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Chinese often say, “To understand China's 2,000-year history, visit Xi'an; for 500 years, go to Beijing; but for the last 100 years, come to Shanghai.” Shanghai has been the pride of China in recent decades due to the rapid development of this 'city on the sea.' With numerous historical sites, Shanghai boasts vibrant entertainment venues and glamorous shopping districts.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SHANGHAI
Shanghai experiences distinct four seasons, albeit slightly different from other destinations. Spring can be warm, reaching up to 30°C, but if it rains, it becomes pleasantly cool; summer is hot and humid; autumn offers comfortable, cool, crisp, and slightly chilly weather; winter sees snowfall, very cold yet beautiful. Therefore, travelers can visit Shanghai in any season of the year. However, the best time to visit Shanghai is during autumn, from September to early November.
TRANSPORTATION
To reach Shanghai, depending on the circumstances, travelers can take the train or drive by car. However, for time efficiency, traveling by plane is the best option. Travelers can book cheap flights to Shanghai from any airline such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Vietjet, Shanghai Airlines... These airlines operate from Vietnam's two major airports, Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai. For travelers from countries like Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, etc., wishing to go to Shanghai, they can choose airlines like Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines...
Once in Shanghai, the subway and train are the two most recommended public transportation options for travelers. Not only are they inexpensive but also convenient and fast. If travelers only plan to visit the city center, walking, cycling, or taking a pedicab are the optimal choices. It's advisable to minimize the use of taxis as they are expensive in Shanghai, similar to tourist areas. If unavoidable, check if the taxi has a meter!
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
Shanghai – The Eastern Paris is the most modern and bustling metropolis in Asia. Travelers will be greatly impressed by the skyscrapers and fashionable boutiques lining the famous Bund. However, the symbols of the modern world cannot overshadow the long-standing cultural values of this city, as there are ancient temples and numerous historical and cultural landmarks scattered throughout.
Here are the top 14 must-visit attractions in Shanghai:
The Bund
The most prominent symbol of the city of Shanghai, which has been featured in numerous literary works and films. Stretching 1.5 km along the Huangpu River, the Bund area used to be the busiest economic center of Shanghai. The Bund is home to many historic buildings and is dubbed the 'architectural exposition.' It is a convergence of bank buildings, commercial buildings, consulates, newspaper offices, with a variety of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance.
Travelers can observe the historical relics of the city as well as the modern structures of the 21st century along the waterfront in the morning. But to fully enjoy the atmosphere and the most beautiful scenery of the Bund, evening is the time that travelers cannot miss.
As night falls, the Bund becomes splendid and colorful, completely different from its daytime appearance, with colorful lights shining on the river and flashing lights on the other side of the Huangpu River from the buildings. Taking a boat ride on the river will take travelers from one surprise to another: sometimes amazed by a modern and magnificent Shanghai, sometimes astonished by an ancient and beautiful Shanghai.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Built from 1991 to 1995, with a height of 468 meters, it is one of the tallest TV towers in the world. Located at the tip of Lujiazui in Pudong, beside the Huangpu River, it has been one of Shanghai's famous landmarks since the 1990s. The TV tower is open for tourists to visit certain floors, and it features a rotating tea room that can accommodate about 500 visitors, where they can enjoy tea while admiring the panoramic view of the city.
Nanpu Bridge
One of the busiest and most crowded bridges in Shanghai at night. This bridge attracts tourists because of its liveliness as well as the mobile souvenir carts of local people. In the evening, the lanterns are lit up, the aroma of lotus seed candies fills the air, and the steaming hot dumplings make everyone feel hungry. Walking on Nanpu Bridge, tourists feel like they are stepping into the ancient Chinese movie world on festival days, surely leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Tianzifang Old Street
Located in the heart of Shanghai, Tianzifang becomes a charming neighborhood, ancient yet modern and bustling. It is considered a paradise for tourists.
