Top 10 Things To Do In Shanghai 

Shanghai is a vibrant  high-paced city of bright lights, towering skyscrapers, treasure chest of styles from its colonial period, bustling markets, and creative energy.

As one of China’s largest cities, there is much to explore as the sprawl is massive.

Photo: Flickr by Hsuanya Tsai

1. The Bund

Iconic waterfront viewing of the Pudong side of Shanghai with its enormous collection of ridiculous skyscrapers and the Huangpu River flowing through with its barges and cruise ships.

2. Zhujiajiao/Qibao

Many tourists come to China to experience what it would feel like to live during one of the Chinese dynasties.  A lot of times that consists of water ways, old crumbling buildings, alleyways, temples and street food.

Where Zhujiajiao is an ancient water village, this gives you a feel for what a big market/godly temple area would be like.

3. Yu Yuan & Cheng Huang Miao (Yu Yuan Garden and City God Temple)

4. Tian Zi Fang

What I love about it are the maze-like alleyways that take you around to see a bunch of boutique gift shops, clothing stores, cafes, galleries, studios and other random knick-knack stores.

5. Science & Technology Subway Station Market (Xiangyang)

I’ve checked out quite a few of these markets and I find that the one literally just outside the turnstiles of the Science and Technology subway station is the best for foreigners.

6. Din Tai Fung for Xiao Long Bao

There’s a bit of an art to eating them but essentially what you’re supposed to do is dip them in the soy vinegar first, place it on your spoon, bite a small corner out to let the soup leak out.

Next steps

More amazing travel inspiration in the blog post!