Shanghai Top Ten Tourist Attractions

Shanghai Top 10 Tourist Attractions

New or moving to Shanghai? We know there's so much to see and do so we've put together our 'favourites' list of the best things to do. 

Whether you're a resident  entertaining visitors, or even a tourist yourself, you'll be able to pull together a fabulous itinerary using our guide to Shanghai's iconic and top attractions. 

1. World Financial Center

This was one of the tallest buildings in Shanghai. Standing tall at 492m high, it has just been over taken by the Shanghai Tower in Lujiazui Finance and Trade District of Pudong which is due to open later on in 2015. Looking like a bottle opener this tower has 3 different viewing observatories on the 94th, 97th and 100th floors. They are all worth a visit. The 100th floor observatory offers the most stunning view over Shanghai you can get. On the 100th floor 474m above the street you will find a 55m clear glass walkway. As you walk along you the clear glass floor you will see the streets of Shanghai and as you look out to the sides you will be looking down on to the famous Pearl TV Tower that dominates the shanghai skyline. Vertigo is a possible side effect but it is well worth a visit. The nearest metro stations are Dongchang Road Station, Exit 4 Lujiazui Station Exit 6. It is then a 10 min walk.

2. Shopping Nanjing Road

Along the Nanjing Road you can buy anything your hearts desires. From the most exclusive luxury designer brands from the luxurious shops at one endof the street; to the endless supply of all goods and tat from the famous Nanjing road fashion market. It is the place to shop and shop till you drop. Though just be warned China has a huge luxury tax. Though most things are cheaper in China and you can get anything from Dog shoes, selfie sticks, loose tea, pearls, chicken feet, handbags and bamboo underwear. If you can think it you can probably get in somewhere along the Nanjing road. Who might often here yourself saying: Only in China can you buy...

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3. Fabric Markets

One of the advantages of material being cheaper in China is the opportunity to get your whole wardrobe tailored. Take a look down the aisle and aisle of small stalls they have of material and tailors. You can get a dresses, tops, skirts, suits and jackets made. You can get great quality material and good tailoring for a reasonable price. The best thing is it that is unique and you know you will never again bump into someone wearing matching outfits. One of the most famous ones is the South Bund Fabric Market, where you can get lost in this land of fabric, and be warned vendors will approach you constantly pestering you in to their stall. EW’s tip is to make sure you look at the quality of their tailoring in the stall. Choose your design and chose your colour. Make sure you confirm with them all the details like lining, buttons, zips etc. Haggle with them but do it with a smile. If you are on a short layover they can turn things round in 24 hours and you can even pay about 25 RMB more for them deliver it to your hotel.  If you are not sure what to have made EW suggestion is take your favorite piece of clothing that fit you well and get it made in different color or material.  They can copy pieces you have, from magazine or from drawings.

4. Yuyuan Gardens

Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden from the Ming Dynasty in 1577. It was one the busiest tourist attractions in Shanghai especially in the summer months. It is best to try and visits the gardens and surrounding areas on a weekday.  
Ryukyuan Garden occupies an area of about five acres. It is a beautiful place of traditional Chinese gardens and architecture. You can pay to go inside the gardens and spend a leisurely morning walking around and enjoying the scenic spots it has to offer. Then outside of the gardens you have the hussle and bustle of one of the busiest tourist shopping spots. Traditional architecture mixed with rows of small shops where tourist have knick-knacks to buy and delicacies to try such as bull frog! One place is worth a visit is the famous dim sum at Nanxiang Steamed Buns Restaurant. There is usually a queue snaking around the building but it is worth it for the soup dumplings. Make sure you check opening times before you go to the garden as it varies depending on time of the year and week. Prices vary too between 30-40 RMB

5. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

You can cross the Bund by metro, taxi or bus. All cheaper than the Bund tunnel but the experience you will miss. It cost around 30 AED but is worth it. It as mall tram that takes you from one side of the Huangpu River. You picked it up from the Bund and can go across to Pudong. The tunnel is hard to explain as it does not really make sense to most travelers. It is interesting and a sight to see as you will understand afterwards when I say it’s typically Chinese!

6. Peoples Square

Just by the Peoples Square metro station you find a large park in central Shanghai. This park is worth a visit as it has beautiful quiet gardens to walk around. You almost forget that you are in a busy metropolis. The park also has a couple of restaurants what you can enjoy some reasonable food and rink at. The park also hosts the Museum of Modern Art which is worth a look round for all. Public Gardens in Shanghai are used for exercise and entertainment by the locals. At certain times of the day you will see the locals taking part in public exercise relaxing or playing games in the park. The park is free of charge to walk round

7. Shanghai Disney Resort (Opening Spring 2016)

This is Shanghai’s news attraction. It has recently opened and is Disney latest park. All Disney fans will want to tick this off their list.  This Disney resort has already had the Enchanted Story Book Castle built. This is the largest and tallest of all the Disney castles and is the first one to represent the entire Disney princess cast rather than just be dedicated to one princess.

8. River Cruise on Huangpu

There are many companies that offer this service. You can just have a quick cruise around the river, a boat with a bar offering a full service. Some of the cruise options even have a dinner you can eat on. The bet time do this is at night so you get to enjoy all the sparkling lights of the Pudong skyline. There are plenty of restaurants to eat in Shanghai so do not fear if you cannot book a cruise with a meal. Prices vary from 30 AED to 150 AED

9. The Bund

The Bund, also called Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu (East Zhongshan 1st Road), is a famous waterfront that winds about 1500 meters along the Huangpu River. It used to be the center of Shanghai after the British settlement. Its builds are full of History You can take a stroll up and down the Bund and see the beautiful skyline of Pudong. There is a raised promenade you can walk along and get some great pictures. You will have a fantastic view in any direction. Overlooking the river you will see the modern and slick skyline of Pudong. Then turn back towards Puxi and you will see a great array of European architecture lining the street. Make sure you see it both in the day as well as at night. Best thing about this attraction is beautiful and free! It also a great location for a sophisticate drinks in the early evening.

10. French Concessions

This area is quite westernized. It has beautiful tree-lined streets all enhanced by French inspired old architecture that spaciously house restaurants, boutiques, bars and galleries. Amongst all this you will find a wide array of cuisines, drinks and shopping for you to enjoy. There might even be some brands you recognise from home. This is the perfect area to have potter on a warm after noon and stopping off for coffee at your leisure.