No vehicles are allowed to pass through this neighborhood. It is separated from other roads, reserved only for pedestrians or foreign tourists. This area is filled with a variety of outdoor restaurants and enticing eateries. Additionally, the presence of numerous bars, fashion boutiques, shopping centers, etc., has made the entire neighborhood bustling and vibrant both day and night.
It can be said that this neighborhood is a distinctive part that adds charm and allure to the city, mesmerizing countless tourists who set foot here. Exploring this place, tourists will gain further insight into the enduring cultural beauty through the lives of its residents.
Tianzifang is a neighborhood that leaves a profound impression on tourists with its classic Shikumen architecture. This is an extremely developed design style in the 1800s. Shikumen, or stone gate, mostly represents the facades of houses in this area, showcasing remarkable and diverse stone carvings on the front.
The patterns carved on these artworks are symbolic of the fusion of Eastern and Western architectural features. This unique artistic feature was once praised and favored in Shanghai. Most middle-class and above, as well as local scholars, highly value and strive to preserve these works of art to this day.
Furthermore, while strolling along the alleyways, tourists will marvel at the distinct ancient beauty of each apartment. Many ancient reliefs dating back centuries adorn the door frames, and images of moss-covered wooden gates become extremely captivating with intricate patterns, all drawing the attention of tourists amidst the bustling urban life.
East Street
With an area equivalent to a large city in Vietnam, East Street is a modern new district and the largest financial and commercial hub in Shanghai. Exploring the bustling streets filled with multilane traffic and towering skyscrapers, shopping centers, and luxurious hotels will surely broaden tourists' knowledge about a modern city—the pride of Shanghai residents and all of China. This area boasts numerous large shopping centers, making it an indispensable destination for tourists.
Century Park
Century Park is situated in the heart of Pudong District and is the largest park in Shanghai. Within the park, there is a music stage, a maze, bamboo forests, intricately trimmed tree formations resembling deities, playful dolphins, and even pandas. Rent a bike or tandem bike to explore the vast park with meticulously landscaped gardens, divided into separate areas featuring English, Japanese, or traditional Chinese garden styles. Spring is the ideal time to visit the park, when all fruit trees are in full bloom. However, at any time of the year, the park remains a peaceful, green oasis amidst a city full of skyscrapers.
Visitors can rent a small boat to explore the lake area with its numerous small islands. Or try your hand at golf at Century Park West Golf Course. Equipment can be rented right at the golf course, and the clubhouse with a café is the perfect place to rest after hours on the course. When the wind is favorable, follow the locals and try kite flying—a pastime that has been around for centuries in Chinese culture. Kite vendors are scattered throughout the park.
Or relax and listen to the birdsong on Bird Island. This 2-hectare small island is home to about 50 different tree species such as willows, water lilies, plane trees, red leaves, peach trees, cherries, gum trees, and cinnamon. Early morning and dusk are the best times of day to listen to the birds sing. In the Bird Sanctuary area, try to find a giant white tree over 100 years old.
Century Park features many playgrounds dedicated to children; and along with the adjacent Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, it will make for a fun day out for the whole family.
Imperial Temple
Although called the Imperial Temple, this area has no temple at all, only brown wooden houses, black tiles, white walls with beautifully crafted and elaborate curved roofs. This is also characteristic architecture of ancient houses in Shanghai with red lanterns hanging on the only cornstalk.
The Imperial Temple follows the ancient style from the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of over 400 years. Today, some of the architecture in the Imperial Temple has been rebuilt but still retains its ancient charm. Apart from sightseeing, visitors to the Imperial Temple can also choose from a variety of inexpensive souvenirs such as jewelry boxes, porcelain trays, or jade trays.
Du Vien
Peaceful Dwelling
Jade Buddha Temple
Situated to the west of the city, the temple complex consists of 7 halls and towers. The Great Hall houses three Golden Buddha statues. At the Jade Buddha Tower, visitors should take time to admire one of the wonders of the temple: the seated Buddha statue. This jade and emerald-inlaid Buddha statue is a masterpiece depicting the Buddha's enlightenment. And don't forget to seize the opportunity to explore the rest of the tower, which also houses 7,000 scriptures.
