Explore Shanghai in Summer Vacation: These Places Are Worth Adding to Your Favorites

**Trip to Shanghai: A Parent-Child Adventure**

**Duration:** 3 days
**Time:** July
**Per Capita Cost:** 5000 yuan
**Companion:** Parent-child

**Itinerary Highlights:**
– The Bund
– Lujiazui
– Shikumen
– China Maritime Museum in Shanghai
– Tongji University
– Dishui Lake
– Peace Hotel

**Posted on July 19, 2021, at 19:45**

The bell on the Bund rings on time, chiming together with the steam whistle in the Huangpu River, waking up the skyscrapers in Lujiazui, waking up the hustle and bustle in Shikumen, waking up the ideals and ambitions of the busy workers for a new day. In the bustling Nanjing Road, all kinds of life are depicted… There are also those who haven’t slept all night – the flashing neon lights tell stories about another side of the city from a bright moon to few stars.

Some people like its elegance and fashion, the forefront of trends and fashionable life. Some people are nostalgic for its traditional characteristics, traversing history and lingering between the inherent culture of the past and the future. But what more people like is precisely its vitality of continuous development. It always shows its changes in the most trendy and novel ways while adhering to its own constants in the changes. This city is nicknamed the Magic City due to its magic.

As a traveler living in Shanghai, in the blink of an eye, I have lived here for thirteen years. It has accommodated my youth and dreams, and I have also witnessed the familiarity and unfamiliarity in its rapid changes. From the once-famous foreign concessions that every tourist had to visit, to the Expo Park that attracts countless people at home and abroad to check in, and then to the eye-catching Disneyland. However, from the perspective of a professional traveler, this list of must-visit destinations in Shanghai really needs to be updated in real time, and there are always new ideas.

Today, I recommend destinations that are very suitable for checking in this summer vacation. Among them are new internet-famous spots and traditional essence destinations. Once you visit them, you will know.

**Shanghai Songcheng:**
The most complete Shanghai story, a grand stage of joy. I am an old acquaintance of the ‘Thousands of Years of Love series performances’! Since I was shocked by the ‘Thousands of Years of Love in Hangzhou’ for the first time six years ago, I will go to watch the new ‘Thousands of Years of Love’ in almost any city that has one. The beautiful lighting effects, the ever-changing stage settings, the magnificent costumes and makeup, and the devotion of every actor… The Thousands of Years of Love presents the audience with an audio-visual feast that breaks through imagination and a moment of empathy on and off the stage. No wonder it is called ‘a performance that must be seen in a lifetime’.

The most attractive thing about Thousands of Years of Love is its ‘change and constancy’. The Thousands of Years of Love in different cities fully integrates the local humanities and history on the premise of retaining the main performance methods and quality unchanged and presents it in the most way close to the locals. No wonder some people say ‘a performance is the history of a city’. This is also the reason why I have watched the ones in Hangzhou and still want to watch the performances in Changsha, Lijiang, Sanya, Guilin, and Shanghai.

Knowing that Songcheng has settled in Shanghai, for a lover of Thousands of Years of Love like me, I must come and check it out. Shanghai Songcheng is located in the Shanghai World Expo Park. This was once the factory building of Shanghai No. 3 Steel Plant. During the World Expo, it became the World Expo Grand Stage. And now, it has actually turned into a playground full of laughter.

First, let me share a two-and-a-half-minute short video guide to help everyone understand more! The glorious years and fighting spirit of Shanghai’s steel workers in the past are integrated into the stage story of ‘Thousands of Years of Love in Shanghai’.

**Sasha’s Anticipation:**
Although Sasha has watched more than ten performances, she is still full of expectations for Shanghai千古情 this time. She can’t wait to see what kind of spark will be created between the千古情 and the city where she has lived for more than ten years. As the main performance of Shanghai Songcheng, the ‘Shanghai千古情’ performance is the primary content of visiting Shanghai Songcheng. Sasha will first show everyone the stage she photographed in the order of the performance.

**The First Act: Tracing the Origins of Shanghai**
‘Tracing the Origins of Shanghai’ tells the origin of the name ‘Shencheng’ of Shanghai and reproduces the heroic efforts of Lord Chunshen in dredging the Huangpu River during the Warring States Period. Huang**In Memory of Him**

The people not only built a temple for him but also renamed this river Chunshen River, abbreviated as Shen River. Later, people used Shen to refer to Shanghai. The stage is based on beautiful scenery, combining real and virtual scenes, lighting effects, and dance, making people seem to pass through the fog of time and count the past of historical clouds.

**Act Two: 1921 – A City’s Character**

‘Shanghai千古情’ praises the era responsibility of several generations of Shanghai people and the spiritual core of this great city with sincere emotions. It presents a gift to the centenary of the founding of the Party. The play restores the historical background before and after the convening of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and reproduces the story of the working class a hundred years ago struggling against the oppressors under the Party’s leadership.

In the ‘1921’ segment, Qiaoqiao experiences the joys and sorrows of meeting and then being separated forever from her lover. She witnesses the solemn birth of the Communist Party of China and the earth-shaking event in Chinese history.

**Act Three: The Golden Age**

The ‘Golden Age’ of Shanghai Beach is the undercurrent surging in the foreign concessions. In the joyful rhythm music, there are countless intrigues and power struggles. In the singing and dancing sounds of Paramount, there are the imprints of this city and this era.

