Shanghai for Families

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best xiaolongbao in Shanghai!

Description:

Locally known as Ding Tai Feng, this eatery is actually a branch of a Taiwanese dumpling house, and sets to rest any doubts about the ability of Taiwanese to prepare Xiaolongbao. The sweet aroma of the Xiaolongbaos has spread internationally, and crossed the Atlantic in 1993, when an outlet opened in New York. Drop by to feast on juicy dumplings, wontons and the like. If you're by yourself and bored, you can pass the time watching chefs at work in the open kitchen.

Our Local Expert Says:

The iconic trademark tower of Shanghai has long been not only a tourist attraction, but a pillar of Chinese progress and modernization.

Description:

Though an iconic and beautiful structure in Pudong, the tower is much to look at from afar but little to see up close. Designed by Jia Huan Cheng, a Chinese national, the tower was opened to the public in 1995. It is the third tallest tower in the world, and reigned supreme from 1995-2007 as the tallest structure in China (surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center). One can be admitted to various spheres of the tower, including and observation sphere and a pricy revolving restaurant, an exhibition on the history of shanghai, or one can spend a small fortune to stay in the tiny hotel located in the middle sphere. Be prepares for long lines and a certain amount of shoving in order to gaze out the observation windows. If you have a longer stay in Shanghai, the Pearl Tower is worth the wait, but if your stay is minimal skip this attraction and head up to the top of Jin Mao Tower or the newer Shanghai World Financial Center.

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.

Description:

Originally part of a chain from Canada (opened in 1994), Malone's is a popular sports bar and restaurant in the American image, complete with wooden floors, dartboards, a pool table, a small stage, and a dance floor. The TV monitors over the long bar are tuned to international sports programs, and a decent dance band plays until closing on weekends, when it gets very crowded. The 100-entry menu is a comprehensive if overpriced version of American sports bar fare, with potato skins, Buffalo wings, fries, sandwiches, grilled steaks, and gigantic hamburgers. Unfortunately, service is hit or miss: If the waitstaff has any experience, they're careful not to show it.

Description:

This cafe/bar is a convenient place for a break or a quick bite to eat after a long day of shopping. The establishment serves a wide variety of international food but it is known foremost for its burgers. The long and narrow room with its huge windows is comfortably furnished. Service is warm and very friendly.

Description:

Despite some heavy competition, this is still a favorite for many business travelers and world leaders (George W. Bush stayed here during the APEC Conference in 2001). Offering all the luxury and service associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand, the Portman exudes every elegance, from the two-story lobby, with its fiber-optic lighting, laminated stacked-glass sculptures, Indonesian ebony columns, and marble and limestone walls, to rooms that are plush and well fitted with LCD televisions with DVD players, thick duvets, three phones, and all the amenities you could want. Service is as you'd expect -- professional and excellent. The adjacent Shanghai Centre provides one-stop shopping with airline offices, a medical clinic, a supermarket, automatic teller machines, a performing arts theater, upscale boutiques, and a little-known cafe called Starbucks.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 lounges; indoor/outdoor 20m (66-ft.) swimming pool; indoor tennis court; 2 indoor squash courts; indoor racquetball court; 3-story health club and spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; 24-hr. business center; shopping arcade; grocery; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day dry cleaning/laundry; nonsmoking rooms;...

Description:

Tucked away down a lane and hidden from Shanghai's noise and traffic, this restaurant offers a relaxed space for casual dining. The menu is wacky but manageable. Despite a good variety of salads, pastas, mains and desserts, the food seems to be more style over substance and doesn't always hit the mark. Yet there are definite highlights such as the lobster fettuccine and the Grey Goose martinis. For a much needed retreat from Shanghai's noise and pollution, step into another world in A Future Perfect for a flashback to a western alley cafe. Choose from the glassed-in terrace, the cozy dining room or the piece de resistance- the garden with its space-age furniture.

Description:

People's square is a large open area composed of the Shanghai Museum, The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, The Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the municipal government buildings. It has many shops and attractions, one of them being Raffles city, a mall-like shopping center with a subway station underground. People's Square is a beautiful walk with trees and amazing photography spots of tall unique buildings and the many people always filling it. It is right next to People's Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

Renmin Park is a central green space in close proximity to Shanghai's museums and Nanjing lu.