Next to the area of the Imperial Temple is Peaceful Dwelling - one of the most classical and famous botanical gardens in the country. Peaceful Dwelling means a peaceful and convenient garden located on an area of 2 hectares with over 30 works including shrines, pavilions, flower gardens, lotus ponds, fish ponds...
Following the footsteps of the crowd visiting the temple to reach the Reclining Buddha Hall and admire the reclining Buddha statue made of white jade, placed on a pedestal carved from precious teak wood. Pay attention to the delicate carvings, depicting the benevolent face and serene demeanor before the Buddha's nirvana. Do not mistake this jade statue for the larger Reclining Buddha statue also placed in the hall, originally gifted by Singaporean Buddhists in 1988.
Inside the temple, there is a gift shop offering many souvenir items with Buddhist styles and a restaurant with famous vegetarian noodles. Visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the temple and should be mindful of the vendors around the temple area.
Shanghai Museum
Shaped like a giant pot, this premier Shanghai museum showcases some of the most important artworks, cultures, and philosophies in Chinese history. The museum consists of 11 exhibition halls and 3 grand exhibition halls, with collections of ancient Chinese art and craftsmanship. Before entering, pay attention to the exterior architecture with its round roof and square base. This architecture is based on the concept of a round sky and a square earth in ancient Asian cultures.
Take a leisurely stroll through each exhibition room to see bronze drums, ceramic products, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, jade decorations, ancient coins, and furniture from various dynasties. The ceramic collection is considered one of the museum's treasures with over 500 artifacts from different eras. Highlights include ceramics from the Neolithic and Tang periods, jade-glazed products from the Shang and Zhou periods, as well as painted ceramics from the Song, Jin, and Liao periods.
Visit the Ancient Chinese Statue Exhibition Hall to witness a priceless collection of ancient Buddha statues, many meticulously carved from solid jade. Another interesting stop is the Ancient China Seal Exhibition Hall. The exhibits here demonstrate the importance of seals in Chinese history, from the Western Zhou period to the late Qing period. With over 7,000 artifacts on display, including ancient Chinese coins, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of trade between China and other countries.
Shanghai Art Museum
To explore ancient Chinese art, visitors should visit the Shanghai Art Museum. It is one of China's most famous museums, showcasing about 120,000 ancient artifacts and unique paintings spread across five floors.
The museum is now divided into 10 zones, each showcasing a different form of art such as ceramics, sculptures, currency, paintings, and handicrafts from various ethnic minority regions in China. Admission to the museum is free for visitors every day. However, due to the limited number of visitors allowed per day, tourists need to queue up. Visitors typically spend about 1.5 hours exploring all the main collections. Located in the People's Square area, visitors can reach the museum by subway or bus.
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Shanghai Disneyland Park is located in the new Pudong area and is the first Disneyland park on the Chinese mainland. This park offers a unique destination with attractions such as the largest Disney castle, the first pirate-themed amusement park, and the longest Disney parade. Whether you're a child or an adult, there's something for everyone at the park.
Nanjing Road
One must-do activity when visiting Shanghai is to stroll and shop along Nanjing Road. This pedestrian street is famous for its diverse range of shops stretching over 1km. Nanjing Road is the most prosperous thoroughfare in Shanghai, where tourists can find products from around the world at shopping centers or vintage stores.
Film Studio
No matter which destination you visit in China, whether it's Beijing, Guangzhou, or Shanghai, tourists should spare some attention for film studios. Visiting a film studio in Shanghai, tourists will encounter many familiar scenes and buildings from famous TV dramas set in ancient China. The film studio is about an hour's drive from downtown Shanghai, with an entrance fee of around 300,000 VND, so don't miss out on this interesting destination!
