Shanghai Must-Play Guide
Must-Visit Attractions
• The Bund: A showcase of international architecture, spectacularly illuminated at night. You can also take a Huangpu River cruise to enjoy the scenic views on both sides and experience Shanghai’s unique charm. Recommended visiting time is from 6 PM to 9 PM.
• Yuyuan Garden: A classical Jiangnan garden featuring exquisite pavilions, towers, rockeries, and ponds. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar offers numerous snacks and souvenir shops where you can taste delicacies like xiaolongbao.
• Shanghai Disneyland: The largest Disneyland in Asia, featuring exclusive rides and shows such as TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It also boasts the world’s largest Disney castle and spectacular nighttime fireworks shows, perfect for families and theme park enthusiasts.
• Lujiazui: Shanghai’s skyline is formed by skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower. You can visit observation decks for panoramic city views, enjoy stunning nightscapes, and experience skywalks and high-speed elevators.
• Xintiandi and Tianzifang: Xintiandi is a blend of Chinese and Western Shikumen architecture, filled with restaurants, shops, and trendy boutiques. Tianzifang is full of artistic vibes, with many creative shops, unique cafes, and handicraft stores, offering a rich cultural and artistic atmosphere.
• Wukang Road: The core area of the Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road historical and cultural district, featuring excellent historic buildings like the Wukang Mansion, as well as cultural sites such as the former residences of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Ching-ling, and the home of Ba Jin. Known as the “famous street condensing a century of modern Shanghai history,” it’s ideal for leisurely strolls and photography to experience Shanghai’s slow life.
• Shanghai Museum: Houses a vast collection of precious artifacts. The self-service restaurant on the 10th floor offers panoramic views of People’s Square. It’s a great place to learn about ancient Chinese art and culture.
• Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park: Home to rare marine animals like orcas, penguins, and dolphins, featuring exciting shows such as the Orca Legend and Dolphin Dynamic Show. There are also parade floats and grand fireworks displays, making it a great choice for families and animal lovers.
• Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Known as the “Venice of Shanghai,” with charming spots like Kezhi Garden and the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Museum. You can stroll through the ancient town, enjoy local snacks, and explore the water town for a relaxing old-town experience.
Personal Views
• City Charm: Shanghai is a metropolis blending modern and traditional, Eastern and Western cultures. It features the bustling modernity of skyscrapers alongside the rustic charm of Shikumen and alleys. This unique cultural atmosphere and cityscape make it highly attractive.
• Lifestyle: Shanghai residents live fast-paced lives with a strong sense of time but also value quality of life and enjoyment. In their leisure time, they like to relax in cafes, tea houses, or parks, savoring a comfortable slow life.
• Food Culture: Local cuisine is a major highlight, with dishes like braised pork belly and stir-fried shrimp in oil offering rich and savory flavors. Shanghai’s snacks are also diverse, including xiaolongbao, pan-fried buns, and pork rib rice cakes, leaving a lasting impression.
• Cost of Living: Prices in Shanghai are relatively high, especially in central districts and popular commercial areas like Huangpu, Jing’an, and Xuhui, where accommodation, dining, and shopping costs are elevated. However, in some non-central districts or around niche attractions, you can find more cost-effective options.
• Transportation: Shanghai’s transportation is very convenient, with an extensive metro network covering most major attractions and commercial areas. Buses and taxis are also readily available. However, the metro and buses can be crowded during peak hours.
Hidden and Niche Attractions
• Sun Ke Villa: Located on Hengshan Road, it was a filming location for the drama "Nothing But Thirty" and occasionally hosts events like coffee carnivals.
• Sinan Road: Situated in the Hengfu historical and cultural district, shaded by greenery, the historic buildings carry a sense of time. It has many celebrity residences and lively cafes and shops.
• Sweet Love Road: Next to Lu Xun Park, known as “Lovers’ Street,” with walls full of love-themed decorations, perfect for couples to take photos.
• Duolun Road Cultural Celebrity Street: Not exactly niche but rich in history, it was home to many cultural celebrities and features numerous historic residences open for visits.
• Shanghai Natural History Museum: Interesting exhibition halls, suitable for family visits and science education.
• Soong Ching-ling Former Residence Memorial: Requires advance booking, with a quiet and homely environment that offers deep insight into Soong Ching-ling’s life and contributions.
• Zhongshan Park: Crossed by metro lines 2 and 3, offering unique perspectives.
• Suzhou Creek Scenic Promenade: Walk along Suzhou Creek from Waibaidu Bridge, enjoying the scenery and architecture such as the former Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce and the Sihang Warehouse.
• Shanghai Contemporary Art Museum: Free admission, located at the former China Pavilion of the Expo. Check exhibition info in advance to decide whether to visit.
• Thames Town: A complete replica of British style, with large lawns, greenery, and English-style pointed buildings, ideal for photography and experiencing foreign charm.
Featured Streets
• Hengshan Road: Full of French flair, with international restaurants and stylish bars. It’s lively at night and a great place to experience Shanghai’s nightlife.
• Sinan Road: Located in the Hengfu historical and cultural district, shaded by greenery, with historic buildings showing the passage of time, many celebrity residences, and lively cafes and shops.
• Sweet Love Road: Next to Lu Xun Park, known as “Lovers’ Street,” with walls full of love-themed decorations, perfect for couples to take photos.