Description:

What was once a racetrack is now the beautiful Renmin Park. Renovated in keeping with Chinese design traditions, visitors can jog or work-out in the mornings, and stroll through in the evenings. A small pond with lotuses, rental boats, and a children's play area are some of the other reasons to venture here.

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.

Description:

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

Description:

Rated among the best Thai restaurants in Shanghai, the deservedly popular Simply Thai boasts stylish ambience and terrific food. The menu features various curries and other traditional favorites, with a full bar. Though a bit overpriced, the experience is pleasant and the food not undeserving of renown. Recommended are the more affordable lunch specials and the terrific vegetable and rice dishes. Wonderfully decorated in charming Thai style, this intimate and cozy restaurant exudes a faint smell of incense. Beloved among its loyal clientele are the outdoor courtyard (for alfresco dining on warm nights) and the late-night drink specials. Service is English-friendly and professional and this is a classy place to take a date.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Shanghai's cleaner alleys and an easy stop to break up a walk through the French Concession.

Description:

In a prime location on Heng Shan Road, this bowling hall is a much trendier version than some of its competitors in Shanghai. Open 24 hours a day, it has 32 lanes on-site. Peak time runs from 7p to midnight. Certain discounts are available throughout the day.

Description:

Despite some heavy competition, this is still a favorite for many business travelers and world leaders (George W. Bush stayed here during the APEC Conference in 2001). Offering all the luxury and service associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand, the Portman exudes every elegance, from the two-story lobby, with its fiber-optic lighting, laminated stacked-glass sculptures, Indonesian ebony columns, and marble and limestone walls, to rooms that are plush and well fitted with LCD televisions with DVD players, thick duvets, three phones, and all the amenities you could want. Service is as you'd expect -- professional and excellent. The adjacent Shanghai Centre provides one-stop shopping with airline offices, a medical clinic, a supermarket, automatic teller machines, a performing arts theater, upscale boutiques, and a little-known cafe called Starbucks.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 lounges; indoor/outdoor 20m (66-ft.) swimming pool; indoor tennis court; 2 indoor squash courts; indoor racquetball court; 3-story health club and spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; 24-hr. business center; shopping arcade; grocery; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day dry cleaning/laundry; nonsmoking rooms;...

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:

Brought to you by Kathleen of the KABB American bistro fame, this popular, unpretentious "just-the-drinks-ma'am" kind of bar has expanded in the last few years to seven locations, though the most popular are those at Tongren Lu and on Maoming Lu. Draft beers are reasonably priced and the grub is pretty good as well. The crowd starts off mostly foreign, which has a funny way of drawing in the locals. 11am to 2am.

Description:

Despite some heavy competition, this is still a favorite for many business travelers and world leaders (George W. Bush stayed here during the APEC Conference in 2001). Offering all the luxury and service associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand, the Portman exudes every elegance, from the two-story lobby, with its fiber-optic lighting, laminated stacked-glass sculptures, Indonesian ebony columns, and marble and limestone walls, to rooms that are plush and well fitted with LCD televisions with DVD players, thick duvets, three phones, and all the amenities you could want. Service is as you'd expect -- professional and excellent. The adjacent Shanghai Centre provides one-stop shopping with airline offices, a medical clinic, a supermarket, automatic teller machines, a performing arts theater, upscale boutiques, and a little-known cafe called Starbucks.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 lounges; indoor/outdoor 20m (66-ft.) swimming pool; indoor tennis court; 2 indoor squash courts; indoor racquetball court; 3-story health club and spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; 24-hr. business center; shopping arcade; grocery; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day dry cleaning/laundry; nonsmoking rooms;...

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best dumplings in Shanghai

Description:

With a dozen or more locations, this Cantonese delight is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Famous for its dim sum, xiaolong bao, and la mian, you're sure to find something you enjoy. Nestled in the trendy Xin Tian Di area, Crystal Jade has friendly staff who are well versed in English. Make reservations in advance if you want to avoid a long wait, but if you find yourself waiting for a table, stay patient as the food is worth it. After your meal, stroll the fashionable xintiandi district under soft romantic lighting.

