Top 5 Places To Visit On Your First Shanghai Trip

Shanghai is all about exploring China’s modern city.

Traveling to a foreign city can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be an equally overwhelming experience. This is especially the case when traveling to a country where the native people speak a vastly different language. As a tourist, I am inclined to go to every possible attraction in the location where I am visiting. Just in case I do not have the opportunity to go there again. The fact is, however, that most of the time I am unable to check off every single destination on my traveling list. Like most people, I have to decide and narrow down what areas are the best representations of the city I am visiting. After recently venturing around Shanghai, here is my list of the top five best places for a tourist to explore.

1. The Bund

Walking along the Bund yields one of the most spectacular views of an incredible city. The Bund is a waterfront near the Huangpu River that allows visitors to see both old and new Shanghai. As you walk along the Bund you can gaze upon the Oriental Pearl Tower, the huge skyscrapers towering over the river, the historic Shanghai Peace Hotel (which has an amazing lobby), and the statue of Chen Yi.  The Bund is breathtaking, peaceful, and a powerful symbol of Shanghai.

2. Yu Yuan Garden and Bazar

Located in what is considered Shanghai’s “Old China,” the Yu Yuan Garden and Bazar provides the perfect mixture of shopping, food, and beautiful Chinese gardens. If you are looking to buy souvenirs, this is the top location to get unique gifts at reasonable prices.  There is also amazing dim sum, mochi, and many different types of tea. The Hu Xin Ting Teahouse is located within the bazar and is one of the most famous teahouses in Shanghai.  Individuals have to cross a zigzag bridge in order to reach the Teahouse. It is said that the bridge was created to ward off evil spirits.

3. Tongli

Tongli is a town only a little bit outside of Shanghai, and is considered the “Venice of the East.” Like Venice, it is lined with multiple canals and bridges. Tongli is incredibly beautiful, and this small town is a change of scenery from bustling Shanghai.  You can also pay to take a gondola ride around the various canals.

4. The Oriental Pearl T.V. Tower

The top of the Pearl Tower is probably the most impressive and comprehensive view a tourist can have of the whole city of Shanghai.  Tourists can travel via elevator to the top of the tower and walk around for a three hundred and sixty degree “bird’s eye” view of Shanghai. Surprisingly, the Tower also has a glass bottom deck so that individuals can look straight down towards the street below. Be forewarned though, walking along the glass floor can be jarring for those who are afraid of heights. The lines can also become quite long, so it is a good idea to get there right when it opens.

5. The French Concession

Shanghai has a long history of foreign influence. The French Concession is an area that is very different from other parts of Shanghai.  Individuals can take a walk around the area and find a plethora of bars, restaurants, and historical buildings with French, British, and even Spanish architectural design.