My favorite reserved program is the acrobatics show in the light of stars. The starry sky projection like a scroll covers the stage and the audience, turning the graceful postures of dancers into silhouettes and projecting them into the eyes and hearts of every audience. The beauty of light and shadow and the beauty of the body are harmoniously and uniformly presented before us.

This combination of acrobatics, ballet, and other forms of expression, though as short as the time of a song, is extremely wonderful. One dare not blink for fear of missing any small detail.

**Act Four: Shanghai Families**

The performance part of ‘Shanghai Families’ is based on the old alleyways that are closest to Shanghai life. From the perspective of an ordinary Shanghai family, it vividly depicts the changes of the city over more than half a century.

When Qiaoqiao, who has experienced the old days, becomes an old woman with children and grandchildren, she spends her whole life watching the passage of time in Shanghai. The story changes from a grand era to the warmth of a family. Qiaoqiao’s three children also dedicated their youth to the wave of building New China.

The family witnessed and participated in the great changes of the times in Shanghai and even China: going to the countryside, supporting the construction of the third front, leading the development of industrialization… Shanghai is contributing its own strength to the development of the country, and every laborer is devoting their youth and passion.

In particular, it restores the bustling labor scene of the steel factory. It is not only a tribute to the times and workers but also a tribute to the former factory building of Shanghai No. 3 Steel Factory where the theater is located.

**Old Shanghai Memories**

Amid the hawking sounds, the mobile vendors representing the childhood memories of old Shanghainese in the old alleyways appear under the stage. Shuttling among the audience makes the audience seem to return to their childhood.

**The Finale: Wind from the Sea**

The ending piece ‘Wind from the Sea’ features artists from distant South America who ignite the whole venue with surging enthusiasm, full of joy, warmth, and rhythm!

**From a Person’s Name to a City’s Name**

From a person’s name to the name of a city, from a city to every person in it; from the dredging of a river to the takeoff of a dragon, from the smoke of war to the brilliant lights… An hour is too short. People are immersed in it and it ends before they can come to their senses, leaving them with a shocking and unforgettable experience.

**Shanghai Songcheng: A Time Tunnel**

This Eternal Love performance tells the story of Shanghai in its own style. It is worth seeing for everyone who has once integrated their emotions and youth into this city. In the past, Songcheng was a whole park area. It took a long time to cross different parks. However, Shanghai Songcheng folds various entertainment areas into a castle-like structure. With every step and change of scene, one enters a time tunnel.

One moment you are in the terrifying ‘Ghost Ship’ and ‘Tales of Liaozhai’, and in the next second, you are transported to the old Shanghai Bund. In the next step, you go to an exotic country where merchants gather.

**Must-See Performance: The Great Earthquake**

If I have to recommend another must-see performance included in the ticket, it is the 5D large-scale live-action experience drama ‘The Great Earthquake’, which is extremely shocking.The entire stage uses 5D high-tech means to reproduce the tragic scene of the 512 Wenchuan earthquake. Mountains collapse, the earth cracks, and houses crumble. The entire theater and thousands of seats vibrate strongly, and 3,000 tons of flood pour down instantly. Real stories and touching pictures show the boundless love of the Chinese nation in earthquake relief. At the beginning, on-site audiences are recruited to participate in the stage performance and experience the shocking moment of the great earthquake relief.

The opening is a beautiful and happy scene. A young couple is taking wedding photos, a mother is with her child, and a tour group is happily sightseeing. Suddenly, the earth shakes and all the actors are frozen at that moment. The People’s Liberation Army soldiers, firefighters, and nurses race against time and go against the danger. Especially the People’s Liberation Army soldiers who give strength to the whole country with love and prop up the hope of life with their shoulders.

If friends who have been to other Songcheng must be familiar with this performance of ‘The Great Earthquake’. Some lucky tourists can incarnate as actors and participate in earthquake relief. Afterwards, they can also get a certificate of participation.

What I want to recommend again is the ballet at the cliff theater. It grandly turns the Huangpu River view into a curtain and perfectly integrates the beautiful stage and urban landscape. The ‘little swans’ on the sky mirror will present an enjoyable artistic feast.

An amusement park is bound to have various projects that children love. The ‘WA Dinosaurs’ show is the favorite of little ones. There are wonderful performances and interactive sessions for children to participate in.

The bubble shows, magic performances, and interactive experiences with adorable parrots in the jungle provide endless entertainment for the young and old alike, with many eager to join in the fun on stage.

If you’re visiting with children, be sure not to miss the performances at the Fairy Valley, Bird Show Theater, and Forest Theater.

The Sky Street is not only a favorite among children but also a marketplace for purchasing gifts. You might unexpectedly encounter a beautiful woman from the Western Regions, and at specific times, the entire street comes alive with parade performances. In addition to Sky Street, you can also visit and take pictures at the Time Travel Street, Magic Street, and Everlasting Love Street.

Ventriloquism: For those with a bit more courage, you can dine on the Ghost Ship. It’s unclear whether the experience will enhance your appetite or suppress it. If you visit, be sure to share your experience with me.

Song City offers a daily schedule of shows that you can watch upon arrival. Some shows are held only once a day, while others have several performances, allowing you to plan your visit according to your preferences and schedule.