Description:

Chunky red decors combined with romantic candlelight and somber music create a kind of impressive atmosphere that makes KABB a chic place. The restaurant serves home-style western cuisine in an old Shanghai building, where people of different countries and colors come to enjoy the time and leisure. In the cozy and light-hearted surroundings, they offer excellent service and the delights of adequate food and grills. Their menu features a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, pastas and steaks. The Chicken Feta Pasta and New Zealand Lamb Chops are recommended.

Description:

Despite some heavy competition, this is still a favorite for many business travelers and world leaders (George W. Bush stayed here during the APEC Conference in 2001). Offering all the luxury and service associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand, the Portman exudes every elegance, from the two-story lobby, with its fiber-optic lighting, laminated stacked-glass sculptures, Indonesian ebony columns, and marble and limestone walls, to rooms that are plush and well fitted with LCD televisions with DVD players, thick duvets, three phones, and all the amenities you could want. Service is as you'd expect -- professional and excellent. The adjacent Shanghai Centre provides one-stop shopping with airline offices, a medical clinic, a supermarket, automatic teller machines, a performing arts theater, upscale boutiques, and a little-known cafe called Starbucks.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 lounges; indoor/outdoor 20m (66-ft.) swimming pool; indoor tennis court; 2 indoor squash courts; indoor racquetball court; 3-story health club and spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; 24-hr. business center; shopping arcade; grocery; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day dry cleaning/laundry; nonsmoking rooms;...

Description:

What more could you want than to watch a Peking Opera performance? How about watching students learn how to perform it? You can take an intriguing two-hour tour around this opera school. Call for tour timings and admission.

Description:

The Shanghai Stadium, seating 80,000 spectators, helps to define Shanghai as a first-class sporting city. The multi-functional stadium was built in 1997, but was beautifully renovated for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics as a football (soccer, to Americans) venue. Besides sporting events, the stadium also hosts occasional concerts. A gigantic color display screen, a video monitoring & display system, security, a medical center and a media center are among its world-class facilities. The upscale Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel and a modern aquatic center are is uniquely situated inside.

Description:

Take a break from wading through the beautiful IKEA home furnishings and relax at the store's cafe with a cup of hot coffee and some cake. Discuss your shopping exploits over baguettes, Swedish meatballs, salads and local specialties like chicken and rice. And while you rest after your hearty meal, your kids can can have fun in the children's play area. The place is brightly lit with large windows and the decor is modern Swedish with lots of pastel colors and wooden finishings.

Description:

Easy to walk by without noticing it, Whisk is tucked off Huaihai Lu down an unmarked alley. A casual dining space in cool greens and whites, the décor is also chocolate focused, with quotes about chocolate on the walls and huge jars of chocolate buttons. For those without a sweet tooth, there is a selection of risottos and paninis with ingredients such as prosciutto and artichoke, but the food is found lacking and drab, and the real reason to go is for desert. For the chocolate lover - chocolate shots, cupcakes and cookies are just the tip of the iceberg. Service is efficient and prices are reasonable. This is the most romantic desert place in town, or the perfect ladies out treat.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Shanghai's few play spaces for young children.

Description:

This huge, indoor play center with its maze of tunnels, slides, swinging and balancing ropes, and ball pits provides children endless ways to expend their energy while having fun. The floor is padded, and all the equipment is child-safe. For toddlers, a segregated area offers similar facilities on a smaller scale, plus multicolored stuffed bags. Firm, but very child-friendly staff supervise the children. On weekends, art activities are sometimes scheduled. Simply pay for the materials, and your children can sit and be creative.

Description:

Visit Sumo Sushi for a fulfilling meal. Experienced chefs prepare delicious sushi that will leave you craving for more. Prices are reasonable, food is served in large portions and service is friendly.

