Are you a first-time visitor to Shanghai? Here’s a rundown of the top attractions that no first-time tourist can skip…

I always knew I must travel to Asia someday. My dream came true last month when I spent 15 days in Shanghai. It was amazing to see the vibrant city life, simplicity of Chinese culture, and delicious cuisine.

Although, China was the last frontier for me in my Asian adventure. I didn’t know anything about Shanghai or the best places to visit, so I switched into research mode in the weeks leading up to my trip. 

I concentrated on the city’s biggest and best tourist attractions as well as the slightly off-the-beaten-path, quirky discoveries that I enjoy when visiting a new city.

Oh, and the best places to eat in Shanghai, of course!

Shanghai is an attractive place to visit. There are quite a few awesome things to do in Shanghai, China. For example, the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the top remarkable landmarks in China. 

As I was preparing for my trip to China, I learned how cost-effective it is to visit the country as a student. Students can get discounts (of about 50%) on many things such as transportation and food.

Few cities in the world provoke as much creativity as China’s biggest, rich in glitz on one side and rough around the edges on the other.

Shanghai is undoubtedly one of China’s most interesting cities.

THE BUND, HUANGPU

The Bund is a well-known waterfront on Huangpu River’s west side and is widely known as Shanghai’s icon. 

The Bund Shanghai is a must-see attraction. It captures Shanghai’s charm as a booming metropolis with a century-old past and a bright future.

It is most likely the best place to begin any trip to Shanghai. This waterfront promenade is situated in the heart of the city.

It creates a striking comparison between ancient colonial architecture and Pudong’s breathtaking urban skyline.

During my stay, I go for an early morning walk with local Shanghainese. As the day progressed, I loved watching them practicing tai chi and ancient Chinese martial arts.

It normally gets busier as the day progresses, peaking in the evenings as huge crowds descend on the wound. They come to see the famed Pudong skyline bathed in spectacular neon signs.

PUDONG

It’s hard to believe that the Pudong area, with its glitzy skyscrapers, was largely farmland just three decades ago.

The Chinese government proclaimed these barn lands a special economic zone in 1993, opening the way for major construction projects.

The luchadzuei district in Pudong rapidly rose to prominence as a global financial center and emblem of China’s rapid economic progress. Pudong’s business district, although spectacular at night, is most busy during the day.

Thousands of commuters rely on overcrowded public transportation to get to work.

While most offices are closed to uninvited visitors, you can get a decent idea of the place by walking around. You may even be asked to lunch in one of the company’s cafeterias if you’re lucky.

One of my favorite spots is the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, which is housed underground.

You can walk into glass tubes and admire some of Asia’s most fascinating marine creatures.

NANJING LOOP

The Bund is just a short distance away. Shanghai’s largest pedestrian shopping street is Nanjing Circle. Even if you have no intention of purchasing anything, walking the five-kilometer-long path provides a fascinating glimpse into China’s rapidly developing consumer market.

Be mindful that the queues can be intimidating at times; return during the day if necessary. You should even go to When the neon lights create an otherworldly feeling at night.

If you’ve had enough of Nanjing lane, the Ying han temple on the western end is the best place to unwind. The Buddhist temple almost feels like a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the area.

In downtown Shanghai, I was strolling along people’s parks. On weekend afternoons, I saw people playing games, exercising, and doing other things.

I recall being lost not just in space but also in time when I walked down some of the narrow alleyways.

YUYUAN GARDEN DISTRICT

Yuyuan Garden, which was built 400 years ago, is a world-renowned classical garden that draws tourists from all over the world.

Because of its bright lights at night, it is one of the HISTORIC Shanghai attractions.

The buildings, which are often souvenir shops or food stalls. They were built to imitate Ming and Qing dynasty buildings.

Sure, it’s ANCIENT-APPEARING, but it’s still worth a quick look to see for yourself!

Despite its industrial nature, the historic Yuan Garden is an entertainment hub with classic-looking shops and restaurants.

Even if it’s impossible to picture the true old Shanghai here, it’s a nice spot to walk around.

You should plan a day trip outside of the city if you have ample time. Two places in particular stand out for me.

From Shanghai’s Hong Chao train station, take the high-speed rail there. It is one of China’s most significant and busy transportation hubs.

Navigating this station may seem daunting at first, but once you work it out, it proves to be very effective in a city.

It has a distinct personality, though it is more laid-back than Shanghai. It also has a new business district situated on the shores of a stunning lake with some extravagant architecture.

It’s worthwhile to explore some of Suzhou’s older neighborhoods to see what’s left of the city’s iconic neighborhoods.