In addition to the main show ‘Everlasting Love,’ the family show ‘WA Dinosaur,’ and the themed show ‘Passionate Samba’ are also highly recommended, inclusive of a three-course Western meal. You can also choose the time flexibly, with the night show entry being very cost-effective, allowing you to experience the essence.

This place is not only suitable for family trips, girlfriends’ trips, and couples’ trips but also for single travelers. Don’t you want to check it out?

TIPS:
Attraction Address: No. 1750, World Expo Avenue, Shanghai (formerly the World Expo Grand Stage).
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 22:00, Saturday to Sunday 09:30 – 22:00.
Follow Song City Tourism’s official account and find ‘Shanghai Song City’ in ticket purchases at the ticket center for discounts. The savings are quite substantial! However, remember to select the performance schedule when placing your order.

Tai Hui Life Culture Park, Slow Down, Understand Life. If scenic spots interpret the relationship between humans and nature, then museums build a bridge between humans and their inner selves. There are many museums in Shanghai, many public ones that unfold the history and heritage of the nation and ethnicity in two dimensions before tourists, stirring and awe-inspiring. Today, I would like to recommend a private museum to you, which lays bare the collector’s inner world and artistic vision before like-minded visitors, as if sharing stories over a cup of tea.

Tai Hui Life Culture Park is the largest private museum in Shanghai, a vast space transformed from a factory with an area of over 20,000 square meters. Passing under the plaque inscribed by Mr. Yu Qiuyu, the urban hustle and bustle of the Magic Capital are shut out of the park. The entire cultural park, originally a factory, has been transformed into a place with rockeries, waterfalls, and winding streams, creating a scene at every turn, reminiscent of the winding paths of a Jiangnan garden. Behind the winding paths lies a whole new world. In theThey bring the essence of traditional culture across thousands of miles and through the ages. The classic structure of Huizhou architecture blends seamlessly with the modern factory buildings, complementing each other. It brings the essence of Chinese traditional culture, the subtle elegance and tranquil natural lifestyle of ancient people, to modern audiences in a fitting manner. No wonder it is hailed as a classic example of factory transformation.

In a small space lies a vast world. At the core of Taihui Life and Culture Park is the Jingang Museum. As a Buddhist term, in Mahayana Buddhist scriptures and treatises, the indestructible and irreplaceable law is called Jingang. This beautiful blessing is fittingly used to name a museum that houses rare treasures of the world. Here are more than 40,000 various rare artworks including antiques, calligraphy and painting, sculptures, contemporary art, stone carvings, antiques, ancient buildings, and more. They are classified into ten exhibition halls such as the Tea Museum, Oil Painting Gallery, School of Shanghai Painting Gallery, Watercolor Gallery, Glass Art Museum, Sculpture Gallery, Crystal Museum, Ancient Stone Carving Museum, Jadeite Museum, and Temporary Exhibition Hall. Various theme exhibitions, exhibitions of famous artists, and special exhibitions are held all year round.

Tea Museum: The timeless fragrance of tea that blends water with the soul.
Crystal Museum: Transparent and delicate, a pure heart.
School of Shanghai Painting Gallery: The world under the brushes of masters.
Do you know? Oil Painting Gallery: The artistic charm transformed from great people’s poems.
Jadeite Museum: The beauty of nature awaits the skill of ingenious craftsmanship.
Sculpture Gallery: The artistic power that penetrates the heart.

Tea Tasting Party: The dancing elves in the hands of the tea fairy. ‘A leaf falls into the water and changes the taste of the water. Since then, there is tea.’ After visiting one hall after another, people can’t help but feel thirsty. Especially after seeing the Tea Museum with its rich tea cellars and gene bank of a hundred tea mountains. Then let’s move to the tea room in the museum and admire how this lively tea leaves turn into intoxicating tea fragrance in the hands of the legendary tea fairy. When visiting the museum, you will find tea elements at any time. This magical leaf seems to be the soul here. Boiling water is poured into the pot, and the curled tea leaves dance like reborn elves. The fragrance and essence of nature are integrated into the water and spread into the air, making people forget the vulgarity when smelling it. Take a sip of the amber tea soup. The warm current flows down the throat, and it seems that every pore from the depths of the heart to the whole body is permeated with fragrance. Troubled thoughts are cleared, and there seems to be Buddhist music in the ears. After the tea fragrance dissipates, what is awakened is this casual attitude of living in seclusion in the city. When the fast pace of the city makes us have to put down a lot, it also makes us bear more. Perhaps only those who pay attention to their hearts, treat themselves well, and know how to live a better life will be rewarded with the most comfortable life.

More TIPS:
1. Ticket price: The admission ticket for Jingang Museum is 100 yuan per person. There are discounts when purchasing tickets on OTA platforms. You can place an order online in advance. In addition to museum visits, there are also irregular research and meditation activities. It is recommended that interested friends pay attention to the official website in advance.
2. Free admission policies:
a. Children under 6 years old (inclusive) are admitted free of charge. (Or children under 1.2 meters in height (inclusive) can visit for free).
b. Elderly people over 70 years old (with the original ID card) are admitted free of charge.
c. Retired cadres (with retired certificates) are admitted free of charge.
d. Disabled people (with disability certificates) are admitted free of charge.
3. Opening hours: 9:30 – 17:30 (Tuesday to Sunday).
4. Transportation: It is recommended to drive there. For public transportation, it is recommended to take Metro Line 16 and get off at Wild Animal Park Station, then take a taxi to arrive.

