What You Must Do in Shanghai: A Journey Through the City's Vibrant Soul
In this deep dive into the must-do experiences in Shanghai, we’ll start from the end, offering you a reverse chronological look at the unforgettable moments that will shape your journey through China’s most dynamic metropolis.
Final Must-Do: Rooftop Bars with a View If you’re ending your day and wondering where to enjoy the city skyline one last time, look no further than the rooftop bars scattered across Shanghai’s rooftops. Bars like Bar Rouge and Flair Rooftop offer stunning views of the city’s skyline, especially at night when the city lights reflect off the Huangpu River. Paired with a craft cocktail, these spots encapsulate the modern, luxurious side of Shanghai that every visitor must experience. Whether for a late-night drink or a post-dinner cocktail, these venues provide the perfect capstone to a day spent exploring.
Nightlife in Xintiandi Before you hit the rooftops, make sure you’ve walked through Xintiandi, Shanghai’s upscale entertainment district. A contrast to the futuristic skyscrapers, Xintiandi presents a blend of traditional and modern architecture, packed with high-end boutiques, chic cafés, and lively bars. It’s the place to be if you want to experience Shanghai’s cosmopolitan flair. The unique thing about Xintiandi is how it preserves the historical charm of its Shikumen buildings, which are old residential stone-gate houses, while blending them with modern retail and dining options.
A Dinner to Remember: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant Your night cannot be complete without a visit to Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, a place where you can taste some of the finest xiao long bao in the world. These delicate soup dumplings, filled with pork or crab meat, are an iconic Shanghai dish, and there’s no better way to wrap up your culinary experience than at this legendary restaurant. Bold flavors, intricate preparation, and rich history combine to make this a memorable meal.
Stroll Through The French Concession Stepping into The French Concession is like stepping back in time. During your walk, the tree-lined streets and historic European-style buildings evoke a sense of nostalgia. Cafés with an eclectic mix of Chinese and Western patrons, unique vintage shops, and quiet parks provide a break from the hustle of the city. It’s easy to forget that you’re in China while sipping coffee under sycamore trees that give the area its iconic look. This is the perfect place for an afternoon break after a busy morning of sightseeing.
Morning at Yu Garden No trip to Shanghai is complete without starting your day at Yu Garden. This beautiful, classical Chinese garden offers a serene escape from the bustling city, with its intricate rockeries, tranquil ponds, and traditional pavilions. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden represents traditional Chinese gardening art, making it a perfect place for quiet reflection and relaxation. As you wander through the winding paths, be sure to stop and admire the Exquisite Jade Rock, one of the garden’s key features, and don’t forget to grab a cup of tea at the adjacent Huxinting Teahouse, which dates back to the 18th century.
The Bund: Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront If you're starting your day at sunrise, head to The Bund for breathtaking views of Pudong’s skyline. This promenade along the Huangpu River is where you'll find the best vantage point to admire Shanghai’s blend of past and present. On one side, historic colonial-era buildings reflect the city’s international past, while on the other side, the towering, ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong dominate the skyline. Whether you’re there for a morning jog, an afternoon stroll, or a photo-op at sunset, The Bund is the heartbeat of Shanghai’s cityscape and a must-visit for anyone coming to the city.
Exploring People’s Square After visiting The Bund, take a short walk to People’s Square, the cultural and administrative center of Shanghai. Here, you’ll find the Shanghai Museum, with its extensive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts, and the Urban Planning Exhibition Center, where you can see a massive scale model of the entire city. A walk through People’s Park also offers a glimpse of local life, with elderly residents practicing tai chi or engaging in “marriage markets” to find potential matches for their children or grandchildren.
Shopping on Nanjing Road Before the sun sets, you’ll want to make time for a shopping spree on Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. This is where traditional shops meet high-end luxury brands, offering everything from local handicrafts to international designer goods. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs or indulging in retail therapy, Nanjing Road is a bustling hub of activity that reflects Shanghai’s status as a global metropolis.
A Trip Up the Shanghai Tower Your visit to Shanghai would be incomplete without ascending the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city that stretches as far as the eye can see, making it the perfect place to get a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai’s stunning skyline. At 632 meters tall, it is an architectural marvel that symbolizes Shanghai’s rapid growth and development in recent decades.
Start with Breakfast: Jianbing Before diving into your packed day, you must start with a traditional Shanghai breakfast—jianbing. This savory crepe, filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, and crispy wonton pieces, is the perfect street food snack to fuel your adventure. You’ll find jianbing stalls scattered across the city, with locals lined up for this crispy, chewy, and flavorful breakfast on the go.
In conclusion, Shanghai is a city that defies easy categorization, blending the old and the new, the East and the West, into a seamless urban experience. Each of the activities above offers a glimpse into a different facet of this multifaceted city. Whether you’re seeking historical landmarks, modern wonders, or a culinary adventure, Shanghai is a city that will capture your imagination from the moment you arrive. The city’s energy is infectious, and its sights, sounds, and tastes will leave a lasting impression long after you’ve departed.
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