Epic things to do in Shanghai:
- Shanghai Tower (go to the top!)
- The Bund (day and night)
- A sunset cruise on the River
- People’s Park Marriage Market
- Oriental Pearl Tower (just to see)
- Nanjing Road
- Tianzifang
- Xintiandi
- Yu Gardens
- Long Hua Temple
- A day trip to see an old, classic water village
- The skyscrapers of Pudong
The flight was long! But the city is surprisingly modern, with lots of architecturally interesting buildings, both old and new.
This trip we are staying at the Mandarin Oriental, Pudong because this is where my husband’s conference is located. Love staying at the Mandarin Oriental hotels – they are awesome – but why is it that they always seem to be a little off the beaten path and out of the way? Last time we stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Pudong, which was also great and more centrally located. It was possible to walk through the shopping mall and to the subway through a series of connecting tunnels, which just made it super easy.
Update - I have also now stayed at the Waldorf Astoria on the bund, which is excellent for walking the bund and easy access to East Nanjing Road. The famous Long Bar is also in this hotel. The bar, which has been restored to its 1911 glory, was the former Shanghai Club.
I have also stayed at the Langham in Xintiandi. This location puts you right in the Xintiandi district, with easy walking to many restaurants, as well as the metro line.
Since I had been to Shanghai last year, I wanted to do something different this year and since Sunday was the one free day that all of us had, five of us booked a tour with Viator. I am usually skeptical of organized tours because I don’t like being a tourist, but this tour was fantastic – thanks to our tour guide, Berlin. We started out at the Shanghai tower.
Shanghai Tower – It is the second tallest building in the world at 2,073 feet or 632 meters. They just finished construction on it in 2017 so it brand new. The outside twists upward and you are instantly in awe of the height of it.
After you purchase your tickets and before you begin to tour – do not miss the video. It shows the progression of the skyline of the city from 1994 until 2014. Now stop and take a minute to reflect on what you have just seen – literally the city of Shanghai was nothing in 1994 and now it is a major city, full of many skyscrapers and interesting buildings. Wow. In a quarter of a lifetime, people here have seen a city emerge that they could probably never imagined in their wildest dreams.
The observation deck is no less amazing. The views are incredible, and you just cannot describe the feeling of being at a bird’s eye view of this rapidly changing city! You do not want to miss this!
Zhujiajiao Water Town – about an hour drive outside the city we went to explore an ancient, classic but touristy water town. They used to build their cities on the rivers so that goods could easily be transported in and out of the cities. It’s like the Venice of China. Today I think it primarily only tourism that fuels the town. There are 32 stone bridges that cross the river and boats that will take people up and down the river. Both sides of the river are lined with shops and restaurants. We also went into the “garden” of a wealthy home. Very beautiful and everything there was there because of the symbolism it represented. Everything means something. We learned that there are three major elements to a Chinese garden:
- Water- In addition, the water/river cannot flow off your property and it must be stocked with gold fish for good luck. It is the yin.
- Stone – this one had a stone horse sculpture – the rock is the yang.
- Plants and trees – each one symbolizing something specific. For example, the magnolia tree symbolizes wealth.
We took one of the boats to a tea house restaurant further down the river. They brought us a variety of dishes to sample. My favorites were the pork marinated in soy sauce and the chicken kung pow. The local beer was also a nice light ale.
Berlin talked to us about the many traditions of China and taught us about the culture of China. However, as respectful as she was about the traditions, she also expressed that the young people today, like herself, are interested in doing things differently than their parents and grandparents. I am interested to see how much China will again change in the next 20 years.
Old City – Touristy but necessary to walk through and see the old buildings. We had the most fun when a large group of Chinese tourists rushed at us all excited to see Americans and wanted to take pictures of us with their group!
The Bund – You must walk this waterfront boulevard with a great view of the skyscrapers and city on the Pudong side. Also, great, old buildings to see on the Bund side as well. The best views of Pudong are at night when the Pudong side is lit up and gorgeous. Walk it both day and evening after dark if you have the opportunity.
River Cruise – One of the most epic things to see in Shanghai is the city skyline all lit up at night and a great, relaxing way to do that is to take a sunset cruise on the Huang Pu River.
East Nanjing Road is the fifth avenue of Shanghai. This pedestrian only area is a collection of high end shops, people and activity. Although very touristy it is a great place for people watching and window shopping. One of my favorite things is some of the side streets that go off the main street are very old and interesting and much more “local”.
Tianzifang - A maze of alleyways filled with shops, food vendors, restaurants and yes, tourists. But it is fun and alive and a great place to purchase souvenirs (including my favorite - Chinese bracelets made from tree seeds) and to try a new snack! It still has a old world feel to it. (Metro Line 9 to Dapugiao Station; Taikang Rd exit)
Xintiandi - A modern shopping area with loads of restaurants and western food. This area is composed of old-style Shikumen residences and modern architecture. (Metro Line 13 to Xintiandi; Exit 6)
Yu Gardens - These classic Chinese gardens were built some 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. There is a lot to see and many peaceful spots to just relax and enjoy in. (Metro Line 10; Exit 1)
Oriental Pearl Tower – I am obsessed with how cute this iconic radio and TV tower is – the space age looks of it, the pink color and the lights! I have never been inside, but I cannot look at it enough. Its epic!
People’s Park, People’s Square and the Marriage Market – The park is one of the largest squares in the city and home to the main government buildings. The park is large, big and green public park but the craziest thing happens in this park on the weekends – there is really, and truly a “marriage market”. I had to see it to believe it.
On our first trip to Shanghai we had come across the park as we were out walking the city and it happened to be during the afternoon when I had read that this marriage market takes place, so I had to go right on in! At first, I was confused because all I saw was rows and rows of people with open umbrellas. It didn’t take us long to realize that each umbrella represented a person who was eligible for marriage. It appeared that it was the parents or grandparents who were representing each eligible person and the grandparents or parents who were actually “shopping”. It was surely the first time to experience anything like it and was just a little cray to wrap my head around the fact that it was still happening at this time of history but super glad I got the experience.
Century Bridge or Lujiazui Bridge – is a pedestrian walkway that is a giant circle over the roadways below that links the many buildings, shops, hotels, mall and restaurants in the area together. It is a fun place to walk and see the sights and very practical to get around the area and to the subway. By the way – the subways are super easy and safe to use here and your fastest way to get around the city.
My most epic meal was at M1nt. Very hip and high up and the food and the views were amazing!
My most epic coffee shop find was Waga!
TIPS:
- Carry tissues to use for toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Prepare for the squat toilet. Get low!
- Dress conservatively
- Don’t miss the city view at night from the Bund! The view is epic!
Overall: I was slightly surprised that more people did not speak English and that there are not more signs in English. It can make it a bit challenging to find things. I cannot say that I am in love with the traditional cuisine, but the buildings and the people are epic! I look forward to observing how much, and how quickly, China will continue to change and evolve in the years to come.