TSUJAJAO

Tsujajao, in the area between Suzhou and Shanghai, is one of my favorite of these distinctive water cities. It’s easy to see why these areas have become popular tourist destinations with their classic houses and stone bridges.

Outside of the major streets, traditional ways of life still remain. Driving through the dark back alleys is fascinating.

If you get hungry, traditional snacks like Zhengzhou rice dishes in bamboo wrappings are freshly prepared on the spot.

YANGSHAN WATER PORT

I wait outside of the city for the next location on the list. Taking a ride all the way to the coast to see the Yangshan DeepWater Port.

Shanghai’s port, which is located on Yangshan Island, you can reach by car or on a guided tour.

This is, though, well worth the effort for those interested in foreign trade and infrastructure growth.

The older harbors’ waters became too shallow as the size of cargo ships became greater. Shanghai, once a major trade port, saw its importance dwindle as rivaling harbors expanded.

The groundbreaking project has a purpose to rethink Shanghai’s place in the global shipping industry. It has evolved to become the world’s largest container terminal.

There is a small visitor center as well as a nice hiking trail that leads to some spectacular views. From here, you can witness the almost infinite movement of freight ships approaching the sea.

Delivering and picking up colorful containers filled with an endless variety of products. Some of these products are likely to have an appearance at the many trades shows that Shanghai usually hosts.

Delivering and receiving brightly colored packets containing an infinite array of goods. Any of these items are likely to have made an appearance at one of Shanghai’s several trade shows.

My list Of Favorite Things To Do In The City….

TRADE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS

Various trade shows and exhibits are held in Shanghai. Famous firms advertise their newest goods and services in the hopes of attracting buyers from all over China and the globe.

Technology, robotics, video games, and artificial intelligence are only a few examples, as are automobile food goods, agriculture, and healthcare. They offer a fascinating insight into the world of doing business and commerce in China, even though they are not to everyone’s taste.

Not all exhibitions are open to the general public, so prepare ahead and do your homework. Furthermore, several of these kinds of activities have been cancelled as a result of the looming pandemic.

BICYCLE GRAVEYARD, SHANGHAI

I discovered a bicycle graveyard in a crumbling industrial area in Shanghai’s far north. Don’t worry; it looks a lot more interesting than it is.

Bike-sharing has recently become prominent in China. Hundreds of rental commuter firms clog city sidewalks with vividly decorated bicycles.

A theoretically excellent and environmentally sustainable alternative to many cities’ mobility problems. However, the massive proliferation of these enterprises stressed local infrastructure.

Bicycles were either parked illegally or entirely deserted by their temporary owners.

XINTIANDI

Beautiful Shikumen houses that have been restored make up this small field. Even though they are now posh shops and eateries, it is still a lovely place with beautiful architecture. Rolling down the small side streets away from the main thoroughfare was one of my favorite pastimes.

The Weixiang Shikumen Museum is also located in Xintiandi. It is well worth a visit to learn more about the history of this region.

VISIT A PARK

Shanghai has several lovely large green spaces. It’s well worth taking the time to visit one of them.

My hotel was right next to Changfeng Park. I went there a couple of times to explore the beautifully landscaped gardens.

TIAN ZI FANG

One of my favorite places in Shanghai was Tian Zi Fang. It’s a labyrinth of narrow side streets lined with stores, restaurants, and other establishments.

It’s a really artistic place with many artists selling their wares. I saw some incredible dumplings and sweet designs here.

Enable yourself to get lost in this labyrinth of adorable stores and cafes; you will not be disappointed.

THE PEOPLE’S SQUARE

The People’s Square is one of China’s most prominent city squares, but it was a horseracing circuit until 1949.

It’s worth a walk around, and it’s also home to many major Shanghai attractions. The Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Grand Theatre, the Shanghai Art Museum, are some of them.

THE PEACE MUSEUM

Suppose you happen to be near the Bund and have 15 minutes to spare. Then I suggest paying a visit to the Peace Museum at the Fairmont Peace Hotel. This tiny museum, situated on the mezzanine floor and open to the public, tells the hotel’s history. 

Learn about how the hotel hosted Jewish refugees during WWII and display memorabilia from various periods.

It’s a lovely art deco place to visit, with cozy retro sofas where you can get cozy for a while. If this whets your appetite for learning more about the hotel, you can also go on one of the hotel tours they sell.

FACTS AND TIPS FOR YOUR SHANGHAI TRIP

With metro stations and bus stops on almost every street corner, getting around Shanghai through public transportation is a breeze. Don’t be put off by the language barrier; the metro is very modern and user-friendly. Go to your nearest tourist office and get a bus and metro guide, then go exploring!

If you’re considering a trip to Shanghai and want to know how to get to the train station or the airport. SmartShanghai will teach you how to get there as well as provide additional information.