The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, with a 4.7/5 rating and over 150,000 reviews, is a must-visit. It is not just a broadcasting tower but a comprehensive tourist and cultural attraction, integrating urban sightseeing, dining, shopping, entertainment, and historical displays. The tower’s structure is a multi-tube design, featuring 3 columns, squares, towers, spheres, space capsules, and emission antenna masts, with a total height of 468 meters and a construction area of 100,000 square meters. Visitors can enjoy high-speed elevators to the high-altitude sightseeing floors and special experiences like the transparent sightseeing gallery and revolving restaurant.
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm (last entry at 8:30pm). It’s recommended to avoid peak hours for a better experience.
Price: From $41.13.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: An Underwater Symphony
Located adjacent to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a marine enthusiast’s paradise. Walk through underwater tunnels and observe sharks and turtles gliding overhead for an immersive experience. Unique to this aquarium is an independent Chinese exhibition area, showcasing rare aquatic species and providing an educational layer to the visit.
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, with a 4.6/5 rating and over 43,000 reviews, is a family-friendly attraction. It houses special freshwater and marine creatures from around the world, along with精彩的 animal performances. The aquarium is spread over three floors, with a beautiful environment, and visitors can start from the top floor and work their way down.
There are many theme exhibition areas in Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, including the China Exhibition Area and the Americas Exhibition Area. Each exhibition area is like an independent ecosystem. One of the highlights of the aquarium is that it has one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. Visitors can enjoy the wonderful sight of various marine creatures swimming over their heads and around them. There are also rare creatures such as sawfish, eagle rays, and cownose rays, which are eye-opening. Here, you can feel the mystery and fantasy of the ocean. A casual shot is a blockbuster. Whether it’s children or adults, you can have a good time here. In general, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a place worth visiting. It is not only a paradise for marine life but also a great place for people to explore the mysteries of the deep sea.
Yu Garden & Bazaar is a place where you can experience the tranquility amidst urban bustle. Transport yourself to the 16th century within the serene embrace of Yu Garden. Beyond its dragon walls and ornate structures lie intimate enclaves, preserving an air of tranquility amid the urban hustle. Adjacent to this historical oasis is the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, where traditional Chinese handicrafts intertwine with the aroma of local snacks. It’s a sensory journey that seamlessly weaves past and present. Nanjing Road is a shopper’s paradise day and night. Enter the bustling heart of Shanghai along Nanjing Road, a world-renowned shopping street that rivals the elegance of Fifth Avenue. By day, admire the graceful architecture lining the street. As night falls, immerse yourself in the vibrant frenzy of illuminated logos and brand names. Whether during the calm morning hours or the lively nights, Nanjing Road beckons with a diverse array of high-end shops, eateries, and cafés.Discover the vibrant heart of Shanghai with our guide to the must-visit places. Among them is the bustling **Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street**, a popular attraction where crowds gather day and night. Here, you can enjoy:
* **Bund Sightseeing**: A short distance from Nanjing Road, the Bund offers a World Architecture Expo and stunning Huangpu River views, perfect for evening visits to capture the night’s splendor.
* **Peace Park**: Nestled near the pedestrian street, this park provides a serene escape with its shaded trees and picturesque landscapes, ideal for daytime relaxation.
For an optimal experience, it’s recommended to avoid peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) to navigate the area comfortably.
Staying near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is convenient, with a variety of accommodations ranging from high-end hotels to budget options to suit all needs.
Embark on a thematic odyssey through Chinese artistry at the **Shanghai Museum** in People’s Square. Housing over 120,000 relics, it offers a unique thematic arrangement of exhibits, showcasing bronze wares, ancient ceramics, and a wealth of calligraphy and paintings that immerse visitors in China’s rich artistic heritage.
For a magical escape, venture to **Shanghai Disney Resort**, where themed lands and enchanting activities await, offering a symphony of joy and nostalgia for all ages.