Description:

No wonder near capacity crowds are drawn nightly to see the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe. Circus acrobatics has been around in China for 2000 years and today's troupes are reputed to be the best in the world. Surprisingly, this art form benefited from the Cultural Revolution. Performers in those days were labeled 'gypsies' and so the art was allowed to flourish. Performances are never dull. There's music, clowns, magic, mime, dance and dare-devil acts. Book at the Shanghai Center Theatre a couple of days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Description:

Despite some heavy competition, this is still a favorite for many business travelers and world leaders (George W. Bush stayed here during the APEC Conference in 2001). Offering all the luxury and service associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand, the Portman exudes every elegance, from the two-story lobby, with its fiber-optic lighting, laminated stacked-glass sculptures, Indonesian ebony columns, and marble and limestone walls, to rooms that are plush and well fitted with LCD televisions with DVD players, thick duvets, three phones, and all the amenities you could want. Service is as you'd expect -- professional and excellent. The adjacent Shanghai Centre provides one-stop shopping with airline offices, a medical clinic, a supermarket, automatic teller machines, a performing arts theater, upscale boutiques, and a little-known cafe called Starbucks.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 lounges; indoor/outdoor 20m (66-ft.) swimming pool; indoor tennis court; 2 indoor squash courts; indoor racquetball court; 3-story health club and spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; 24-hr. business center; shopping arcade; grocery; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day dry cleaning/laundry; nonsmoking rooms;...

Description:

With three floors of over 70,000 exhibits, the Public Security Museum covers the time from Shanghai's first policemen in 1854 to the latest technology in crime detection. On the second floor, old Shanghai is rebuilt with actual cobble stone floors and street lamps. The third floor is dedicated to real murder cases. No details are spared-one frightening example is a scull with a pair of scissors sticking into it! The fire control exhibition on the fourth floor is fun for kids with many things to discover.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great indoor track. Large groups can rent the entire course. There is also a bar on the premisis but staff do not speak English.

Description:

Opened since 1997, this club features a spacious, 4,500 square-meter indoor track, which means speed racers get plenty of chances to put their foot down on the gas pedal. Thirsty and hungry visitors can refuel and recharge at the track side pub and cafe.

Description:

Unlike most of Shanghai's museums, which are glossy and modern, this museum, like its contents, has seemingly been frozen in time (specifically 1956, when the museum was first located here), which perversely makes it a rather delightful visit. There is the usual collection of animals, mummies, and fossils, including in the central atrium a complete specimen of a 140-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton from Sichuan Province. The top floor houses a gallery of stuffed creatures, which have been known to scare some of the young ones (and a few adults, too). Much more interesting for adults is the building itself, a beautiful classical structure that used to be the Cotton Exchange in colonial days. The mosaic floors and stained-glass windows in the lobby only hint at the grand building that once was.

Description:

If it is true that the mark of a top Italian restaurant is how many Italians eat there, then Da Marco must be really good. It is the restaurant of choice for Shanghais Italians and Italian connoisseurs, attracted by the hearty servings, intimate atmosphere, Chianti wine and reasonable prices. One minor drawback is the location in an apartment complex. Once you find it though, the food more than compensates for the inconvenience. The fettuccine with grilled eggplant and sun-dried tomatoes is substantial enough to satisfy the meatiest meat eaters. Otherwise, try the oven-baked, Parmesan coated veal chop, with roasted eggplant and tomatoes.

Description:

The two-story building was once home to Chiang Kai Shek and his wife, Soong Mei Ling and later became a music school. Today, the compound is home to a restaurant and bar and stylish outdoor patio. Prime, the upscale restaurant on the second floor, is one of the classier places to enjoy a western style steak or romantic dinner for two. Sasha's famous patio attracts diners on sunny afternoons and is ideal for Sunday brunches, large events and after work gatherings. With affordable pub grub downstairs and high brow cuisine above, this spot has something for everyone- at every budget.

Description:

The owners have successfully created a Western-style gathering place featuring good food and good service. With magazines and books available to peruse at your leisure, it is easy to spend more time than you meant to here. So be it. The owners and staff do not mind. They have even provided checker-boards and puzzles to help you enjoy your visit. The reasonably-priced menu ranges from pizza and pasta to more gourmet fare. There is also an extensive selection of coffees and other refreshments. Clean and colorful, this cafe and 24-hour pizzeria provides a pleasant atmosphere in which to savor the food.

Description:

Get some of the best authentic Chinese food at this restaurant. Dim sum is the recommended dish, according to patrons. Also on the menu are Cantonese dishes, all prepared with traditional methods. Good for tourists who want a taste of true China!