China Maritime Museum, Ride the Wind and Break the Waves. The China Maritime Museum in Shanghai, with ‘maritime navigation’ as the theme and ‘museum’ as the foundation, is definitely a good place to visit. You can not only learn about the knowledge of the six exhibition halls of maritime history, ships, navigation and ports, maritime affairs and maritime safety, seafarers, and military navigation with your children, but there are also two special exhibition areas of fishing boats and fishing, and maritime sportsTowering with sails that reach at least three stories high, this massive vessel could not have been transported inside; hence, it was constructed alongside the museum itself. The craftsmanship of the entire ship is exquisite, and most notably, unlike many decorative pieces, visitors are allowed to board and inspect it up close. In addition, there is a video playback area that provides a detailed explanation of how this gigantic ship was built.

The three-story sail hall primarily features a maritime science and technology exhibition, as well as craftwork displays that are popular among children. Volunteers from Tongji University’s nautical program not only taught our child how to make ocean drift bottles but also shared many lesser-known facts about the ocean. Small glass beads are crushed into fluffy strands using syringes, and come in three colors representing the ocean’s hues: dark blue, light green, and transparent, complemented by various small shells and starfish.

Among the six exhibition halls, our favorite is the second-floor Navigation and Port Hall, which showcases the marine environment, and a wide array of instruments and devices that have ensured safe maritime navigation from ancient times to the present, including geospatial navigation, celestial navigation, and radio navigation. It also displays numerous artifacts and physical objects reflecting ports and waterways. Simple models help visitors understand the bustling maritime operations.

The water-friendly platform on the first floor is an outdoor experience area where children can enjoy the joy of small sailboats. The China Maritime Museum, in collaboration with Hai Shang Fan You, offers a 10-minute OP sailing experience that is very popular among children and is free during the festival period—don’t miss out.

The museum often features temporary exhibitions with varying themes. Some of these temporary exhibitions are exceptionally fascinating and worth looking forward to! More practical information: adult tickets are 50 yuan; students with valid student IDs pay 25 yuan; seniors aged 60 and above with valid identification pay 10 yuan; children under 1.4 meters in height (accompanied by a guardian) enter for free. Opening hours are from 9:00 to 16:00 (last entry at 15:30); the museum is closed on Mondays, except for holidays. For transportation, take the subway Line 16 and get off at Dishui Lake Station, then take bus number 1096. For those driving, take the outer ring road S20 (towards Pudong Airport) → transfer to S2 highway (towards Donghai Bridge) → exit at Dishui Lake to reach the China Maritime Museum.

Baoyan Paradise, a Carnival with Your Child. Baoyan Paradise has several branches in Shanghai and Suzhou, and our visit was to its flagship store located on Du Shi Road in Minhang District. Baoyan Paradise is a brand-new immersive indoor theme park tailored for Chinese tourists and is the first indoor constant-temperature water park in the metropolis. With an area of 20,000 square meters spread over five floors, there is simply not enough time to experience everything in one day.

The castle-like exterior of Baoyan Paradise instantly transports you to a world of fairy tales. The first floor features areas with 5D, 7D, and 9D cinemas with screenings throughout the morning and afternoon, which are said to be superb. However, our child was not interested and it is likely more appealing to young boys. She went wild at the sight of the slides, and despite being only five years old, she is incredibly brave, even daring to go down 90-degree straight slides.

In this area on the second floor, the most attractive thing is still the ocean balls. Duoduo has never seen so many balls before and excitedly buried herself in them. In fact, not only is she happy, but even I myself am so excited that I can’t control myself.

The third and fourth floors are connected, which is the core area of the entire amusement park, a constant temperature water park. After changing into swimsuits, Duoduo likes to challenge projects with high difficulty. The spiral slide meets her requirements. For each slide, there is a staff member to guide children on how to slide correctly and avoid possible injuries to children. The degree of excitement of each slide is also different. Many adults will scream when sliding down, while some children enjoy this fun very much. The height of the rainbow slide is much lower than that of the spiral slide and is more suitable for younger children. In the lake exploration area, there are many lovely water spraying facilities. When tired from playing, you can also take your child to enjoy parent-child sauna and then take a comfortable bath.

The fifth floor is the outdoor area on the roof. In the Jurassic Adventure area, there are several dinosaurs that can move and roar, vividly. The outdoor climbing area is very long and interesting. Parents must accompany children in the grass skiing area. In the scorching summer, there is finally**Baoyuan Amusement Park: A Fun and Interesting Escape**

Welcome to Baoyuan Amusement Park, where the weather is cool, the atmosphere is not sunny, and the fun is non-stop! Here’s everything you need to know for a fantastic visit:

**Practical Information:**
– **Store Address:** No. 11, Lane 3825, Dushi Road, Minhang District.
– **Business Hours:**
– Monday to Friday: 10:30 – 19:30
– Saturday to Sunday: 9:30 – 20:30
– **Water Park Opening Hours:**
– Monday to Friday: 12:00 – 17:00
– Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 – 19:00
– **Ticket Prices:**
– One adult and one child: 398 yuan
– Two adults and one child: 498 yuan
– **Recharge Offer:**
– Recharge 5000 yuan and enjoy a 40% discount
– Discounted prices:
– One adult and one child: 160 yuan
– Two adults and one child: 200 yuan

**Warm Reminders:**
1. For the safety of children, some attractions require long clothing, pants, and socks.
2. Swimsuits are mandatory for entering the swimming pool.
3. After purchasing tickets, you can enter and exit the park as many times as you want on the same day. Remember to get a wristband from staff as a voucher.
4. The park offers a variety of experience activities and performances. Plan your time well if you’re interested.

