So often we skip out on the main attractions found in our home-away-from-homes, thinking we’ll see them eventually. But then it’s time to go and in the process of packing boxes, bidding friends goodbye and staying up for one last ‘Bundrise,’ we realize we still have no idea what actually goes on inside the Pearl Tower (although you’re not missing much, trust us).
With your future interests in mind, we’ve created a checklist of 24 things you should probably see and do in Shanghai before you inevitably jet out of here. And don’t worry, no temples included, because we know, once you’ve seen one…
1. Shanghai Tower
Forget the Pearl, if you’re going to do any tall tower, go big or go home. The sightseeing platform opens up on the 119th floor, but you can go up to the 126th.
2. Drinks with a view
But if you’d rather enjoy the view with a brew, or cocktail, the Park Hyatt’s sky-high restaurants are a more enjoyable experience to see Shanghai above the “clouds.”
3. Museum Day
Learn a thing or two about the place you call home. There is a wealth of knowledge right at your doorstep; some of our favorites include Shanghai Museum, the Urban Planning Exhibition Center and the Propaganda Poster Art Center.
4. Shanghai Archives
If you find yourself in Xujiahui, pop into the Archives to flip through catalogs dating back to the 1900s and see what life was like for an expat during pivotal points in the city’s history.
5. Moganshan Lu
If you haven’t checked out the residential art district, this is a must-do. Even if you have it probably looks different then the last time you passed through as the graffiti art is constantly changing.
6. Photo Day Out
Pull out your nice camera and see Shanghai through a different lens. You’ll be happy to have a collection with your own artistic touch once you leave.
7. Gangsters and Ghosts
Learn about the ghosts and gangsters of Shanghai. Newman Tours conducts private and public tours highlighting some of the city’s best stories. Visit www.nemantours.com for more info.
8. Art Deco
Learn about historic Shanghai and the style of the city. From graphic design to films to fashion, gain a new appreciation for the art you probably pass on a daily basis. Visit shanghaiartdeco.net for more info.
9. Maglev
You don’t need to be traveling to or from Shanghai to take the world’s fastest train (in regular commercial service). But when else would you ever consider riding it unless you’re leaving or coming to Shanghai?
10. Food Tour
Our friends at Untour Shanghai know where to find the most delicious dumplings in town and the best baozi this side of the Huangpu. Plan for a day of stuffing your face by visiting untourshanghai.com or check out co-founder Jamie Barys' top 6 Shanghai steet eats.
11. Metro to…
Create your own adventure. Choose from one of our 13 extensive lines, grab some road Tsingtaos and ride to somewhere new. Fact: There are 337 metro stations in Shanghai, that’s almost one new adventure per day.
12. Muslim Market
The Muslim Market is an entirely unique foodie experience in itself. Running every Friday, head to the corner of Changde Lu and Aomen Lu for some authentic eats.
13. Side Cars
Don’t want to explore the city on foot? See it from the passengers seat. Insiders Experience offers city tours via sidecar motorbike. Grab a bottle of vino, sit back and watch the center of the world spin around you. Visit insidersexperience.com.
14. Shanghai Shenhua
One might not automatically think of football when in Shanghai, but experience a Shenhua match and see how much this city loves their team. Visit shenhuafc.com.cn for match info.
15. Community Classes
Learn the art of kungfu, how to cook a traditional Chinese dish or try your hand at Chinese calligraphy. The Community Center Shanghai offers a variety of programs where you can learn to live like a local. Visit communitycenter.cn for more info.
16. Park stroll
Wake up early and see the city in full swing, literally. Take any pick of parks and observe the locals in dancing-exercising-meditating action. We prefer Jing’an Sculpture Park for the added art.
17. Huangpu Cruise
Pay RMB2 to ferry across the Huangpu. Go at night to see the city light up from every angle.
18. Volunteer
Do some good for the city. There are a plethora of volunteer opportunities to be found, but if you’re not sure where to start, check out shanghai.beanonline.org. They conduct monthly events with a variety of groups in the city.
19. Shanghai Botanical Garden
More nature exists in Shanghai than you might think. Check out the Shanghai Botanical Garden for hours of flowers. Visit www.csnbgsh.cn for more info.
20. Shanghai Circus World
See some of the world’s finest acrobats, daredevil motorcyclists and tricksters that can trump any magician. Visit www.era-shanghai.com for more info.
21. Jazz
The Fairmont Peace Hotel is an iconic staple in Shanghai history. Back in the 1920s, when house jazz was the hottest thing in town, this was the place to be. Come in at 7pm daily to see the Old Jazz Band (whose average age is 80) rock the mic.
22. Antiquing
The Dongtai Lu antique market has closed, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options to pick up quirky nicknacks. The simply named Mu Lan Hua Ge Jia Ju Li Curio Company is a giant clearing warehouse packed to the brim. It’s a little tricky to find, but head to Lingzhao Xincun metro station line 8, bring this address: 1788 Ji Yang Lu, by Shangpu Lu 济阳路1788号 and show it to someone as soon as you get off the metro. You can also try to contact the store manager Sun Miao Hong at 137 0163 3804.
23. Create clothes
If you have yet to whip up a new outfit via printed pictures and magazine cutouts, now’s the time! Head to the South Bund Fabric Market and treat yourself.
24. Bundrise
If you haven’t stayed up to see the sunrise on the Bund, you simply haven’t lived Shanghai, my friend.
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