Top Ten Historical Sites in Shanghai

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:

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:

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:

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.

Description:

Massages by blind masseurs in China are a popular trend. These massages are said to be therapeutic for good health and extremely relaxing. This center is located in the historical old French Concession area so it is worth a walk. Kang Ning offers professional service at good standards and at a reasonable price. A massage will cost on average, CNY60, for one hour.

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:

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.

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:

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.