10 things to do in Shanghai 2010
Shanghai 2010 is going to attract the world’s attention, as the World’s Fair will be held here. Is the trip to Shanghai already on your schedule? Do you have plans for what to do in this highly cosmopolitan financial city of China? As a native Chinese who travels to Shanghai frequently, here is my suggested list of the top 10 things to do in Shanghai.
‘Shanghai At Night’ is famous in China and around the world. The Bund is the most famous and attractive sight here. The best time to admire the Bund is after dark when all the buildings are illuminated creating an extremely colorful and impressive scene. There are 52 building blocks of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism, and Renaissance, including banks, hotels, multinational headquarters, etc. The breathtaking views here attract not only visitors but movie producers as well. There are two ways to admire the Bund.
1. Admire the Bund on a cruise
There are many sightseeing cruises that will allow you to see the beautiful Bund every night. Make sure to take one of these cruises.
2. Admire the Bund on the western bank of the Huangpu River.
Take a leisurely stroll down the hall along the Bund. However, as of December 2009, the corridor was under renovation in preparation for Expo 2010. Still, you can drive along the bank of the Huangpu River and stop at the end of the Russian consulate near the Bund, where you can supervise the Pearl TV Tower on the opposite bank. While you can’t take good photos aboard a cruise ship, this is the best photogenic spot to take lots of beautiful photos of Shanghai.
3. Xin Tian Di
Enjoy a cup of tea at Shanghai Xin Tian Di in Puxi. It is a fashionable pedestrian street made up of Shikumen and modern architectural style. It preserves the ancient walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen dwelling from old Shanghai. On the other hand, its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or themed restaurants, accompanied by a central fountain.
4. Temple of the City God
This is one of the most notable landmarks in Shanghai. You must come here to taste the most authentic and famous Shanghai Nanxiang Juicy Bun in the whole world (Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao). There are also many traditional Chinese restaurants and souvenir shops along with Starbucks. But don’t expect to find a temple here, even though the place is called City God Temple.
5. Nanjing Road
Even if you’re not a shopaholic, take an hour to visit this premier shopping street in Shanghai: Nanjing Road. Luxury department stores in 1920s style buildings along with world famous brands and restaurants. This place is also great for buying authentic Shanghai snacks and souvenirs. If you don’t want to walk, a trackless tourist train would only cost 3 yuan. After dark, the flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and make Nanjing Road an extremely bright spot in Shanghai.
6. Maglev train
Take the Shanghai Maglev Train from Pudong International Airport to Lujiazui Financial District. The Maglev has a regular service speed of 430 km / h and is the fastest rail system in commercial operation in the world. This 30 km point-to-point journey takes approximately eight minutes and 50 yuan for one way only and 80 yuan for a round trip.
7. Jin Mao Tower
Take a good aerial view of Shanghai from the observation deck at 88 / F of the Jin Mao Tower. Being the fourth tallest building in the world and the second tallest building in China, the Jin Mao Tower is located in the center of the Lujiazui Financial and Commercial Districts in Pudong. This building includes modern offices, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, exhibition halls and banquet halls.
8. Hairy crabs (seasonal in fall)
Go have a crab feast. Finding food is important to most travelers. Shanghai cuisine is famous and hairy crabs are a must eat here. However, hairy crabs are seasonal. If you come between September and November, it is the best time to enjoy not only hairy crabs, but a crab feast.
9. World’s Fair 2010 (May to October 2010)
Wait for Expo 2010 in Shanghai. This international event will provide a platform for participants to share their experiences and discuss advanced ideas about cities, and explore new approaches to green lifestyles under the theme “Better city, better life”. In June 2009, 239 countries, cities and international organizations have confirmed their participation in Expo 2010. Don’t miss Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
10. Rowing boat – Visits to the water town
Take a rowboat trip in one of the water towns near Shanghai. These Venice-like towns are Wu Zhen, Zhujiajiao, and Zhuo Zhuang, with riverfront town houses and beautiful bridges, very picturesque.
To visit Shanghai, don’t forget a China visa as all visitors would need it. Here are the guidelines for applying for a China Visa.