**Peace Hotel: A Symbol of Shanghai’s History**

When it comes to accommodation, the Peace Hotel is a must-visit, representing the old glory of Shanghai. Known as the ‘Number One Building in the Far East’, it stands by the Huangpu River, at the junction of the Bund and Nanjing Road. Its distinctive green copper triangular roof is a prominent feature of the Bund skyline and the most noticeable landmark there.

The hotel was featured in Wong Kar-wai’s film ‘Blossoms Shanghai’ as the opening scene. Sir Victor Sassoon, the founder, was born into a Jewish noble family in the UK and received a top-tier education. He was injured in the Royal Air Force during World War I, which left him with a disability in his left foot. After coming to the eastern colonies and eventually settling in Shanghai, he took over the Sassoon family business and established the foundation of the enterprise in 1931.

**Shanghai: A City of Magic and History**

During a 3-day trip in July, with an average cost of 5000 yuan per person, a family can explore the following places:
– The Bund
– Lujiazui
– Shikumen
– China Maritime Museum
– Tongji University
– Dishui Lake
– Peace Hotel

Shanghai, dubbed the ‘Magic Capital’, is a city that blends the old and the new, offering a glimpse into its past and a vision of its future. The city’s bell at The Bund rings in harmony with the Pu River’s whistles, awakening the skyscrapers of Lujiazui and the vibrant life of Shikumen. It’s a city that captures the essence of both tradition and modernity, with a constant drive for development and vitality.

As a long-time resident, I’ve witnessed Shanghai’s rapid changes and the emergence of new attractions, such as the Expo Park and Disney. For summer vacations, consider visiting both new internet-famous spots and traditional destinations.

**Shanghai Songcheng: A Tale of the City**

Shanghai Songcheng offers the most complete story of Shanghai, with grand stages of joy. The ‘Eternal Love Series Performances’ are a must-see, offering a sensory feast that transcends imagination. Each city’s Eternal Love performance, while maintaining the core style and quality, integrates local culture and history, presenting it in the most authentic way.

This summer, experience the magic of Shanghai and its timeless stories.No wonder some say ‘a performance is the history of a city’. This is also the reason why, after visiting Hangzhou, I am eager to see the performances in Changsha, Lijiang, Sanya, Guilin, and Shanghai. Knowing that Song City has settled in Shanghai, as a lover of ancient sentiment, I must come to check in. Song City Shanghai is located in the Shanghai World Expo Park, which was once the factory building of Shanghai Steel No. 3 Factory and became the World Expo Grand Stage during the Expo. Now, it has turned into a playground full of laughter and joy.

First, I will put up a 2.5-minute short video strategy to help everyone learn more! The glorious years and the spirit of struggle of the steelworkers in Shanghai have been integrated into the stage story of ‘Shanghai Ancient Sentiment’. Although Sasa has watched the performance more than ten times, she is still full of anticipation for the ‘Shanghai Ancient Sentiment’ this time. She can’t wait to see how the ancient sentiment will create sparks with this city where I have lived for more than ten years.

As the main performance of Song City Shanghai, the ‘Shanghai Ancient Sentiment’ show is the primary content of visiting Song City Shanghai. Sasa will first show everyone the stage she filmed according to the performance order.

Act 1: The Origin of Shenhu
The ‘Origin of Shenhu’ tells the origin of the name ‘Shen City’ in Shanghai, reenacting the Spring and Autumn Period when Chunshen Jun dredged the Huangpu River, saving the people from disasters. Huang Xie was one of the famous four lords of the Warring States period, known as Chunshen Jun. At that time, the Huangpu River was still an unnamed river. Due to the accumulation of silt and a high riverbed, it often flooded. Huang Xie led the people to dredge and dredge the river, build embankments, and make this river benefit the people. In memory of him, the people not only built temples for him but also renamed the river Chunshen River, short for Shenjiang. Later, people used Shen to refer to Shanghai. The stage is based on the beautiful scenery, with real and virtual scenes, lighting effects, and dance integration, making people feel as if they are passing through the mists of time, counting the past of historical clouds.

Act 2: 1921
A city has its character. ‘Shanghai Ancient Sentiment’ praises the era’s responsibility of several generations of Shanghai people and the spiritual core of this great city with sincere emotions. Pay tribute to the centenary of the founding of the party. The play restores the era background before and after the first session of the party and reenacts the story of the working class fighting against oppressors under the leadership of the party a hundred years ago. In the ‘1921’ segment, Qiao Qiao experienced the joy and sorrow of meeting her lover and being separated forever, witnessed the solemn birth of the Chinese Communist Party, and saw the earth-shattering events in Chinese history.

Act 3: The Golden Age
The ‘Golden Age’ of Shanghai Beach is the undercurrent of the ten-mile foreign field. In the joyful rhythm of music, there are countless intrigues and schemes. The melodious sounds of the Paramount Ballroom bear the mark of this city and era. Among my favorites is the reserved program, the acrobatic show amidst the light and stars. Like a scroll, the starry sky projection envelops the stage and audience, turning the dancers’ graceful figures into silhouettes, projected into the eyes and hearts of every spectator. The beauty of light and shadow harmoniously unites with the beauty of the body, presented so seamlessly before our eyes. This combination of acrobatics, ballet, and other forms of expression, though brief as a song, is incredibly, incredibly spectacular, making one dare not blink for fear of missing even the smallest detail.

