Shanghai
A place where East meets West...
Old meets New...

You'll Never Run Out of Things to Do
in Shanghai

Shanghai is the nation's business and financial center and one of the world's most vibrant cities. Even though Shanghai does not have the historical treasures that Beijing has to offer, or the amazing archaeological discoveries of Xian, a trip to Shanghai is a trip into the future of this nation. It is here that the sharp contrasts of an ancient culture trying to cope with progress are more evident.

We spent three days in Shanghai, and could have added a couple more! It seems like you never run out of things to do in Shanghai. This is such a dynamic city, there was lots to see and do. This is how we spent our three days:

Yu Yuan Gardens Yu Yuan Gardens and Bazaar - buying trinkets, eating dumplings, and strolling in the Old Town. The Yu Yuan Gardens are classic Chinese gardens. The basic four elements of a traditional Chinese garden are rocks, water, plants, and architecture. After a stroll through the gardens, the kids will have fun haggling in the bazaar area.

Shanghai Skyline Up the Oriental Pearl TV Tower - great views of Shanghai from the top sphere of Asia's tallest TV Tower. One of the most recognizable landmarks of the modern Shanghai skyline is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It holds up three spheres, the smallest "jewel" at the top is the observation deck.

The Huangpu River Huangpu River cruise - A Huangpu River Cruise is probably the best place to witness the pulse and dynamism of Shanghai. During the day, you can see the activity bustling from the docks on a permanent "rush hour". There's lots of riverfront activity for sure. Freighters cruise along barges, junks and sampans. We made the evening trip, with the added bonus of the city lights as backdrop.

Watertowns ZhuJiaJiao Shanghai's nearby Water Town - Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town in the western side of Shanghai. Chinese traditional water towns are notorious for their very old houses lined up along canals and the bridges criss-crossing them. An easy day trip to explore the contrast of the little picturesque towns just a short drive from the skyscrapers of Shanghai.

the Shanghai MagLev MagLev Train - The Shanghai Maglev is the fastest train in the world in commercial operation. We rode this magnetically levitated marvel on our way to Shanghai's Pudong Airport... it took less than eight minutes!

Check out these Shanghai Maps which will show you these places locations and help you plan accordingly.

And of course, the shopping, the food, the shows... lots of fun things to do in Shanghai!

more Shanghai pictures here...

And if you're really pressed for time and want to do it all, check out these Shanghai One Day Tours and Activities that can be pre-arranged before your arrival in Shanghai.

What are Your favorite finds in Shanghai?

Shanghai Travel Resources

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