Local Delicacies
Nestled along the serene Huangpu River, adorned with a blend of modernity and ancient charm in its renowned architectural landmarks, Shanghai is a destination worth exploring. Besides being a shopping paradise with quality and affordable shops, it's also a culinary haven with an array of irresistible delicacies.
Pan-Fried Dumplings: Wake up in Shanghai and treat your hungry belly to pan-fried dumplings. This popular breakfast dish alongside traditional dumplings is a must-try. The dumplings are neatly arranged in a large flat pan, fried until golden and fragrant, then steamed to soften the dough and cook the filling. When buying, vendors will place the dumplings in a paper cup and pour over a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce. The delightful dumplings with their thin, smooth top and chewy bottom filled with flavorful shrimp and meat will leave travelers craving for more.
Steamed Buns: Travelers can find a variety of steamed buns with diverse flavors here. But the most special is Xiao Long Bao, a small bun filled with meat, shrimp, or seafood. When eating, gently use chopsticks to lift the bun onto a spoon, then separate the bun skin with the chopsticks, and the hot soup inside will overflow. Add a few slices of ginger on top, along with some spicy chili sauce and sesame oil, then enjoy. The mouthwatering aroma of traditional flavors will linger on the palate.
Noodle Soup: Shanghai locals have a strong preference for noodle dishes, and travelers can encounter this dish everywhere, from street food stalls to elegant, sophisticated restaurants. Stir-fried noodles, noodle soup, or mixed noodles with a wide variety of fillings ranging from seafood to meat, all boast irresistible flavors.
Varieties of Fried Cakes: Shanghai is an authentic culinary paradise thanks to the presence of numerous types of fried cakes with a wide range of flavors. It could be scallion pancakes, a dish that delights travelers with its crispy golden crust and fragrant pork and scallion filling. Or, for a cooler option, there's the simple fried turnip cake made with turnip and flour, enjoyed with sweet and sour soy sauce. Another famous type of cake here is the Chinese crepe, known as egg pancake. It's called so because the outer layer of this cake is made from thin dough cooked on a flat-bottomed pan until crispy. Eggs, scallions, and a layer of fried dough are evenly spread on top, drizzled with soybean sauce, and finally, the cake edge is neatly folded to be ready for enjoyment. In addition to the common fillings above, some shops also serve other fillings such as meat or sweet fruit sauces to please travelers.
Egg Tea: It's the famous tea of Shanghai in particular and China in general. Egg tea is made from boiled eggs together with cloves, tea leaves, cinnamon, salt...
Hairy Crab from Yangcheng Lake: This is a type of crab living in Yangcheng Lake, famous for its peculiar appearance covered with fur all over the body, in a bluish-green color. They have extremely large and strong claws, shiny emerald green, with sweet, cool, tender flesh without being mushy.
Shanghai Style Yellow Croaker: It's a dish listed in the famous culinary list 'The Four Treasures of the Sea' across China and around the world.
Spicy Hot Pot (Mala Tang): This is a dish perfect for spice lovers. Travelers can choose from a variety of ingredients to enjoy with this super spicy hot pot broth such as: Various vegetables, meatballs, tofu, noodles,... It's worth noting that this dish is very spicy, so those who can't handle spice should not try it!
SOME FAMOUS EATERIES IN SHANGHAI
The Apartment (Address: 3F Yongfu Road No. 47, near Fuxing Road)
The Apartment restaurant features modern New York-style decor with spacious dining areas, outdoor spaces overlooking Puxi, and a bar. You can enjoy typical American dishes here such as: Pizza, steaks, gigantic burgers. What's appealing about The Apartment is that besides dining, visitors can also attend lively parties that attract large crowds and enjoy complimentary champagne.
Mr & Mrs Bund (Address: 6th Floor, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu)
Mr & Mrs Bund is one of the world's finest restaurants, with a riverfront setting overlooking the skyscrapers of Pudong. The restaurant specializes in French cuisine, with half of the space dedicated to the bar area, so Mr & Mrs Bund also serves wine and beautifully crafted cocktails.
