Shanghai offers plenty of sights and activities. From high-end shopping complexes and ancient temples to contemporary art galleries and vibrant subculture, Shanghai has it all.
Experience Shanghai’s famed skyline at night when the skyscrapers illuminate with lights from within – one of the most enjoyable activities on offer here is viewing it from The Bund. Penang to Shanghai flights are now available at good prices through Cathay Pacific.
The Bund
The Bund is one of Shanghai’s best-known landmarks and should be on any visitor’s itinerary. Lined by Legation buildings, banks and hotels reminiscent of London’s Thames or Seine rivers, it was China’s answer to Wall Street back when foreign trade flourished here; today its impressive grandeur remains. Viewed from here over Huangpu River lies Pudong with its towering skyscrapers representing modern China; becoming a defining image of both city pride as well as national identity for many Chinese.
Sunrise or sunset are ideal times to experience the Bund, when its stunning glow emanates from its buildings in the foreground and skyscrapers across the river. Crowds tend to congregate around these times; therefore it would be wiser if possible to avoid public holidays and peak tourist seasons as much as possible.
One way to truly experience The Bund and its surroundings is on a Huangpu River cruise. These trips usually last from 30 minutes to 31/2 hours and offer breathtaking views of both historical architecture on The Bund as well as modern skyscrapers across Pudong’s Huangpu River.
There are various cruise options available, ranging from luxury to budget. For an unforgettable romantic cruise experience, why not book one where local singers provide serenades along the way?
At night, the Bund comes alive with bright neon lights and glittery shops and bars. On its western bank of Huangpu River lies an exquisite mile long flood-control wall commonly known as ‘Lovers Wall’ due to being popular among couples taking photos there.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower provides one of the best views of Shanghai by night from its top. At 111 meters tall, this provides breathtaking vantages of all the city – an absolute must-see for photography fans and photo fans. Visitors in good physical shape may be able to climb this tower; though climbing may require special permission.
The People’s Square
Shanghai is a fascinating contrast of old and new. Its historic neighborhoods, mansions, museums and skyline feature futuristic towers and futuristic architecture as a nod to China’s long past; but at the same time its bustling shopping streets speak volumes about its modernity.
People’s Square is a magnificent open space in downtown Shanghai, featuring a sunken circular fountain combining sound, light, and marble mosaic map of Shanghai into one unique experience. Relaxed benches provide ample opportunity for locals to stroll, feed pigeons, roller skate or practice tai chi while enjoying breathtaking scenery. In addition, there is also a theater, People’s Palace Museum of Art as well as multiple other museums located here.
At its prime in the early morning or late evening when lighting is at its best, this location makes an excellent backdrop for photography. Be sure to visit nearby Xintiandi shopping district – an eclectic blend of Shanghaiian culture and western influences with boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants that make for great photo op.
Near People’s Square in Shanghai lies Xintiandi: an historic neighborhood beloved by celebrities and young creatives who have set up cultural studios there. A combination of Shikumen building styles with modern architectural influences creates an intricate maze of streets to explore while restaurants and bars fill up quickly with people of interest.
Area highlights also include an underground mall featuring high-end stores and an escalator to street level. If architecture is your passion, take a stroll over to nearby People’s Park for an architectural treat – there is the striking People’s Hall as well as Shanghai Museum with calligraphy scrolls and bronze vessels on display!
Shanghai is at its most vibrant during spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the city blooms with color. Though water and sun protection should always be carried, these weather conditions allow for comfortable sightseeing, shopping and dining – not to mention blooming flowers and glittering trees that make an impressive statement about Shanghai itself!
The Nanjing Road Shopping Area
Nanjing Road Shopping Area is one of the world’s busiest streets, welcoming over one million visitors daily from Bund to Jing’an Temple and featuring modern malls, historic stores, theaters and top hotels.
The eastern section of Main street is an established commercial center with many shops and restaurants, as well as local specialty shops that showcase city culture and history. Furthermore, luxury brands from across the world also call this section home.
East Nanjing Road offers many renowned stores and an attractive car-free central section filled with diverse businesses such as Shanghai No.1 Department Store, Duo Yun Pavilion (Duo Yun Xuan) which specializes in Chinese painting and calligraphy supplies, Maochang Optical Shop (Mao Chang Cai), stationery stores (including Shanghai Book City offering Chinese books only as well as Foreign Bookstore catering to Western tastes), optical shops ( Maochang Optical Shop ) as well as many book stores (see section 112). East Nanjing Road has many famed stores as well as car-free central sections with diverse businesses operating out.
West Nanjing Road offers more affluence with prime office buildings, luxury shopping centers, and five-star hotels. In addition, this area is home to numerous luxury fashion boutiques as well as retailers who sell sports- and fashion-related products.
In the vicinity are several popular shopping malls such as CITIC Square, Shanghai Centre, Reel Department Store, and K11. Each offers an enticing assortment of high-end products, designer fashion and jewelry stores, artisanal food and drink outlets and much more. Shanghai Centre provides an integrated shopping and entertainment experience, including an indoor oceanarium, the world’s tallest indoor rock-climbing facility and various high-end restaurant chains. Beyond shopping options, Nanjing Road also features numerous entertainment and cultural attractions like Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art and Shanghai Grand Theatre. Nanjing Road can easily be reached from all areas of Shanghai by buses, taxis and metro; additionally it is in close proximity to both The Bund and People’s Square – making it an ideal place for visitors.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is an indispensable sight in Shanghai, considered its “mother river”, symbolic of both its history and future prospects. Architectural heritage can be seen extending along its banks from Bund to Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone; here, ancient and modern influences come together seamlessly in its architecture to showcase both cultures at their best.
Bund and Binjiang Avenue, two main attractions along the riverbanks, provide stunning views of both Shanghai’s historical buildings on its west bank, as well as Pudong and Puxi’s skyscrapers on its eastern side. Their contrast reveals Shanghai’s rapid development during this century.
Huangpu River cruises are an enjoyable way to view Shanghai’s cityscape and iconic bridges, such as those famously depicted as two “dragons playing with a pearl”, with Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge embracing Oriental Pearl TV Tower as landmarks along the route.
This 60 km section of the Huangpu River serves as an important shipping artery and taking a tour boat ride down its waters can give visitors a great glimpse of all its activity – freighters, ferries, container ships and even junk boats can be seen along its banks. Furthermore, multiple lines of Shanghai Metro also cross underneath it adding yet more spectacle and amazement for visitors.
If you are visiting Shanghai for several days, add a Huangpu River cruise to your sightseeing schedule. Cruising along this waterway offers visitors a different perspective of Shanghai while at night its lights illuminated skyline can create an unforgettable scene.
The Huangpu River runs for 113 kilometers through Shanghai’s heartland, offering remarkable width and depth. As one of the city’s primary shipping arteries and drinking sources, residents rely heavily on this “Mother River.” While sailing along its pristine waters on your tour boat you’ll understand why it has such great cultural significance to the people living nearby.
keep a few pieces of advice in mind before venturing out into this vibrant city.
