7 Amazing Activities to Enjoy in Shanghai

7 Amazing Activities to Enjoy in Shanghai Written by Barnaby Taylor. Published on 31st October, 2018. Category: Travel Guides

There’s nowhere in the world quite like Shanghai. With a population of over 24 million people, this bustling metropolis is one of China’s largest cities. It’s a truly fascinating place with a rich culture that reflects its amazing history, and it isn’t difficult to see why more and more tourists are flying to China for a taste of this exciting hub and international trading port.

Shanghai is also a world-famous financial hub among the likes of London, New York and Tokyo. This makes it a hotspot for business travellers across the globe, with thousands of people flying to China every year to deal with matters of trade, finance and more.

Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, there’s something for everyone among the streets of Shanghai. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together our own guide to the city, with a selection of fun activities to keep you entertained for days on end.

Plan a full day of sightseeing or work around your business schedule with these 7 exciting activities.

Stroll Along the Bund

No talk of Shanghai would be quite complete without a mention of the Bund. The Bund is one of the most iconic tourist hotspots in Shanghai, and is often referred to as an emblem of the city. The waterfront spans the area between two famous bridges – the Waibaidu Bridge and the Nanpu Bridge – and is very historically significant for being home to a number of important financial institutions.

Today, thousands of people visit the Bund to stroll along the water’s edge and marvel at the city’s incredible skyline. From the Bund you’ll be able to gaze across the Huangpu River at some of Shanghai’s most impressive modern buildings and skyscrapers, which many people claim to be a symbol of China’s exciting future.

The Bund is a place of rich historical and cultural significance, and is a great place for tourists to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Shanghai. Watch locals go about their daily routines, document your trip with remarkable photographs and meet new people as you stroll along the waterfront. For a trip you’ll never forget, explore the area during sunset for breathtaking views across the water.

Touch the Sky

Catching a glimpse of Shanghai’s tallest buildings may be fun, but there’s nothing quite like viewing the city from the very top of them. In fact, reaching the tip of Shanghai’s skyline should be on everyone’s bucket list.

One of the most popular buildings to scale is the Shanghai Tower – the tallest building in China. The observation deck at the top of the tower offers mind-blowing views across the Huangpu River and the Bund which certainly aren’t to be missed.

Located nearby the Shanghai Tower is the Shanghai World Financial Centre, which has a unique shape almost resembling a bottle opener. It may be a financial hotspot, but you don’t have to be a banker or a trader to enjoy the magnificent views available at the building’s top floor. Tourists are welcome to visit one of three observation decks with the option to walk across a transparent glass walkway.

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower with its truly unique design. It has a fantastic 15 observatory levels with a revolving restaurant for only the bravest of diners.

Go Temple Hopping

Learning about a city’s religious influences is one of the most important activities for any visitor to embrace when exploring somewhere new. This couldn’t be easier in Shanghai, which is home to many incredible temples open for people to visit. Visiting Shanghai’s temples is a great way to learn more about China’s religious and cultural history, and can also be a positively enlightening experience for tourists and locals alike.

The Jade Buddha Temple is arguably the best known temple in Shanghai, and, like the name suggests, is home to a beautiful jade Buddha. Wen Miao is another religious site with a fascinating statue, although this temple was built to celebrate the work of Confucius. When visiting temples, make sure to show your respect by dressing appropriately, remaining quiet, and obeying any other rules given to you.

Dine on the Street

In Shanghai, you won’t be able to escape the smell of sizzling street food enticing you at every corner. Street food in Shanghai takes its inspiration from many different cultures and is sure to leave you wanting more. Dining on street food is not only a great way to eat on a budget, but also gives you the chance to meet new people and watch the city come to life in front of you.

Xiao Long Bao – dumplings stuffed with pork and broth – are perhaps one of the most popular dishes to try when visiting Shanghai, but there are many more on offer. Seafood is also very common, with steamed crab and fish dishes often stealing the show. Although it originated in Beijing, Peking Duck is also a hugely popular dish amongst locals and tourists in Shanghai.

You’ll also have plenty of sweet treats to choose from, with sticky rice stuffed with red bean paste and steamed sponge cake flavoured with flowers and sesame seeds. Whatever dish you opt for, you’re sure to savour every mouthful.

Get Lost in Tianzifang

Getting lost in an unknown city can be daunting, but it can also be one of the greatest ways to appease your wanderlust and explore your surroundings in a way that’s completely one-of-a-kind. One of the best places to get lost in Shanghai is among the narrow streets and alleyways of Tianzifang, a unique shopping hub in the historical French Concession area.

The Tianzifang shopping district is also an excellent place to immerse yourself in Shanghai’s art scene. It’s home to many talented designers and artists who have transformed empty spaces into exciting galleries often frequented by locals, expats and tourists.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Tianzifang. It’s a haven of independent shops, cafes and bars popular among tourists and locals alike, and is the perfect place to appreciate original Chinese architecture. Whether you’re on a city break with your partner or in China on international business, you’re sure to find something that captivates you within the bustling lanes of Tianzifang.

Escape the City

Shanghai is a vast city, but finding peace and quiet isn’t an impossible feat. There are plenty of gorgeous green spaces dotted around, so you’ll be able to find serenity on even the busiest of days. Fuxing Park, which was built by the French in the early 20th century, is perhaps the city’s best known park, and is an ideal spot to go for a stroll and embrace the beauty of nature.

For a unique park experience, consider taking a stroll through the Jing’an Sculpture Park. It boasts sculptures from an amazing 61 countries, making it a park that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re a contemporary art and sculpture enthusiast or you just fancy seeing something new, this park is the ideal spot for you.

A trip to Shanghai wouldn’t be quite complete without a visit to the breathtaking Yuyuan Garden, a relic of China’s Ming Dynasty. This is the ultimate place to find peace and serenity with the opportunity to wander through beautiful pavilions, rockeries and bridges.

Catch a Show

There are hundreds of ways to spend an evening in Shanghai, but enjoying some of the city’s spectacular entertainment should certainly be a top choice. There are many music venues and theatres to choose from, catering to all different tastes and interests. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, opera, drama or ballet, Shanghai’s entertainment scene is sure to have something for you.

One of the most exciting entertainment venues in the city is Shanghai’s very own Circus World. Whereas most circuses come and go, Circus World – famous for its exceptional acrobatic displays – remains in the same spot. If you’re travelling with children, or even just fancy a break from international conferences and business meetings, letting your hair down at the circus could be a great way to spend your evening.

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If sampling street food, strolling along the waterfront, and visiting some of the world’s tallest towers sounds like your idea of a dream holiday, it’s time to explore the delights of Shanghai with a luxury business or first class flight to this vibrant city. Please don’t hesitate to browse our website for unbeatable prices and expert travel advice.