Discover Attractions and Things To Do in Shanghai
The metropolitan Shanghai is defined by skyscrapers such as the Jin Mao Tower, Bank of China Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower, leading in financial developments and the latest of fashion and trends. Lying in stunning yet subdued contrast, nonetheless, is the Old Shanghai that is made of temples, gardens that are classically Chinese or French-styled and historical landmarks that once had a part to play in its rich history.
Today, these cultural monuments and places of interest offer some reprieve from the urban jungle and just like the many shopping places, high-end bars, entertainment and fine dining around the city, all of these are set to make any traveller’s itinerary as exciting as Shanghai should be.
Shanghai Silk Museum
Learn about how silk worms are grown and fed, how their threads are collected and eventually how the textile is produced, and if you wish, take home some of the quality bedding products at haggle-free prices.
Shanghai Exhibition Centre
This significant landmark built in 1955 is notable not just because of the fact that, standing at 110m, it used to rule as Shanghai’s tallest building for decades, but also that as a symbol of the China-Soviet alliance, which saw the architecture deeply inspired in the Russian and Empire style
Yu Garden
The garden of 20,000 sqm may not impress with its size but sure does with its unique scenic structures; and of course, for the never-relenting shopper, this is also a great place for tea, antiques, Chinese seals and souvenirs.
Xintiandi District
In a new world that is defined by the heaven and earth, as its Chinese name suggests literally, the venue offers a window to Shanghai’s past that is now preserved with restaurants, boutiques, cafes, bars and entertainment of international standing.
The Bund
A symbol of modern and classic Shanghai, the Bund is widely visited not just for it sculptures, statues and the underwater tunnel, but also for the boat rides and sightseeing that accompany the wealth of dining, nightlife and shopping options available.
Jingan Temple
Originally built in 247 BC, relocated and rebuilt in the 1880s and recently thoroughly reconstructed, this Buddhist “Temple of Peace and Tranquility” is home to the largest jade Buddha in China, in addition to the historical figures and ancient gods of China’s indigenous religion, Taoism
VUE Bar, Hyatt on the Bund
The elegant and stylish fashion bar atop the Hyatt hotel offers a great place to unwind and relax after work, indoors or out in the open terrace, as you sip from among an extensive selection of premium beverages and refined champagnes in full view of the Huangpu River.
Glamour Bar
Open throughout the night, the sumptuous bar is home to Shanghai's International Literary Festival, with an appeal to all types of people who bring with them a variety of personalities and expectations to the shiny, curvaceous bar that was inspired by the twists of a lady’s shoe.
Big Bamboo
One of the longest running sports bars in Shanghai, Big Bamboo features live feeds of virtually all championship games in virtually all sports, along with beer, pool, darts, foosball and a full menu of western dinner options and pub fare.
M1NT
One of the poshest clubs in Shanghai, the highly exclusive club combines fine dining, funky music, dance floors, the best wines and beers in town, shark tanks, luxurious décor and a horizon to the city skyline.
JZ Jazz Bar
Get a flavour of the “Old Shanghai” vibes in the city’s well-loved bar that features dim lighting, lots of red plush and nightly live jazz.
Boxing Cat Brewery
The American-style brew pub features Pilsners, lagers, stouts and a rotating cast of others that accompany authentic Americana food fare
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
One of China’s biggest wild animal parks, the 153-hectare park is home to 200 rare species and over 100,000 animals from all over the world, including those under protection.
Shanghai Botanical Gardens
Admire the rose garden in full bloom with cherry, peach and plum trees, visit the Bonsai Garden or feed the doves here at the 81-hectare Shanghai Botanical Gardens, where flora and fauna are just part of all that it has.
Shanghai Zoo
Although the ecologically friendly zoo is well-known for the Giant Panda, which is the very reason why children would throng the place, equally significantly is that it is also home to more than 6,000 animals, among which 600 are Chinese.
Shanghai Science & Technology Museum
A perfect exploratory ground for the young and the old, the 68,000-sqm museum has 4 science theatres that constitute the largest science education cinema in Asia and 13 permanent exhibitions that cover anything about life, earth, robots, humans, space, spiders and lots more.
Century Park
Located in the New Pudong District, the park promises a-little something for everyone in the family with its sprawling green areas, lake with paddle boats, bird sanctuary, golf course and more.
Franck
Arguably one of the best French restaurants in Shanghai, the menu changes almost daily and is based on a fine selection that takes after the season’s freshest ingredients, all done with a high level of attention to detail and quality.
Light & Salt
Located in the former site of China's first YWCA, Light & Salt uniquely features contemporary renditions of European cuisine with Shanghainese accents in a broad range of flavours unimaginable.
Lost Heaven
Specializing in the tribal cuisine of China's Yunnan province, Lost Heaven is the perfect place for that all important date with its exotic cuisine, attractive décor and an ambience that spells romance.
Paulaner Braeuhaus (Binjiang)
The hugely popular German restaurant has 3 grandiose outlets on both sides of the Huangpu for the obvious reasons none other than its beer and the authentic German cuisine done to the strictest traditions.
Tai Thai
Tai Thai bar-cum-restaurant serves superb fine Thai cuisine, including some vegetarian options, in an ambience that makes the dining experience even more memorable.
Din Tai Fung (Super Brand Mall)
Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese chain and well-loved by many around the world for their renditions of Chinese snack food, such as dumplings, noodles, steamed buns and simple vegetable dishes, made to a remarkable consistency regardless of when and where you last ate there.
Art Scene Warehouse
At almost 1,000 sqm, the gallery is one not just one of Shanghai’s leading galleries but also the city's biggest, with an outstanding collection of works by young Chinese contemporary artists.
Qianshuiwan (QSW) Culture Centre
The huge music and arts center hosts musical and stage performances from classical to rock; in addition, it helps to promote the development of musical creative talent through its dance lessons, recording facilities onsite.
Ke Center
The official venue for local theatre group Shanghai Repertory Theater (SRT) performs anything in English, by the professionals or the amateurs, from the contemporary Shakespearean classics to the provocative.
Shanghai Centre Theatre
Do not miss this acrobatic show that features a captivating storyline along with some of the most challenging and stunning contortionist acts presented in a modern and sophisticated theatre, perfect for everyone in the family.
Shanghai Binhai Golf
Opened in 2003, the Binhai Golf club boasts two 18-hole courses, both of which are par 72 and about 6,400m (7,000 yds) in length, and a driving range with 20 bays, in a location close to the Pudong International Airport.
Shanghai International Tennis Center
Boasting the largest and most complete recreation facility, the club is everyone’s ultimate playground in Shanghai with variety of sports activities, party packages and lessons for would interest every sports enthusiast.
Big E Entertainment Centre
Enjoy 2,000 sqm of unbridled fun in this hugely popular entertainment centre that offers the country’s first and only 3D black light laser tag, mini golf, KTV, billiards, air hockey and lots more, appealing to visitors of all ages.
Shanghai Century Star Skating Club
It’s time for some great twists and turns on board the 1,025 sqm of slick ice, in the largest, newest and probably also the nicest ice-rink in Shanghai.
Yanwu Space Rock-climbing Center
The old factory convert is an awesome sports centre that features a climbing center with eight indoor climbing walls and six bouldering walls, an indoor basketball court, a snooker club, badminton courts, table tennis facilities plus an outdoor track.
Shanghai Disney Resort
When it opens in 2016, the $4.4 billion theme park and resort in Pudong will be home to the largest Disney’ castle.
