Experience the past, present, and future as you roam through the streets and alleys of this major developing city.
Panoramic aerial view of city center (Retrieved from http://shine.city/single/assets/i/travels/img-list-travels-05.jpg)
From the 400 year-old garden created during the Ming Dynasty to the triple towers kissing the clouds, Shanghai is a culturally rich global financial hub which offers something for everyone. The city is split in two by the HuangPu River, separating the colonial and traditional side from the futuristic and sky-scraping district. Architecture, culinary, and even the population easily gives tourists a taste of what China is made of.
Tuesday
A Breakfast for the Champs 09:00 AM
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Therefore, a walking tour to try what the Chinese have for breakfast is a must. Wu Ji Bai Huo Dian serves up 山东煎饼 (Shang Dong Jian Bing), a hot and fresh Chinese breakfast crepe, since the early morning. “Shang Dong” is another province in China just north of Shanghai, but due to the extreme migration throughout the land, many parts of different culture is diffused with another. 5 RMB ($0.75 USD) allows one to experience an egg scrambled on top of a crispy pancake, stuffed with cilantro, scallions, crispy sheet, chili, and Chinese seafood sauce.
Sesame Paste Noodle (Retrieved from http://www.smartshanghai.com/uploads/articles/older/flyer1300776704.jpg)
After a short walk allowing some digestion, the smell of fragrant sesame from Wei Xiang Zhai draws you in for some sesame paste noodles. Order up front and snatch a seat inside as there are no hosts or servers in these street side restaurants. 麻酱面 (Ma Jiang Mian) is a must order dish with noodles mixed in a nutty and sweet sesame paste. The cheap price of 10 RMB ($1.50 USD) gives you the experience of “fast food” in Shanghai.
Next stop down the same road is a place where locals say is a must go for 生煎包 (Sheng Jian Bao), also known as pan fried dumplings. Due to its fame along with it’s history of over 80 years, Da Hu Chun is a “reason to come to Shanghai” even according to the locals. Dumplings are stuffed with shrimp or pork and placed on top of a hot grill for a crunchy char flavored bottom with a soft dough and sesame top.
Blast to the Past 11:00 AM
Amazing examples of culture from the Ming Dynasty (Retrieved from http://images.boomsbeat.com/data/images/full/15988/10-jpg.jpg)
Built for his parents in the year 1577, Pan Yun Duan wanted their old age to be filled with tranquility and happiness in this garden. That is exactly what 豫园 Yu Garden provides to it’s visitors. The garden spans over 20,000 square meters, filled with ancient architectural buildings and strategically placed fengshui ponds. One visit would not be complete without seeing the Exquisite Jade Rock, known for it’s intriguing and mysterious qualities. If a joss stick is lit under the rock,the smoke will float out from each hole. Similar with water being poured on top, the liquid will flow out from all crevices. Admission costs 40 RMB ($7.00 USD).
Pearly Skies 13:00 / 01:00 PM
For lunch, partake in a western styled buffet amidst a rotating restaurant located in one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. 298 RMB ($50.00 USD) is a single person entry fee into the lunch buffet, but also covers free visit of the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, including all three spheres and the Municipal History Museum. Being one of the three tallest skyscrapers in Shanghai, Oriental Pearl Tower is located in the PuDong District. Take a double decker elevator up to the highest sphere, also known as the Space Module, and take in the panoramic view of the entire city. Visit the Municipal History for a look into China’s past, through farm life and even the opium era.
River Spirits 16:00 / 04:00 PM
Neon lit boat floating along neon lit skylines (Retrieved from http://www.mildchina.com/imagetour/huangpurivercruise.jpg)
Board the wharf on the HuangPu side of the river just in time for a sunset buffet dinner on top the Pu Jiang River Cruise. The immense and beautiful four leveled boat with the accents of a dragon will take it’s passengers on a scenic ride down the river and back to the wharf in an interval of about 80 minutes. Passengers will dine alongside brightly lit architectural buildings from different centuries and styles, exhibiting the change that each time era brought upon Shanghai. Once the sun sets, passengers will watch as the city turns on their lights in the night time.
