynasties and more. Also watch the beauty of jade in action at the Jade Gallery. Here, you get to notice the intricate artwork of earlier cultures like the Liangzhu Culture and view their jade wine vessels, ornaments and jewelry. The Bronze Gallery is also worth a visit. It has some exquisite bronze works like wine vessels with animal carvings, food vessels, traditional pots and more. All of these are from different dynasties. Whiff up your historical senses at this museum located in the Renmin Da Dao and unearth the depth and beauty of Shanghai’s civilizations.
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