Yershari Xinjiang Cuisine (Address: 106 Nandan Dong Lu)
The restaurant exudes the wild ambiance of Central Asian music, evoking the scenery of the Silk Road. Note that the lamb ribs at the restaurant are very delicious, and if visitors don't arrive before 6:30 pm, they won't have the opportunity to taste this famous dish.
Large-size Da Pan Ji (spicy chicken and potatoes), doner kebab with freshly baked crispy bread, creamy butter, potato salad, and onions are excellent choices for visitors when dining at this restaurant.
Shunxing (Address: 1088 Yanan Xi Lu, near Panyu Lu, Changning District)
For those wanting to explore traditional cuisine and authentic Chinese delicacies while traveling in Shanghai, visit Shunxing Restaurant - a must-visit gastronomic destination in Shanghai. Not only does it boast architectural styles deeply rooted in Chinese culture, but it also serves traditional Chinese dishes such as fried buns, dim sum, noodles, five-spice spare ribs, and snakehead fish soup. Moreover, the restaurant hosts folk performances like opera and lion dance on a grand stage, allowing diners to enjoy these performances while dining, reminiscent of scenes from ancient Chinese period dramas.
Hang Yuen Hin (Address: 290-292 Wanping Lu)
Hang Yuen Hin is an enticing dining spot in Shanghai, situated in a two-story building amidst Xuhui Park. Hang Yuen Hin is renowned for its egg tarts, char siu buns, and signature dishes such as shrimp rolls with salmon, crab served with jasmine flowers drizzled in sauce, and grilled clams. These delectable offerings are a must-try when visiting this restaurant.
Lan Ting (Address: 107 Songshan Lu, near Taicang Lu)
Lan Ting is one of the popular budget-friendly dining spots in Shanghai, although first-time visitors may find it challenging to locate due to the absence of English signage. Upon stepping into Lan Ting, guests should indulge in their specialties including hong shao rou (braised pork belly in sweet sauce), you bao xia (grilled river shrimp), and jiguijiang (chicken cooked with fermented tofu), all of which are delicious and renowned.
Bai Jia Qian Wei (Address: 818 Mall, Fifth Floor, 818 Nanjing Xi Lu)
Bai Jia Qian Wei translates to '100 families, 1000 flavors' in Mandarin, and it's a beloved eatery among locals, serving delicious and affordable meals for visitors to Shanghai.
Bai Jia Qian Wei specializes in Anhui cuisine, known for its simple yet traditional Chinese dishes like dried meats, braised and steamed delicacies, bringing out the authentic flavors of China. The restaurant's specialties include lotus root duck and chicken stewed with bamboo shoots. Additionally, visitors shouldn't miss out on the crispy cakes, sour shrimp soup, and fermented tofu dish served here.
Lost Heaven (Address: No. 17, Yan’an Dong Road)
Lost Heaven spans approximately 300m2, featuring an exhibition space on the first floor showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Yunnan. The second floor houses an elegant restaurant, adorned in dominant red and gold hues, complemented by stunning floral decorations.
At Lost Heaven restaurant, visitors can indulge in uniquely crafted menus featuring Miao-style shrimp, Yunnan rice cakes with pork floss and jizong mushrooms. Additionally, lunchtime at the restaurant, which accommodates about 100 people, provides an opportunity for guests to mingle and make new friends.
Din Tai Fung (Address: Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing West Rd, Portman Branch, next to the Ritz-Carlton hotel)
When it comes to Chinese specialties, one cannot overlook the steamed buns, and one of the best steamed bun eateries in China to visit when traveling to Shanghai is Din Tai Fung. This restaurant is renowned for its large-sized steamed buns, featuring thin dough and a filling of shrimp and meat. Based on travel experiences in Shanghai and independent dining, visitors should enjoy these world-renowned steamed buns with pickled cabbage, and if there's still room, don't miss out on trying the herbal chicken soup, which is also delicious.
