shanghai sightseeing

On top of the list with Shanghai's must sees sightseeing highlights should be a visit to the Bund and Pudong.

You have not seen Shanghai if you did not do the Bund's classic riverside promenade for your intake of old Shanghai charm and to enjoy the view of Pudong's (modern Shanghai’s) skyline across Huangpu river and vice versa.

But, there is much more of Shanghai's charm to be discovered on foot. Shanghai is a city of contrasts and constant change. Unfortunately, not many of the historic houses are left over. However, there are still some quite intact areas where you feel like you could walk back in time.

Traditional two story houses and busy street markets co-exist side by side to huge construction sites for the next skyscrapers to come. Therefore you should take your time to simply wander around and to experience the various faces of Shanghai. Just dare to take the side streets. This is exactly how any street market will look like in many different cities and provinces anywhere in China. A piece of authenticity and a glimpse into the Chinese way of life (at least a couple of years ago) - not to be missed!

Another must visit should be to the historic FRENCH CONCESSION, an area that is famous for its tree lined streets and European architecture. As one if not the hippest area of Shanghai with many trendy boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops it is best discovered on foot. Our top three shopping recommendations as listed below are all located in the French Concession and the stunning villa with garden that houses the popular Yongfoo Elite Club also deserves a visit.

Another area worthwhile to visit is XINTIANDI. It is slightly touristy but you should nevertheless stroll through its beautiful lanes/streets with its diverse boutiques, restaurants and bars. It is nice to hang out there and do some people watching.

And, if you do visit Xintiandi, we recommend checking out the Green Massage spa, which is located nearby on TAICANG LU. Please see our recommendations with must tries below for further information regarding recommended treatments and spas. Maybe they have a free spot for you although they are always very busy - it is worth a try!
 
In addition, we also recommend walking through TAIKANG LU and its various lanes. Another great location with many boutiques, coffee shops and art galleries in a nice ambiance. One of the highly recommended Platane shops for home accessories as described below is also located on Taikang Lu. Another reason to drop by!

Although mentioned in every guidebook a visit to the Shanghai Museum should be mandatory – at least for those of you who are interested in art and history. Stunning pieces of ancient Chinese art divided into 11 galleries on four floors.

No entrance fees for the permanent collection but a long queue for the security check so you better be early and avoid weekends.

50 Mogashan LU (M50) is also called the « Shanghai Creative Industry Clustering Park ». Similar to #798 in Beijing, Shanghai's art district is also housed in a former factory district. Critics might say that this is something for Westerners only and that the Chinese artists tailored their art to the Western taste and idea of Chinese art but I liked very much to simply wander around.

The dimensions are huge and there is one gallery after the other – some even have the dimensions of museums. I particularly, enjoyed my visit to the Eastlink Gallery on the 5th floor in Building 6 as you feel like in an action movie. To get there you have to get on a very old elevator that looks like it might just break the next minute. Very scary! Luckily there is a lift boy – what would he do in case you get stuck, will the phone work?!

But there are so many great big and small galleries to discover. You should really take your time and stroll around. And if you are into art you should definitely get a copy of « Shanghai Detour - the art map », a bilingual bi-monthly orientation tool with all sort of information regarding what’s up in Shanghai's art scene.

Another highlight is the 1933 Building in historic Hongkou District. The former slaughterhouse has been transformed into sort of a shopping mall and is supposed to become Shanghai's creative hub.

Although the building is not yet fully occupied it is great to wander around as it has some very interesting shops and restaurants to be discovered and the architecture is great. Our favorite shop is lifestyle concept store PIN WEI, which just opened doors in March 2010. But even if you are not in shopping mode we would recommend a visit just to see how it looks and feels.

I have to admit I never quite understood the fuzz about Giant Pandas and a previous visit to the Beijing Zoo did not help. However, my last visit to the Shanghai Zoo  really made me change my mind after all.

First, I thought that there this is only Giant Panda and was quite disappointed for having made it there to look at his dirty back. But, luckily there were more Giant Pandas to be discovered that looked quite happy. They either eat, sleep or play and they are so cute you just can’t get enough. A happy Giant Panda family – not to be missed!!!

If you come to Shanghai sometime from May 1 through October 31, 2010 you should also visit the World Expo 2010. We have had a chance to visit the construction site.

As always in China, the dimensions of the Expo site are huge. Although the whole area was still under construction at the time of our visit we very much enjoyed our glimpse behind the scene. Our favorite was the Swiss Pavilion, which is truly stunning. It will have a cable car to take you up to the roof from where you will have stunning views on the Expo and Shanghai. Check it out!

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