1) Yuyuan Gardens
Go back in time and get lost in the midst of a Chinese garden in the Old city of Shanghai. You won’t be able to believe that a city as busy as Shanghai can have such a calming place. Take out a couple of hours to walk around the park and shop in local shops. Shanghai is very well connected and you can get on the line 10 of Shanghai Metro and get off at Yu garden.
2) The Bund
I still remember my first time visiting Shanghai and I walked up to the picturesque skyline, known as the Bund and I was simply stunned. With the view of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and other skyscrapers standing across the Huangpu River and behind you, gorgeous European-style buildings housing, restaurants, and shops line the waterfront boulevard you can spend hours just gazing at this beautiful skyline and stroll through the boulevard.
3) Tianzifang
A shopper’s paradise in the old French quarters is the charm of old Shanghai. This artsy district is popular place amongst expats and Chinese tourists packed with bars, cafes, small eateries, boutiques, and shopping malls. I personally love this place as you can discover tiny narrow alleys and feed your soul with some local cuisine.
4) Eat Shanghainese Food
Thinking of Shanghai cuisine (Hu cuisine) makes my mouth water. From fried pork soup dumplings, braised frog legs, Jianbing, and lots and lots of noodles are some of my favorites. My suggestion would be to eat authentic food from street vendors, train stations and have lots of bubble tea.
5) Day trip to neighboring Watertown’s (Qibao and Zhujiajiao)
Zhujiajiao and Qibao are Watertowns near Shanghai and are easily commutable from city center. If your time is limited, Qibao would be the best option to get a feel of such ancient towns around Shanghai. Similar to Venice in Italy, there are preserved bridges, local houses, gardens and boat rides. There are several tea houses and restaurants to feed your soul with some local food and souvenir shopping.
6) Shopping
Although, Shanghai isn’t the cheapest place in China, you can shop till you drop. Some of my favorite markets are Qipu Clothing market (for clothes), Yuyuan for souvenirs, Nanjing and Tian Zi Fang for unique boutiques and brands. One thing I always buy in Shanghai is cultured pearls and silk clothing. You can’t find such prices and variety anywhere in the world.
7) Shanghai Science Museum
You have to see the most visited museums in China and this one will blow your mind away. Shanghai Science and technology museum is a great place to visit with family and friends to learn interesting facts and it is a perfect site to visit on a rainy/cold day. The science museum is in the Pudong district and can be easily accessed via the metro.
8) Xintiandi
Back in the day, when I initially moved to Shanghai, I used to live in Laoximen which was a humble area and a few days later I happened to visit Xiantindi and my mind was blown away. An affluent part of modern architecture blended with old-style Shikumen buildings has several bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping places to offer. This place has to be your list to see and all the things you had ever imagined China has to offer would wipe away.
9) Nanjing Road
I can go and on and on about this place and how much I love this part of the town. Nanjing is a 3 mile stretch of shopping street which starts at Jian’an and ends at the Bund. If you think Times Square is the most lit you ever have seen, wait till you get mesmerized in this magical street. I love shopping at this stretch and just stroll around. I would suggest you start from west Nanjing and work your way through east Nanjing and end your day the Bund.
10) Pudong
Pudong is Shanghai’s newest district on the eastern side of the Huangpu River and the home to Shanghai Financial Centre Oriental Pearl Tower. These two iconic buildings are a must-, you can buy a pass to visit these skyscrapers and enjoy your evening as the sun come down. You can get to Pudong by either crossing the river with a ferry ride, metro or a cab.
11) Jade Budha Temple
A Buddhist temple built in the midst of the city is decorated with delicate carvings and comprises of Jade Buddha statues. Jade Buddha Temple has a classic architectural style that makes it unique and inimitable in this modern city. You can reach here by taking Line 13 of the Shanghai Metro to Jiangning Road Station.
12) Jing’an Temple
Jing’an Temple is one of the most famous temples dating back to 700 years ago. This a holy place for both Buddhism and Taoism, with the largest jade Buddha in China. You can reach here easily by taking Line 2 metro and it is located at the heart of West Nanjing Lu.
13) Shanghai Maglev Train
Need for speed? Ride on the Shanghai Maglev Train, the world’s fastest commercially operating train, with a top operating speed of 431kph. You can ride on this train from Pudong airport to Longyang Rd. a 30 km journey, in just under 8 minutes. Just go for a joy ride guys, you will never forget this thrilling experience.
14) Party in Shanghai
Some of the best nights in my early 20s have been in Shanghai and the party scene is JUST MAD. You can party till you drop literally and as an expat, you are surely bound to have a great night. Ladies out there, look out for ladies night specials where you literally drink for free all night long and don’t worry the city is super safe for girls.
15) Massage
If you know me by now, I love spa treatments and I can literally get a massage every day! Shanghai has several massage parlors ranging from small to huge size spas. You can get a massage pretty much in any part of the city for a petite price in comparison to any major cities.
Final Word
I have been hundreds of cities, but I haven’t seen a city like Shanghai in my life. I am biased since I have lived in this city for sometime, but I still think no other city blends both culture and modern era better than Shanghai. Not only the locals are super friendly but also the city has so many expats living as well which makes it tourist friendly. Are you ready to discover one of the most incredible cities ever?
Happy traveling my hungry travelers 🙂
Travelmakesmehungry 
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