Welcome to Shanghai, home to around 24 million people, and one of the world’s most vibrant metropolises. A bustling cultural hub, teeming with people, Shanghai pays homage to the history that has shaped it while undeniably proving that it is a city of modernity and innovation. As one of the largest cities in the world, 24 hours is not nearly enough time to get a taste of what Shanghai is like, but for those on a short time budget, below is a list of a few must-sees and must-dos when you’re in the city.
Immerse Yourself in Ancient China at the Old City
This walled region of the city is brimming with history and charm. Harkening back to China’s dynastic and imperial days, these picturesque streets are lined with buildings which demonstrate the intricate architecture of ancient China. If you’re only in Shanghai for 24 hours, you may not have the time to individually visit all the temples, markets and teahouses in the Old City so budget your time accordingly. On a tight schedule, a few must-sees in this neighbourhood are the City of God Temple, Daijing Tower, and Baiyuan Guan Temple. The old city can get incredibly busy during the day, which is why it would be best to visit this region early in the morning to take in the serenity of the place. If you didn’t get the chance to grab breakfast before you started your day, not to worry! You’ll find dozens of street vendors and food stalls lining the streets to get some delicious morning grub.
Find Your Zen at Yu Garden and Huxingting Teahouse
Built during the Ming dynasty when it was a private residence for the wealthy Pan family, this garden is one of the most beautiful highlights of Shanghai. The garden is composed of six areas, each one comprising different elaborate halls, elegant pavillions, pools and pagodas. You’ll notice that many of the bridges in the garden are constructed in a zigzag pattern - this is said to provide protection by warding off evil spirits. Walk across the Jiu Qu bridge, believed to bring good luck to anyone who crosses it, to arrive at Huxingting teahouse. This is the oldest and most prestigious teahouse in Shanghai. You can escape the busy crowds in the gardens and sip on some of the finest teas in the world.
Shop till you Drop at Nanjing Road East
This is Shanghai’s busiest commercial and shopping region. The streets are clustered with famous department stores, boutiques, and shops: anything you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. The most popular region is the pedestrian area of Nanjing Road where you can immerse yourself in Chinese culture. You’ll see local calligraphy artists, painters, silk shops, Chinese herbal medicines and much more. Shanghai is synonymous with street vendors, and Nanjing road is no exception. So if you’re starting to feel a little hungry or want to grab a snack, this is the perfect place.
Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao
When in Shanghai, you can’t leave the city without trying the famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Jia Jia Tang Bao. Every local you meet in the city will point to a different restaurant that they love for xiaolongbao as Shanghai has an endless number of them, but Jia Jia Tang Bao has a long tradition of being a Shanghai staple. Making soup dumplings is a precise art: the soup should be piping hot, and the outer shell of the dumpling has to be thin enough to break easily with your teeth but thick enough to hold the filling (generally pork). At this joint, they’re masters at making the perfect xiaolongbao. Because this is a very popular location it can get quite busy and wait times can be quite long, so be sure to make enough time to visit.
Promenade through People’s Square
What is widely considered as the heart of modern Shanghai, the People’s Square is the largest public square in the city and also a major transportation hub. This area was originally a racecourse that was destroyed and rebuilt as the square in the south and the People’s Park in the north. The large, paved streets are pedestrian-only and bordered by lush greenery, making it perfect for a casual stroll. The Square is also home to important Shanghai institutions such as the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theater and the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. A multi-coloured musical fountain sits at the centre of the square lined with images that represent Shanghai’s culture. If you visit the square on a weekend you’ll be able to see a unique Shanghai phenomenon called the marriage market. Parents and guardians of young, marriageable adults gather at the square to hand out resumes detailing the benefits of their child with the hopes of finding a suitable partner for their adult children.
Picture Perfect Bund
If you’ve seen a picture or a postcard of Shanghai, chances are that it was taken at the Bund. Nothing better represents Shanghai than this famous waterbank and 1500 metre walkway bordering the west side of the Huangpu river. Commonly dubbed as a museum of international architecture, the Bund stands at the precipice of history and modernity. The waterfront is lined with 26 colonial-era buildings of various western architectural styles, but if you glance across the river to the opposite bank, the skyline is punctuated with numerous skyscrapers and high rises in the modern district of Pudong. If you were waiting to take the perfect Polaroid or instagram shot, this is where you should take it. Stroll, jog, run, fly a kite or practice tai-chi: you can take your pick on how you would like to enjoy your time in the Bund. While the bund is just as beautiful during the day, you’ll want to visit around sunset when the Waibaidu bridge, a romantic hotspot for couples, becomes bathed in sunlight.
Shanghai Illuminated at Night on a Huangpu River Cruise
As the day fades away, the neon bright lights of the Pearl tower and the skyscrapers on the eastern bank of the Huangpu river provide a breathtaking view of the Shanghai skyline at night. If you want a closer look at the buildings on the opposite side of the bank but don’t have the time to visit those landmarks individually, your best bet would be to take a Huangpu river cruise. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can either choose a 50 minute regular tour or a 90 minute tour which also includes a meal provided on the cruise. The cruise boat will take you in a lap around the river so that you can see the Shanghai World Financial Center, Wangpu Bridge, Oriental Pearl Tower, all illuminated during the night time. The boats run from 11am to 9:30pm, however it is always best to check the timings at one of the booths once you arrive.
Cocktail Hour and Dinner at The Nest
You’re at the end of your 24 hours in Shanghai and you’re looking for the perfect place to unwind and grab a bite, The Nest is the perfect spot. This stylish and trendy bar lounge in the bund area is well known for offering various culinary options and unique cocktail concoctions. Like many of the upscale restaurants near the bund, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for a meal, but the quality, service as well as the atmosphere of the lounge is absolutely worth it.
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