Act Four, ‘Shanghai Locals,’ draws from the everyday life of the old alleyways of Shanghai. From the perspective of an ordinary Shanghai family, it vividly portrays the city’s transformation across half a century. As Qiaoqiao, who has experienced the vicissitudes of the old days, becomes an elderly person with children and grandchildren, she has spent her life watching the passage of time in Shanghai. The story shifts from grand times to the warmth of family life. Qiaoqiao’s three children have also each dedicated their youth to the wave of new China’s construction, witnessing and participating in the monumental changes of Shanghai and China: going to the countryside, supporting the construction of the third front, leading industrial development… Shanghai contributes to the nation’s development, and every worker devotes their youth and passion. Especially the scene of the steel mill’s bustling labor is a tribute to the era, to the workers, and to the theater’s location, the former Shanghai Steel Mill No. 3.**Shanghai Songcheng: A Journey Through Time and Emotion**

*Amidst the cries of vendors, the old alleyways of Shanghai, steeped in childhood memories, come alive on stage. They move through the audience, transporting everyone back to their youthful days.*

*The final chapter, ‘Wind from the Sea,’ brings artists from distant South America, their passion igniting the venue with lively enthusiasm and rhythm.*

*From a person’s name to a city’s identity, from a city’s life to its individuals; from the dredging of a river to the soaring of a dragon, from the smoke of war to the brilliance of city lights… An hour feels too short, immersing one in the experience, leaving a stunned silence and endless aftertaste. This epic tale of Shanghai is told in its own unique style, a must-see for those who have invested their emotions and youth into this city.*

*In the past, Songcheng was a vast park area, but now, Shanghai Songcheng compactly folds various entertainment areas into a castle-like structure.*

*Step by step, you enter a time tunnel, where one moment you are in the terrifying ‘Ghost Ship’ and ‘Liaozhai Horror,’ and the next you are on the old Shanghai beach, then to a foreign land teeming with merchants.*

*I highly recommend the 5D large-scale live experience drama ‘The Great Earthquake,’ included in the ticket, which is incredibly shocking. The entire stage employs 5D high-tech methods to recreate the tragic scene of the 512 Wenchuan Earthquake, with mountains collapsing, houses crumbling, and the entire theater and thousands of seats shaking violently, as 3000 tons of torrential floodwater pour down in an instant… Real stories and touching images display the boundless love of the Chinese nation in uniting for disaster relief.*

*At the beginning, it will recruit audience members to participate in the stage performance, experiencing the shocking moments of the earthquake and rescue efforts. The opening scene is a beautiful and happy picture, with young couples taking wedding photos, mothers with children, and tour groups happily sightseeing… Suddenly, the earth shakes, and all the actors freeze in that moment. PLA soldiers, firefighters, and nurses race against time and head towards danger. Especially the PLA soldiers, they give strength to the nation with love and shoulder the hope of life.*

*If you have been to other Song City venues, you must be familiar with the performance ‘The Great Earthquake.’ Some lucky audience members can become actors, participate in disaster relief, and receive a participation certificate afterward.*

*Next, I would like to recommend the ballet at the Cliff Theater, which grandly turns the Huangpu River scenery into a backdrop, perfectly integrating the beautiful stage and urban landscape. The ‘little swans’ on the Sky Mirror will provide an aesthetically pleasing artistic feast.*

*The amusement park is also full of attractions that young children love. The ‘WA Dinosaur’ show is a favorite among little ones, with exciting performances and interactive segments that allow children to participate. Bubble shows, magic performances, and interactions with cute parrots in the jungle also make the young ones extremely happy, eager to try out and interact on stage.*

*If you come with children, be sure not to miss the performances at the Elf Valley, Bird Show Theater, and Forest Theater.*

*Tianjie is not only popular among children but also a marketplace for buying gifts, where you might accidentally pass by a Western beauty, and at specific times, the entire street will be ignited by parade performances.*

*In addition to Tianjie, you can also check in at places like the Time-Travel Street, Magic Street, and Everlasting Love Street. Braver friends can also dine on the ‘Ghost Ship.’ It’s unknown whether it will increase your appetite or not.*

*If you visit, be sure to share your experience with me. Song City has a daily schedule of performances that you can enjoy upon arrival. Some shows are only performed once a day, while others have multiple showings, allowing you to plan your visit according to your preferences and schedule.*

*How can summer be complete without water activities? In addition to the main show ‘Eternal Love,’ the family show ‘WA Dinosaur,’ and the alternative show ‘Passionate Samba’ are both highly recommended! This includes a three-course Western meal and offers flexible timing options.*

*The evening entry price is very reasonable, allowing you to experience the essence of the show. This place is not only suitable for family trips, girlfriends’ trips, and couples’ trips, but also has performances suitable for single people. Don’t you want to check it out?*

*TIPS: Scenic spot address: 1750 World Expo Avenue, Shanghai (former World Expo Stage). Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-22:00, Saturday to Sunday 09:30-22:00. Follow Song City’s official account, and in the ticket center, under ticket purchase, find ‘Shanghai Song City.’*Purchasing in advance will give you a discount, and the savings are not insignificant! However, remember to select the performance time when placing your order! Tai Hui Life Culture Park, slow down and understand life.

