Shanghai in a Day

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Shanghai's marquee hotels. Worth the money

Description:

Stay in luxury at the JW Marriott at Tomorrow Square. This 60 storey wonder is spread over 20,000 square meters of space. In sync with all Marriott properties this hotel too offers maximum comfort to its business and leisure travelers. The 342 rooms offer magnificent views of the city and are equipped with a wide range of facilities. From high speed internet access to hydraulic massage showers, they have it all. Guests can dine at any of the hotel's restaurants on site and burn it off at the pool or fitness club. As they offer babysitting facilities, parents can have a relaxed day out touring the nearby sights.

Description:

Even though most Chinese residents consider these morning tai chi gatherings as nothing more than "life in general," most foreign visitors are drawn to them. It represents the rare chance to witness Chinese culture without the gleam of tourist hype. Hundreds gather each morning along the Bund, a rebuilt hump of land overlooking the Huangpu River, to practice the disciplines of tai chi and kung fu. Some even take it one step further by practicing ballroom dancing, an odd sight at dawn. All "practices" are open to the public.

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.

Description:

Located in "expatriate central," Kathleen's buzzes with foreigners homesick for Western food. Diners enjoy contemporary American fare and fine brunches. The casual and cheerful interior is trendy with a bar flanking one side of the room. The menu and staff are English-friendly. Come and dine on dishes such as pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes, burgers, burritos, Greek salad, milkshakes and desserts. Two course lunch for 100RMB, dinner for two 800-900RMB.

Description:

This crazy street is full of eateries blazing with bright lights, emitting smells of the heavenly seafood sizzling on the burners. A trip down Huanghe Lu is essential to experience Shanghai's colorful cuisine and friendly hospitality. Looking at the chattering foodies, gobbling down the fresh catch of the day and downing bottles of local liquor, you are tempted to join in. So don't let anything stop you!

Description:

The Shanghai Museum, located in the Renmin Square, has a massive assortment of Chinese art, from the bronze gallery to calligraphy and paintings. The 4 floored airy building has room after room of ancient artifacts and a wonderful Tea Room to sit and have lunch. In each of the exhibits, there is a pamphlet of information that sums up the room. The museum is set up with easy to follow signs in a tour-like fashion and has little gift shops of souvenirs. From the top floor, looking down you can see the large circular design in the middle of the lobby. The top of the museum is a beautiful glass dome skylight.

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.

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:

Sitting pretty atop the Pu Dong Shangri-La Hotel, this bar and hotel offers breath-taking views of the city's skyline and the Bund. The interiors are just as spectacular, with Oriental artistry dominating the ambience. With Australian, American and European cuisine on the menu, the restaurant ensures there's something to please everyone, while allowing adventurous palates to experiment. Check out the bar, done up in jade green, as you sip on some of the international spirits lining the frosty shelves. Needless to say, quality comes at a rather hefty price!

Our Local Expert Says:

Best place to be seen in Shanghai

Description:

With superb Continental cuisine, an excellent wine selection and royalty service, the fashionable M on the Bund sets the standard for other haute cuisine restaurants in Shanghai. As the place to see and be seen, the much-touted eatery attracts its fair share of Shanghai's movers and shakers. Contemporary, airy and stylish decor complements sweeping views of the Bund. The food reaches equally high heights. Diners are recommended to try the Salt Crusted Leg of Lamb and the Crispy Suckling Pig. They should also leave room for dessert-the sinfully delicious Pavlova is rightfully legendary.

Description:

The Museum occupies a heritage building, that once overlooked a racecourse. This landmark of old Shanghai is People's Square (Ren Min Guang Chang). There are twelve exhibition halls on five floors showing modern and traditional fine art. Temporary art shows are also organized regularly. Visitors can take part in sketching and painting lessons and art lectures. The lecture hall can also be hired for functions. A gift shop is on the first floor. Admission: charges are higher for special exhibitions.

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:

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.