Xibo (Address: 3rd Floor, 83 Changshu Rd, near Julu Rd)
Another must-visit delightful and unique dining spot for travelers exploring Shanghai is Xibo - a restaurant specializing in ethnic minority cuisine from the border regions of China. Upon entering the restaurant, visitors are first greeted by traditional Xibo clothing racks and a collection of colorful Uighur hats. Then, they step into the spacious dining area where they can choose to sit indoors or outdoors on the terrace. Especially during the winter season in Shanghai, guests can even experience the warmth of a traditional Chinese charcoal stove right next to their table. And the third surprising element for visitors is undoubtedly the delicious Chinese dishes at the restaurant, such as spicy grilled lamb served with bread or fried bread, which is the restaurant's specialty that travelers cannot afford to miss.
Xindalu (Address: Hyatt on the Bund, 199 Huangpu Road)
In addition to delicious food, one of the things that makes Xindalu stand out on the list of must-visit, unique, and enticing restaurants when traveling to Shanghai is that guests can witness the chefs of the restaurant demonstrating cooking techniques right inside the restaurant and the menu features rare and hard-to-find dishes in Shanghai. Here, guests can enjoy dishes such as Beijing roasted duck roasted in specially sourced Beijing apple wood-fired ovens; or Hangzhou Beggar's Chicken, pyramid-shaped pork, Longjing tea shrimp, and fragrant five-grain wine... What's even more enticing is that you can enjoy the stunning sunset view of the Bund and the Huangpu River from the restaurant's windows while dining.
SHOPPING DESTINATIONS FOR BARGAIN HUNTERS
Shopping destinations and malls in Shanghai are mainly concentrated on Nanjing Road or Pudong. If you're looking to buy handicrafts and jewelry, head to the Yu Garden near the City God Temple. For upscale, designer goods, visit the Nanjing West Road (near Jing'an Temple).
However, most tourists prefer to explore the bustling street markets on Taikang French Concession, such as Xinle Road, Chang Le Road, and An Fu Road... because you can find fashionable clothing, shoes, and accessories of good quality at very affordable prices. Or check out the new market area in Tong Duan for discounted items; Qi Tu Road for ridiculously cheap clothing...
The Pearl Plaza area is a paradise for tourists looking for cheap foreign goods, designer items, bags, backpacks, free-size clothing, oversized clothing, DVDs... Or if you're interested in buying jade and antiques, head to Dongtai Market; for electronics, visit the Tuguang Railway Station, and for mobile phones, go to the Shanghai Railway Station. Bu Ye Cheng Market is one of the few markets in Shanghai that allows tourists to try on, inspect, and exchange goods if they're not satisfied.
HOTELS, ACCOMMODATIONS IN SHANGHAI
For quick and convenient booking, travelers can reserve rooms on Agoda.com to suit their individual needs. Below are some suggestions for beautiful, budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses you can consider for your trip.
* Changchunyuan Business Hotel Pudong Shanghai
+ Address: No.889 Dongting Road, Pudong International Airport (PVG).
+ Number of rooms: 56 rooms
+ Price: approximately $15
* Rayfont Hotel Bund118 Nan Cang Street
+ Address: People's Square and South Bund Shanghai
+ Number of rooms: 205 rooms
+ Price: $28
* Rayfont Downtown Hotel (4-star)
+ Address: No.7 Zhao Jia Bang Road, Xintiandi and Huaihai Street
+ Number of rooms: 1000 rooms
+ Price: $41
* Central Hotel
+ Address: No.555 Jiujiang Road
+ Number of rooms: 319 rooms
+ Price: $128
* Grand Central Hotel Shanghai (5*)
+ Address: No. 505, Jiujiang Road
+ Number of rooms: 353 rooms
+ Price: $150
Posted by: Huong Hien
Keywords: Shanghai (China) - 'the European city in the heart of Asia'