If scenic spots interpret the relationship between humans and nature, then museums build a bridge between humans and their inner selves. Shanghai has many museums, including numerous public museums that present the history and heritage of the nation and ethnicity in a two-dimensional way, which is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Today, I would like to recommend a private museum to you, which lays out the collector’s heart and artistic perspective before like-minded people, just like an old friend chatting over tea.

Tai Hui Life Culture Park is the largest private museum in Shanghai, a huge space transformed from a factory, covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters. Passing through the plaque inscribed by Mr. Yu Qiuyu, the hustle and bustle of the metropolis are left outside the park. The entire cultural park was rebuilt from a factory but features artificial mountains, waterfalls, and winding streams, creating a scene at every turn, reminiscent of the secluded paths of Jiangnan gardens. Behind the secluded paths, there is a completely different world. In the four corners of the original factory, there are eight authentic old houses, transported intact from places like Anhui and Jiangxi. They bring the essence of traditional culture, spanning thousands of miles and across time, to modern audiences. The classic structure of Huizhou architecture and the modern factory buildings blend seamlessly, complementing each other. It brings the essence of Chinese traditional culture, the ancient people’s subtle and elegant, calm and natural lifestyle, to modern audiences in a fitting manner. No wonder it is hailed as a classic in factory transformation.

The world is contained in a mustard seed, and the universe is hidden in a vajra. The core of the Tai Hui Living Culture Park is the Vajra Museum. The term ‘Vajra’, a Buddhist term, refers to the indestructible and unchangeable Dharma in Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. Naming the museum, which houses the world’s treasures, with such a beautiful blessing is quite fitting. The museum houses over 40,000 rare artifacts, including cultural relics, calligraphy, paintings, sculptures, contemporary art, stone carvings, cultural buildings, and more. These artifacts are categorized and displayed across ten major exhibition halls: the Tea Museum, Oil Painting Hall, Shanghai School Hall, Watercolor Hall, Glass Art Hall, Sculpture Hall, Crystal Hall, Ancient Stone Carving Hall, Jade Hall, and the Temporary Exhibition Hall. The museum regularly hosts various themed exhibitions, master exhibitions, and special exhibitions.

Tea Museum: The soulful legacy of tea blending with water. Crystal Hall: Delicate and translucent, a heart of exquisiteness. Shanghai School Hall: The universe captured by the masters’ brushes, do you know? Oil Painting Hall: The artistic charm of great figures’ poetry and verses. Jade Hall: The beauty of nature awaits the skill of craftsmanship. Sculpture Hall: The artistic power that penetrates the soul.

Tea Tasting: The dancing spirits in the hands of the tea fairies. ‘A single leaf falls into the water, changing its taste, and thus tea is born.’ After visiting each hall, one cannot help but feel thirsty. Especially after seeing the rich tea cellar and the gene bank of a hundred tea mountains in the Tea Museum. Join me in moving to the tea room in the museum to appreciate how these spirited leaves, in the hands of the legendary tea fairies, turn into intoxicating tea fragrances. During your museum visit, you will constantly discover tea elements. This magical leaf seems to be the soul of this place. Boiling water is poured into the pot, and the curled leaves spring up like reborn sprites, infusing the water with the essence of nature’s fragrance, spreading it into the air. Upon smelling it, one forgets the common world. Sip a mouthful of amber tea soup, and the warmth flows down the throat, as if every pore from the depths of the heart to the body is permeated by the aroma. Troubled thoughts are cleansed, and it seems as if there are Zen sounds and Buddhist music in the ears. When the tea fragrance dissipates, what is awakened is this carefree attitude hidden in the city.

When the fast pace of the city forces us to let go of many things, it also burdens us with more. Perhaps by paying attention to the inner self and treating oneself well, life will reward us with the most comfortable life.

More TIPS:
1. Ticket Price: The admission ticket for the Vajra Museum is 100 yuan per person, and there are discounts for purchasing tickets on OTA platforms. It is recommended to order online in advance. In addition to museum visits, there are irregular research and meditation activities. Those interested are advised to follow the official website**Free Ticket Policy:**
– **Children:** Under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters (inclusive) in height can visit for free.
– **Elderly:** Aged 70 and above with an original ID card are free of charge.
– **Retired Cadres:** With a retirement certificate, entry is free.
– **People with Disabilities:** With valid disability certificates, entry is free.

**Opening Hours:**
– The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

**Transportation:**
– It is recommended to drive. Alternatively, take the Metro Line 16 to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park Station and then take a taxi.

**China Maritime Museum:**
The China Maritime Museum, themed around ‘Navigation’ and grounded in ‘Museum Studies’, is an excellent place to visit in Shanghai. Children can learn about the history of navigation, ships, navigation and ports, maritime affairs, and safety in the six main exhibition halls. There are also two special exhibition areas for fishing boats and navigation sports and leisure.

Upon entering, you’ll be drawn to the museum’s treasure: a huge replica of a Ming Dynasty wooden ship, as tall as a three-story building. The ship was built alongside the museum, and its construction is exquisite. Visitors are allowed to board the ship for a close observation. There’s also a video playback area detailing the ship’s construction.

