Best of Shanghai for Kids

Description:

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a must see for everybody who visits Shanghai. The largest in the city, this aquarium covers an area of 20,500 square meters with nine thematic zones housing more than 300 species of aquatic animals collected from all over the globe. The various zones take you through a journey of the different regions of the world-from the Yangtze River in China to the Amazon River of South America to the mangroves of Australia. So, if you love watching the seals, sea dragons, electric eels and jellyfishes on Animal Planet, then it's time you come see the real thing out here.

Description:

This temple is directly outside the Jing'an Temple subway stop on line two, and is surrounded by shopping malls, boutiques and even a Burger King. The exterior of the temple houses shops in a wide array, from pirated DVD booths to jewelry and liquor shops-- it is a different scene than the interior of the temple. Step inside, light incense and stroll the rooms of this ancient temple while listening to the horns of nearby traffic and the whistle of sales girls from the nearby bars and malls. This is truly an experience worth the trip to feel torn between what you see (the interior of the temple) and what you hear (a modern city, bursting to move forward as quickly as possible).

Our Local Expert Says:

This museum, nestled in the very hip People’s Square area, is home to the government’s detailed history and future hopes for the Shanghai area.

Description:

If your stay in Shanghai will be long, then the museum is worth a short daytrip, however, if you only have a few days then this propaganda and modeling center can be skipped in favor of something more up to date or lively. The first floor holds a small model of the city, covered in dust and looking dejected and lonely. The second floor is a pictorial history of the area which is worth a look-see. Some images show a side by side view of the city 30 years ago and today, which is quite amusing only if you know the city well. The third floor is where the magic happens. A model of the city stretching across some 50 yards shows every street, building and alley in fine, dusty detail. The fourth floor holds some interesting models and literature on China's first green city, to be completed outside Shanghai sometime in the future.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most child friendly place in Shanghai

Description:

Irish to the core, O'Malley's has a friendly Irish band, Irish bartenders and managers, and friendly English-speaking staff. Housed in a refurbished mansion dating back to the 1920s, the pub's quaint, wooden interior encases romantic nooks and crannies. Expatriates flock here for football games on the big screen television, and live music from 8.30pm everyday, except Sunday. In warmer months, customers can be found on the bar's famous patio. Famous locally for its child-friendly atmosphere, O'Malley's caters to kids with a special menu and an outdoor play place, sandbox and swing set. Throughout the week, expat families hold howling birthday parties on the private upstairs patio or out on the lawn. O'Malley's knows how to serve a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny just right. It also offers a surprisingly innovative menu with dishes that are a considerable notch above average pub grub.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Description:

Hangzhou is home to scenic West Lake, a mirror-perfect pool of water surrounded by weeping willows, beautiful stone arch bridges and botanical gardens. What makes the lake so memorable, however, are the people. Arrive at the lake around 6:00am and you will meet such an array of kindly elderly people that you'll want to relocate to the city permanently. These happy individuals descend on the lake every morning for tai chi, dancing, aerobics, sword play and more. In addition, meet locals having their morning tea at many of the lake-side cafes as they play checkers, cards or just chat about old times. Aside from West Lake, Hangzhou has vast silk markets, rolling scenic hills for hiking and a beautiful temple full of practicing monks and mountain-side rock carvings. Plan to spend the entire day here but do not be surprised if you end up spending more than just one.

Description:

Created by one of America's more popular restaurant chains, Rainforest Cafe is a unique experience. It's a virtual rainforest of mock shade trees, foliage and waterfalls, background sound effects of animal noises and melodic raindrops, gigantic, machine-operated animals, and a huge aquarium replete with tropical fish. Kids love it!Getting a table is no problem with its 400-seat capacity, and the English-friendly staff provide quick service.

Description:

The road to see and be seen on for shopping, eating, pub-crawling or simply absorbing Shanghai's famous modern feel.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most amazing and memorable experiences of any stay in Shanghai, the Huangpu River cruise is a must-see.

Description:

The best time for a river cruise along the Huangpu is of course at night. Some boats will offer dinner and drinks while others will simply sail east or west for a half hour and then turn around. Be sure to learn the details of each cruise before buying your tickets as many have had bad experiences on boats that simply circle the peer. The dinner cruises can run a bit pricy, but will take you on a very scenic tour of the Pudong and Puxi cityscapes, both of which are beautiful at night and stung up in neon lights. Shorter cruises with drinks are fun, but will not take more than an hour to two hours, so plan your evening accordingly.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located in Old Town, the Yu Gardens are a must see tourist shopping destination.

Description:

You can find almost anything you want in the Yu Gardens bazaar. With renovated old Chinese buildings, and winding streets full of shops and salespeople, you are sure to spend all day seeing everything. There is an antique mall that sells little trinkets, statues, jewelry, and paintings. Many restaurants can be found; among them are places for foreigners. There are also the many street food vendors for the curious. One of the most interesting shops is the 2RMB stores; the equivalent to an American dollar store.