Window Shopping 17:30 / 05:30 PM
Times Square-esque pedestrian shopping road (Retrieved from http://www.chinatourguide.com/china_photos/shanghai/Attractions/shanghai_nanjing_road_night.jpg)
The wharf is located right by The Bund, which is the waterfront area facing the HuangPu River. Pedestrians may walk along side The Bund for panoramic pictures of the PuDong skyline. With the neon lit buildings reflecting on the river’s steady waves, it truly is an amazing scene. After, walk down 南京路 (Nan Jing Pedestrian Road) towards People’s Square and experience the hundreds of stores lined up on both sides of the streets. Shoppers can wander safely as no vehicles are allowed into this road. Store options vary widely from souvenirs to modern cuisine. Without even purchasing anything, visitors will experience the hectic yet peaceful atmosphere this area gives.
Circus Act 19:30 / 07:30 PM
Acrobatic shows to Shanghai is like Broadway plays to New York City. ERA Shanghai is one of the top most attended shows in Shanghai, located in Shanghai Circus World. Tickets start from 150 RMB ($22 USD). With the act named Intersection of Time, viewers are given a tour through the times of Shanghai, all through the performer’s acrobatic talents.
Wednesday
Chinese Venice 09:00 AM
Ancient water-town in the midst of busy Shanghai (Retrieved from http://www.sinotour.com.cn/uploadfile/2015/1215/20151215123138619.jpg)
Travel back in time with 七宝 (Qi Bao) , a water-town located near the city center of Shanghai. Built around one thousand years ago, many of it’s buildings, streets, and bridges are still preserved alongside some new additions added recently. Qi Bao translated in Chinese means seven treasures, which is named after a legend of seven treasures being nearby. Two of those treasures have survived throughout history, and visitors can admire them in this town. Start off with a boat ride down the river, where the guide pushes everyone aboard with a long bamboo stick. Enjoy some tasty cultural snacks offered in many of the shops lining the streets. Visitors can also purchase many authentic gifts at their souvenir shop, for example Chinese art crafts and Calligraphy.
Oh My Buddha 12:00 PM
Jade is a precious stone to the Chinese. 玉佛禅寺 (Yu Fo Chan Si) Jade Buddha Temple was rebuilt during 1928 after it was destroyed during the revolution. Luckily, the statues were saved. Without having to be Buddhist, anyone may visit the temple to view the intricately designed temple and statues. Carved from white jade, both statues are beautifully crafted and painted with meaning and consideration. Allow your senses to witness the atmosphere inside the temple with the monk’s chants paired with their instrument use, while breathing in the aroma of incense.
French Concession 13:00 / 01:00 PM
Outdoor cafe seating (Retrieved from http://blog.absolutechinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/tianzifang7.jpg)
田子坊 (Tian Zi Fang), also known as the French Concession, is a maze-like area filled with artsy and vintage businesses. Due to the French invasion of Shanghai, Tian Zi Fang exhibits the influence of the French culture in this area, with it’s narrow stone paved streets and closely packed buildings. Nowadays, upcoming artists and cafe owners fill this district, providing goods and services unique to this attraction. Pick any cafe that litter the maze and have some lunch. Walk around taking in the cultural and vintage art offered, such as modern day paintings of the first communist leader Mao Ze Dong. Do some last minute shopping, or shop for souvenirs that will not be found anywhere else but here.
Lodging
Narada Boutique Hotel is an inexpensive hotel located a short walking distance from the Yu Garden. Family and business friendly, the hotel offers full amenities for the comfort of it’s guests. Also located in the center of the city, many landmarks are accessible through walking or a short taxi ride. Reviewed with excellent service and care for the hotel, booking through a third party website such as Kayak provides the best deal this hotel can offer, for as low as $86 USD per night.
Planning Your Trip
Flying from New York December January February
Nonstop $914 $1231 $907
One-Stop $819 $807 $642
Special Thanks to Lin Yue Yuan, Guo Xiang Ying.
Sources
Liang, L. (2014) Qibao Town. Retrieved from http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/attraction/qibao-town.htm
Liang, L. (2014) Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Retrieved from http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/attraction/shanghai-municipal-history-museum.htm
Travel China Guide. (N.D.) Yuyuan Garden. Retrieved from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shanghai/yuyuan_garden.htm
Travel China Guide. (N.D.) Jade Buddha Temple. Retrieved from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shanghai/jade_temple.htm
Nancy. (2015) Shanghai Eats Wei Xiang Zhai Sesame Noodles. Retrieved from http://www.plusatesix.com/2015/07/shanghai-eats-wei-xiang-zhai-sesame-noodles/
