Home to 25 million people, Shanghai is the most populous urban area in China and one of the most populous cities in the world. It has a unique identity of being the global centre for transportation with the presence of the world’s busiest container port. Whenever you are arriving as a traveler, there remains for you many things to do in Shanghai from numerous places to visit to have fun, study the culture and heritage of one of the ancient civilizations in the world and much more.
By enlisting the major things to do in Shanghai, China a large chunk of travellers explore this region to the level best. This place attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the globe. This city literally brims with its fascinating buildings, street-level entertainments of bewildering varieties. Enthusiasts and adventurists have zillion adventurous things to do in Shanghai, too!
Top 9 Things To Do In Shanghai
Without much ado, let’s check out these top things to do in Shanghai. Don’t forget to add some of the most interesting ones in your itinerary!
1. Shanghai World Financial Center
This bottle opener shaped tower is the second-highest building in Shanghai and is one of the favourite places for the travellers and one of the best things to do in Shanghai is visiting it. Its sheer size and girth struck awe onlookers. Climb up to the 97th or the 100th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center to get a glimpse of the city from a fabulous height. Take a walk on the glass floor as you see the top of the nearby buildings.
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2. Pearl Tower
Tourists have a double delight here in the Pearl Tower. Firstly, the external view of the imposing tower itself is stunning. The minaret shaped tower supported by four stand-like structures leave the visitors spellbound for its architectural marvel. The second delight is the view from the top. Feel the excitement of standing over the top of the world!
Entry Fee for the Observatory Deck: About INR 2,500/- per adult
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3. Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum is a marvellous place to see and learn about the history and the heritage of China. It is located in the Peoples’ Square- the heart of Shanghai. The museum building dome is round in shape standing on a square piece of land. It signifies the ancient belief of heaven is round and earth square.
The 12 galleried museum houses more than 120,000 artefacts, cultural relics covering the entire canvas of Chinese art. Art pieces of Calligraphy, paintings, Oriental Bronze vessels, Ancient Ceramic utensils, water jugs, musical instruments of various hues, quaint furniture, ancient coins, seals adore the museum chambers.
Location: 201 Renmin Avenue, People’s Square, Shanghai, 200003
Timings: 9:00 – 5:00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Fees: First 8000 free tickets daily, then INR205 thereafter
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4. Nanjing Road
Akin to Times Square in New York for the sheer crowds and life, the Nanjing Road in Shanghai is an ideal place to find the lives and cultures of China in action. Divided into two parts – the West and the East- the Nanjing Road bustles with the pedestrians enjoying the sight of the high-end storefronts, eateries and cafes. During the morning hours, elderly Chinese practice Tai Chi and dance in the streets. Walking on these streets is one of the best things to do in Shanghai at night for its sheer dazzle and razzmatazz of the traffic, people and neon lights.
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5. Yu Garden
This is another double delightful thing to do in Shanghai- a garden and also a vibrant shopping complex for the nature lovers and shoppers at one place. The Yu Garden is believed to be of the 14th Century AD. It is one of the most frequented places in Shanghai and tourists can do better by seeing this early in the morning. The sheer variety of plants, trees, divergent types of rock surfaces are a treat to watch here.
At the front of the Garden is the Yu Shopping Complex. It is the best place for the Chinese souvenirs, and to taste the authentic Shanghai Dumplings. Filled with lanes and alleys, it looks very much like a typical Chinese Maze. Hold hands don’t lose you’re near and dear!
Entry Fee: INR 450 (approx.) per adult
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6. The Bund
Image Credit: Daniel Case for wikipedia
Located on the west bank of the Huangpu River, the Bund is also known as the Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu. It is a 1.5 Km long stretch with the colonial buildings lining the waterfront. The intricate designs and the architecture of these buildings are worth watching.
What to Look for: The Valentine Wall, a museum in Astor House Hotel, a bronze statue of Chen Yi, the first Communist mayor of Shanghai among other things
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7. Shanghai Maglev Train
It is also one of the most important things to do in Shanghai. Recorded as the fastest train in the world by the Guinness Book of World Record, this German technology marvel travels at a top speed of 430 Km/per hour. It operates between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Metro Station. The SMV train has no wheels, consumes less energy and produces less pollution, therefore, a perfect example of environmentally friendly travel solution.
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8. Shanghai Circus World
Bring out the child in you. The Shanghai Circus World is designed in the shape of a golden vault. The stage is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities of lighting and sounds. The auditorium hosts both domestic and international circuses, dances, acrobatics and music festivals around the year. “ERA”- The Intersection of Time and “Happy Circus” are two of the most popular shows held here. The performers often display the stunning Chinese acrobatic displays, martial arts and dance in perfect harmony with the music, sound lighting and other special effects which also include a water-screen. It remains one of the most important things to do in Shanghai for kids to enjoy to the most
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9. Gondola Ride
Image Courtesy: publicdomainpictures.net
A trip to Shanghai is incomplete without a gondola ride in the scenic and serene water town of Zhujiajiao. The trip in Gondola is a 90-minute experience as it takes the riders through the ancient village providing the magnificent view of the water village and its rustic inhabitants busy in their daily lives. The charismatic alleys, narrow lanes of water, old and traditional buildings with shops and handicrafts stalls are too good to miss. Make it one of the most important things to do in Shanghai China.
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Shanghai is rightly called the Oriental Paris. It enchants with the old-time charm of Paris with its new and upcoming structures and ecology. Tourists have many things to do in Shanghai and the ones that are listed above are considered to be quite prominent. Plan you China vacay and explore its deep-rooted cultural traits and rich heritage by trying out the activities mentioned!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Shanghai
How many days are required to complete the most important things to do in Shanghai?
Ideally, a week is needed to complete the visit to various places of interest in Shanghai. Being a city with a booming economy, the things to do in Shanghai are numerous – from visiting the art galleries to climbing the world’s tallest buildings to immerse oneself in the captivating circus and acrobatic shows.
What is the currency in Shanghai?
The official name for the Chinese currency is Renminbi, which literally translates to People’s Currency and is abbreviated to RMB. The most widespread international usage is Yuan, which is abbreviated to CNY. One CNY is roughly equivalent to 0.15 USD or 10.20 INR.
Is Shanghai a costly place to visit?
Shanghai is certainly one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Compared to most of the rest of China, Shanghai is quite expensive. Still, travelers on a budget can find decent hotels at the prices well below those in Europe, and on a similar level with much of the rest of larger Asian cities. Budget hotels are available at INR1435 a night. Decent and comfortable accommodation costs in the range of INR4,000 to INR 5,000 a night for double occupancy. Five-star accommodation is in the range of INR 10,000- INR 15,000 a night.
Which is the best time to visit Shanghai?
The months of October and November are the best time to visit Shanghai when the temperature is comfortable at around 20 degrees Celsius and crowds are sparse. Winter travelers can encounter chilly weather, making urban exploration less enjoyable.
Is Shanghai safe for travelers?
The city is comparatively safe for travelers yet you should take precautionary measures when in a new place. Always remain alert in a strange location. It is better for your safety and also to enjoy the tour to the most.
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