The three-story sail hall features a navigation technology exhibition and children’s favorite handicraft exhibition booths. Volunteers from Tongji University teach how to make ocean drift bottles and explain ocean-related common sense. Small glass beads are used to create flocculated shapes in deep blue, light green, and transparent colors, along with small shells and starfish.

Among the six exhibition halls, the second-floor Navigation and Port Hall is a favorite, displaying the marine environment and various instruments and equipment that have ensured ship navigation from ancient times to the present, including geospatial, astronomical, and radio navigation. A large number of cultural relics and physical objects reflecting ports and waterways are also displayed.

The water-friendly platform on the first floor is an outdoor experience area where children can enjoy small sailboats. The 10-minute OP sailing experience, a joint initiative with Haishang Fanyou, is very popular among children and is free during the Life Festival.

The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions with different themes, some of which are very exciting and worth looking forward to.

**Practical Information:**
– Adult tickets are 50 yuan.
– Primary, middle, and high school students with student IDs are 25 yuan.
– People aged 60 and above with valid IDs are 10 yuan.
– Children under 1.4 meters in height (accompanied by parents) enter for free.

**Opening Hours:**
– The museum is open from 9:00 to 16:00 (last entry at 15:30), closed on Mondays except for holidays.

**Transportation:**
– Take metro line 16 and get off at Dishui Lake station, then take bus number 1096.
– For self-driving, take the Outer Ring Road S20 (towards Pudong Airport) → switch to S2 highway (towards Donghai Bridge) → exit at Dishui Lake to the China Maritime Museum.

**Baoyan Paradise:**
Baoyan Paradise, a Carnival with Your Child, has several branches in Shanghai and Suzhou. The flagship store is located on Du Shi Road in Minhang District. It is a brand-new immersive indoor theme park tailored for Chinese tourists and the first indoor constant-temperature water park in the city.

Covering an area of 20,000 square meters over five floors, a day is not enough to fully enjoy it. The castle-like appearance of Baoyan Paradise instantly transports you to a fairy-tale world.

The first floor features 5D, 7D, and 9D cinemas with screenings in the morning and afternoon. However, some children prefer the slides, like the 90-degree slide.

On the second floor, the sea of balls is the most attractive feature, providing a ball-pit experience that excites children and adults alike.

The third and fourth floors are connected and form the core area of the park, the constant-temperature water park.### Baoyan Paradise Water Park

**Duoduo’s Favorite Slides:**
Duoduo, who loves a challenge, finds the **spiral slide** perfectly thrilling. Each slide has a dedicated staff member ensuring children slide safely to prevent injuries. The thrill levels vary, with adults screaming in delight and children enjoying the fun. The **rainbow slide** is more subdued, ideal for younger kids.

**Lake Exploration and Relaxation:**
The park’s lake exploration area boasts numerous charming water spray features. When tired, indulge in a family sauna and a soothing bath.

**Outdoor Adventures:**
On the fifth floor, ‘Braving the Jurassic Era’ features lifelike dinosaurs that move and roar, providing an outdoor rooftop adventure. The outdoor climbing area promises a long and engaging experience.

**Grass Sliding with Parental Guidance:**
The grass sliding area requires parental supervision for safety.

**Summer Fun at Baoyan Paradise:**
No need to worry about the heat or sun; Baoyan Paradise offers a cool, fun, and engaging environment for children.

**Practical Information:**
– **Store Address:** No. 11, Lane 3825, Du Shi Road, Minhang District.
– **Business Hours:** 10:30-19:30 (Monday to Friday)
– **Water Park Hours:** 12:00-17:00 and 9:30-20:30 (Saturday and Sunday); 11:00-19:00.
– **Ticket Prices:** 398 yuan (one adult and one child), 498 yuan (two adults and one child). With a 5000 yuan recharge, enjoy a 40% discount: 160 yuan (one adult and one child), 200 yuan (two adults and one child).

**Warm Reminders:**
1. For child safety, some projects require long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
2. A swimsuit is necessary for entering the pool.
3. After purchasing a ticket, unlimited entries and exits are allowed on the same day; remember to get a wristband from staff.

**The Peace Hotel:**
A symbol of old Shanghai’s grandeur, the Peace Hotel, once known as the ‘First Building of the Far East,’ stands proudly by the Huangpu River at the Bund and Nanjing Road intersection. Its distinctive green copper triangular roof is a landmark of the Bund skyline. The hotel features prominently in Wong Kar-wai’s upcoming film ‘Blossoms.’

**Sir Victor Sassoon and the Peace Hotel:**
Sir Victor Sassoon, born into a Jewish aristocratic family in the UK, served in the Royal Air Force during World War I and later established the Peace Hotel in 1931. The hotel’s most luxurious feature is the Sassoon Presidential Suite, alongside the renowned Nine Nations Suites, each reflecting the cultural styles of different countries.

**Cultural Elegance and History:**
These suites have hosted VIPs, dignitaries, and celebrities over the decades, making the Peace Hotel a hub of international elite. Today, it offers a journey back in time to appreciate the charm and nobility of a bygone era.

### Shanghai’s Cultural Gems

**Sasha’s Shanghai Recommendations:**
For those who appreciate the city’s history and style, Sasha recommends several destinations that capture the essence of Shanghai. Consider adding these to your travel favorites for a chance encounter in this vast city.

—