Top things to do in Shanghai for a 3 day Stopover
Shanghai: Everything You Need to Know When Traveling China’s Largest City
Shanghai is one of China’s most populous cities and financial capital.
With its futuristic skyline and highly innovative infrastructures, bustling streets, and mouth-watering delicacies, this is what makes this city a truly unique destination.
During the 20th century, Shanghai started to rise to international prominence and became one of the most influential cities ever since. Situated at the mouth of the famous Yangtze River, it continues to be a financial, economic, cultural, science, international trade center in Eastern China.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that will help you choose the best places to shop, eat, stay, and drink. You’ll also learn about the best activities and destinations the city has to offer.
Things to Do
Interestingly, Shanghai is a unique blend of both eastern and western culture. The city’s history has been traced back to have American, Italian, French, British, and Japanese influence throughout the years. Today, the results of these complicated relationships are primarily predominant in the city’s architecture and local culture.
Shanghai’s cultural heart is the Puxi. Here, you will find the city’s famous waterfront promenade, the Bund which houses fascinating colonial buildings, impressive banks, and stately hotels. At night, the city transforms itself into a breathtaking scene, as those imposing skyscrapers are lit up by an impressive display of bright and neon lights. One of the best ways to admire them from afar is by taking a sightseeing cruise, sailing across the Huangpu River to get the best views.
Explore the surrounding area of the Bund, such as Nanjing Road, a famous shopping street that features the best boutiques and restaurants the city has to offer. Marvel at the sight of the second tallest building, the 632-meter Shanghai Tower. The building has the highest observation deck in the world. It also houses the world’s fastest elevator, traveling for about 74 kilometers per hour.
Architecture
For a more traditional take, pay a visit to the Yuyuan Garden, a testament of Shanghai’s prosperous Ming Dynasty. With stunning landscapes and traditional Chinese rock gardens, it offers one a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.
Your trip to Shanghai wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit Former French Concession, which clearly shows an exciting mix of culture and influence. Today, these old colonial buildings that show a glimpse of Europen charm houses shops and establishments such as artsy cafes, trendy boutiques, and several art galleries.
Another must-visit is the People’s Square, where you can find many world-class museums such as the Shanghai Museum which houses one of the world’s best Chinese artifacts to date. Conversely, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall gives visitors a 3D futuristic perspective of the city.
Shangai’s Food Culture
Shanghai’s food history was dated back 400 years ago. The local food has a perfect balance of sweetness and is primarily influenced by the massive trade that was happening in its ports.
That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that seafood is the city’s main staple. Many local cuisines are served on the city’s food streets ‒ particularly the Qibao Old Food Street and Huanghe Road. There are a plethora of food options that features Guangzhou, Hunan, Sichuan, Beijing, as well as the local Benbang dishes. For visitors that are homesick for Western cuisine, there are also a lot of options in the downtown area.
Shanghai also has many restaurants that are one of the country’s finest, offering a range of cuisines from all over the world. It also boasts of outstanding service and quality food.
