There is no doubt Shanghai is a very modern, cosmopolitan city with plenty to see and do. But for the start of our trip we had limited time there, and probably missed out on seeing some spectacular sights.

Our hotel in Shanghai was situated in the outer city region, meaning that it was not possible for us to walk to the business district of Shanghai for sightseeing. There was not much around the hotel for us to do, especially in the evening if we wished to go out and find a bar, or just wander the city streets.

Shanghai is a vibrant and busy city so we were escorted around some key tourist sights by bus. It is always crowded, and the traffic is always quite dense. Below are some of the highlights of Shanghai.

  1. Shanghai Museum – if you love a museum you will enjoy this one. A grand building with enormous treasures hidden behind its doors. There is usually a ‘special’ exhibition of some kind on display as well, so you will not be disappointed by this museum.
  2. Jin Mao Observatory – the building is 88 floors high and supposedly the fastest elevator ride, reaching the top in just 45 seconds. There is a wonderful observatory on the top floor, with sweeping views of Shanghai. Well worth the trip if it is no longer included in the tour.
  3. Old Town and Yu Garden – this was a real treat and you will enjoy the eclectic mix of shops and eateries. There is a Tea House in the middle where you can sit in comfort and watch the world go by. Tourists will enjoy this part of Shanghai as it mixes old with new. Be warned though, it is an extremely busy tourist destination, so if you are a little overwhelmed by crowds, then perhaps this is not for you.
  4. The French Concession – a trendy area with live music and boutique wine bars. Some good shopping to be had in this area as well.
  5. The Bund – the waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River, showcasing some of Shanghai’s most historical buildings. Some great photo opportunities as well.
  6. Night Tour on Huangpu River – if you really want to experience the colours of Shanghai, then don’t miss a night tour. Spectacular photos and the river glistens with all the wonderful reflections from the buildings.
  7. Maglev Train (magnetic levitation) – we took this train to experience the incredible speed it reaches which is 431km/h. It only runs on a 30km track to and from the airport, but it was well worth the experience.
  8. The Silk Factory – be aware that the aim of the factory is to ultimately get you to buy. The tour starts with a talk on how silk is made and processed, and then leads onto the various items that are made in the factory. It is an informative talk, but at the end of the day it is meant to entice you into buying silk products. There is no doubt the quality is beautiful, but the prices are not cheap.

Travel Tips

  • Try and get a ride in on the Maglev Train. The technology attached to this mode of transport is truly amazing.

Travel Alerts

  • Shanghai is a busy city with plenty of tourists, so patience is a must if you want to get some key photos in the busiest tourist areas.
  • Keep your personal belongings safe and be aware of your bags as you mix in large crowds.

Travel Adventures

  • Most tour groups will have you pretty much organised all day, but if you do get some spare time hop on a train and see some more of this great city.