Discovering Shanghai, China: Day Tours and Fun Activities
Shanghai, the largest city in China and one of the world’s major financial hubs, is a dazzling metropolis that seamlessly blends the old and the new. Known for its stunning skyline, rich history, and vibrant culture, Shanghai is a city that offers a multitude of experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring its colonial past, indulging in its modern luxuries, or diving into its vibrant arts scene, Shanghai has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best day tour options and fun things to do in Shanghai, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
The Bund: A Stroll Along the Iconic Waterfront
The Bund, or Waitan, is one of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks, offering a stunning view of the city’s skyline along the Huangpu River. The Bund is lined with historic buildings that showcase Shanghai’s colonial past, with architecture ranging from neoclassical to Art Deco.
Day Tour Option:
- Bund Walking Tour: This tour takes you along the Bund, where a guide will share stories of the buildings that once housed foreign banks, trading houses, and consulates. The tour often includes a visit to the Bund Historical Museum, where you can learn more about the area’s rich history. The walk culminates with a breathtaking view of the modern skyline across the river in Pudong, featuring the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower.
Fun Fact: The Bund was the first area in Shanghai to be fully developed by European settlers in the 19th century, making it a symbol of the city’s colonial era.
Yu Garden: A Glimpse into Shanghai’s Ancient Past
Yu Garden, or Yuyuan Garden, is a classical Chinese garden located in the heart of the Old City of Shanghai. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the garden is an oasis of tranquility amid the bustling city, featuring pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and ancient trees.
Day Tour Option:
- Yu Garden and Old Town Tour: This tour offers a deep dive into traditional Chinese architecture and garden design. You’ll explore the intricately designed gardens, visit the nearby City God Temple, and wander through the bustling bazaar of the Old Town. The tour often includes a tea-tasting session at a traditional teahouse and a visit to the Huxinting Tea House, one of the oldest in Shanghai.
Fun Fact: Yu Garden was once the private garden of a government officer in the Ming Dynasty and is now considered one of the finest examples of classical Chinese gardens in the country.
The French Concession: A Walk Through History
The French Concession is a charming neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, European-style architecture, and trendy boutiques. Once a foreign concession, this area is now one of Shanghai’s most fashionable districts, blending history with modernity.
Day Tour Option:
- French Concession Walking Tour: Explore the elegant streets of the French Concession with a guided walking tour. The tour typically includes visits to notable sites like the former residence of Sun Yat-sen, Fuxing Park, and the Wukang Mansion. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden alleyways filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. The tour also delves into the area’s rich history, including its role in Shanghai’s revolutionary movements.
Fun Fact: The French Concession was established in 1849 and remained under French control until 1943. It has since become one of Shanghai’s most desirable residential areas.
Shanghai Tower: A View from the Top
Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, offers an unparalleled view of the city from its observation deck on the 118th floor. Standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet), the tower is a marvel of modern engineering and design.
Day Tour Option:
- Shanghai Tower and Lujiazui Financial District Tour: This tour takes you to the heart of Pudong, Shanghai’s financial district. You’ll visit the Shanghai Tower, where you can ride one of the fastest elevators in the world to the observation deck. The tour also includes a walk through the Lujiazui area, where you can admire other architectural marvels like the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Some tours offer a cruise along the Huangpu River for a different perspective of the city’s skyline.
Fun Fact: The Shanghai Tower’s unique spiral design reduces wind loads and saves energy, making it one of the most sustainable skyscrapers in the world.
Nanjing Road: Shopping and Entertainment
Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s premier shopping street, stretching over 5 kilometers and packed with a mix of high-end boutiques, department stores, and local shops. It’s one of the busiest commercial streets in the world, attracting millions of shoppers every year.
Day Tour Option:
- Nanjing Road Shopping Tour: A guided shopping tour along Nanjing Road is perfect for those who want to experience the vibrant retail culture of Shanghai. The tour usually starts at the pedestrianized section of East Nanjing Road, where you’ll explore a variety of stores, from luxury brands to local souvenirs. The tour often includes stops at historic department stores like the Shanghai No.1 Department Store and a visit to People’s Square. In the evening, the street comes alive with neon lights, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.
Fun Fact: Nanjing Road was originally known as “Park Lane” during the colonial era and has since become a symbol of Shanghai’s commercial prosperity.
Shanghai Museum: A Cultural Immersion
The Shanghai Museum is one of the most important museums in China, housing an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art. The museum’s exhibits include ancient ceramics, bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures, offering a comprehensive overview of Chinese cultural history.
Day Tour Option:
- Shanghai Museum Guided Tour: A guided tour of the Shanghai Museum provides in-depth insights into China’s artistic heritage. You’ll explore the museum’s various galleries, each dedicated to a different form of art. Highlights include the ancient bronzes, which are among the best-preserved in the world, and the calligraphy gallery, showcasing the evolution of Chinese script over the centuries. The tour often includes a visit to nearby cultural landmarks like the People’s Park and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.
Fun Fact: The Shanghai Museum’s building is designed in the shape of a traditional Chinese cooking vessel called a “ding,” symbolizing the unity of heaven and earth.
Zhujiajiao Water Town: A Step Back in Time
Zhujiajiao is a charming water town located on the outskirts of Shanghai, known for its ancient bridges, winding canals, and traditional architecture. Often referred to as the “Venice of Shanghai,” Zhujiajiao offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Day Tour Option:
- Zhujiajiao Water Town Day Tour: This full-day tour takes you to Zhujiajiao, where you’ll explore its picturesque canals by boat and stroll through its narrow streets lined with historic buildings. The tour typically includes visits to the Kezhi Garden, a classical Chinese garden, and the Fangsheng Bridge, the longest stone bridge in the town. You’ll also have the chance to sample local delicacies at one of the many riverside restaurants.
Fun Fact: Zhujiajiao dates back over 1,700 years and was once a thriving trading hub due to its strategic location along the waterways.
Jade Buddha Temple: A Spiritual Retreat
The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Shanghai, known for its two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma. The temple is a peaceful sanctuary in the midst of the bustling city, attracting both locals and tourists.
Day Tour Option:
- Jade Buddha Temple and Confucius Temple Tour: This tour combines a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple with the nearby Confucius Temple. You’ll learn about the history of Buddhism in Shanghai and the significance of the jade statues. The tour often includes a visit to the Confucius Temple, where you can explore its tranquil courtyards and learn about Confucianism, which has played a crucial role in Chinese culture and education.
Fun Fact: The Jade Buddha Temple was built in 1882 to house the jade Buddha statues, which were brought to Shanghai by a Chinese monk after his pilgrimage to Burma.