Spent the entire day in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and it was truly amazing. Got to experience all the attractions as it wasn’t crowded at all. The town offers a unique blend of history and charm. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located in Qingpu District, Shanghai. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, it is one of the four famous historical and cultural towns in Shanghai. There are small bridges and flowing water, exuding a long ancient charm. The town has 36 ancient bridges, 9 long streets, and more than 1,000 Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, showcasing a strong water town culture. Zhujiajiao is beautiful because of water and prosperous because of it. Hundreds of years of historical accumulation have created countless heroes and bred rich cultural connotations and diverse cultural activities. Whether strolling on the stone slabs of the ancient town or boating on the rippling waterways, you can feel the tranquility and beauty.
Popular attractions and introductions along with suitable times to go are as follows: 1. Fangsheng Bridge – Introduction: It is one of the landmark buildings of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and the longest, largest, and highest five-arch bridge in Shanghai, known as the ‘No. 1 Bridge in Shanghai’. Many Chinese and foreign tourists take photos here every day. – Suitable time: In the morning and evening, especially at night when the bridge under the light is more ancient and solemn, making it the best place for night view photography of the ancient town. 2. Kezhi Garden – Introduction: It is the largest manor-style garden in Zhujiajiao, integrating the architectural styles of three dynasties. The pavilions and towers in the garden are scattered, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. – Suitable time: During the day, especially in the sunny afternoon when you can better appreciate the beauty of the garden. 3. Daqing Post Office – Introduction: This is the only Qing Dynasty post office site preserved in East China. Visitors can learn about the postal culture of the Qing Dynasty here. – Suitable time: Open all day. It is recommended to go in the morning or afternoon to avoid the scorching sun at noon. A suggested travel plan for Day 1 is as follows: – Morning: Arrive at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and first visit the Fangsheng Bridge to experience the beauty of the ancient town’s gateway. – Noon: Taste local delicacies such as mung bean cakes and stinky tofu on Beida Street. – Afternoon: Go to Kezhi Garden to enjoy a quiet garden time.– **Evening Experience:** Embark on a water village cruise to enjoy the unique night view of the ancient town from the water.
– **Day 2 Morning:** Visit the Daqing Post Office to delve into the postal culture of the Qing Dynasty.
– **Day 2 Noon:** Dine at a distinctive restaurant in the ancient town for a taste of local cuisine.
– **Day 2 Afternoon:** Stroll along the stone roads of the ancient town, visit specialty shops, and immerse in the leisurely atmosphere.
– **Day 2 Evening:** Stay in a homestay or hotel in the ancient town to experience the essence of a Jiangnan water town night.
– **Qibao Ancient Town:** A tranquil oasis near the bustling city, Qibao Ancient Town is a water town with a rich cultural heritage, just a short metro ride from Shanghai’s downtown. Wander through its narrow streets, explore Qibao Old Street, and savor local snacks. With a history of 1780 years, it is one of Shanghai’s famous tourist attractions and the closest ancient town to the city. Qibao Ancient Town offers a wide variety of cuisines, including Qibao dumplings, old Shanghai scallion cakes, seagull cakes, various pastries, and white cut lamb, all unique in taste and affordable.
– **Starbucks Reserve Roastery:** Located adjacent to Taikoo Hui, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai is a coffee enthusiast’s dream. This multifaceted experience includes a main bar, a ‘pairing bar’ for coffee and food, a 27-meter long bar for Cold Brew Towers, and the debut of Princi, an artisanal bakery in Asia. Recognized as the third-largest Starbucks globally in 2020, it was the largest until Tokyo’s Nakameguro location claimed the title in 2019.
– **Duoyun Books:** Our exploration concludes at Duoyun Books, a literary sanctuary on the 52nd floor of Shanghai’s tallest building. Discover its vast collection of 60,000 books, a lecture room, exhibition space, a café, and a rooftop garden. ‘Beyond the Clouds,’ as it’s aptly named, offers a cultural and literary indulgence for enthusiasts.
Shanghai is a testament to China’s transformation into a global powerhouse, blending rich history with a drive towards progress and innovation. From the breathtaking views of the Shanghai Tower to the historic lanes of Old Town and the diverse culinary delights, Shanghai leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
