Iconic experiences to try in Shanghai
Land of Xiao Long Baos (soup dumplings), the ONLY Tron: Lightcycle Power Run ride in the world and glass floored observation decks that literally take your breath away! If you’re a first time visitor to Shanghai, here are some iconic attractions you need to add to your itinerary.
Before you go
We’ve all heard about the great firewall of China and if you’re the type who can’t live without Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, you’re going to need this 4G WiFi device that helps you stay connected AND comes pre-built with a VPN for you to surf freely.
1. Slurp up GIANT Xiao Long Baos
Shanghai is the birthplace of Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings. While there are probably Xiao Long Bao stores EVERYWHERE in Shanghai, we recommend going to Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (南翔馒头店) for some really good ones. With a huge variety of fillings to pick from, we tried the Original pork, XO prawn and our favourite, the Spicy Pork version.
Unique to Shanghai is this GIANT Xiao Long Bao, filled with pork and crab filling. You’ll first need to stick your straw into the bun to drink the rich crab broth. We don’t recommend eating the skin afterward as it can get pretty tough since the skin is not meant for consumption.
Nanxiang Mantou (Yu Garden) 南翔馒头店(豫园路店)
Address: 85 Yuyuan Lu, near Jiuqu Qiao, Huangpu District, Shanghai China 黄浦区豫园路85号 上海
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 9pm Daily
2. Visit a floating ancient Watertown
Zhujiajiao (朱家角), or what might seem like the Venice of Shanghai is a must visit for sure! Home to distinct stone bridges of different shapes and styles, escape from the urbanscapes of Shanghai for a day and explore this quirky town. Hop onto one of the canal gondolas to view the town from the water!
Pre-book your attraction combo on Klook for entrance to the following :
- Art Gallery
- ZhaXiDaWa Tibetan Cultural Hall
- Great Qing Post office
- City God Temple
- Shanghai Handicraft Exhibition Hall
- Yuanjin Buddhist Temple
- Shanghai Quanhua Art
- Kezhi Garden
- Cruise boat ticket (optional add on)
Redemption Location: Ticket office at Xijingjie (西井街), Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Shanghai Tourist Information Center, Crossroad of Xinfeng Rd. and Meizhou Rd.
Opening Hours: daily 8:30am-4:00pm (Ticket redemption hours: 8:30am-3:00pm | Cruise boat operation hours: 8:30am-3:30pm)
Another ancient town that’s just a short ride away from Shanghai city centre is Qibao (七宝). Translating into 7 treasures, legend has it that there were 7 of them around the area! Stroll along this quaint water town and uncover rows of street food stalls, souvenirs and more.
Head into one of the charming tea houses along the river for some freshly brewed Oolong tea. You can even learn the art of tea brewing from the locals.
Qibao Ancient Town
Address: Qingnian Rd Pedestrian St, Minhang Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 201101
Opening hours: 09:00 to 18:00.
3. Test your fears at Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Not just an ordinary observation deck, the Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower is home to a VR Coaster, a revolving restaurant, Go Karts and even a Coca Cola themed restaurant. You can easily spend the whole day there.
Kickstart your day with a go-kart that overlooks the Central Business District, skyscrapers galore. Grab your travel buddies and have a little friendly competition as you race it out with karts that go up to 24km/hr in speed.
Of course, you can’t miss out on the GLASS-FLOORED observation deck. This is NOT for the faint-hearted. Day or night? You decide! We think the views are equally stunning.
Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Opening hours: 8:00am-9:30pm, daily
Address: Oriental Pearl, 1 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai
4. Shanghai Disneyland
Home to the BIGGEST Sleeping Beauty Castle in all Disneyland Parks and the ONLY Tron : Lightcycle Power Run ride in the world, we don’t need more reasons for you to head down to Shanghai Disneyland.
Don’t forget to catch Mickey’s Storybook Express parade and of course, the grand finale Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light. We’ve rounded up all the MUST HIT spots in Shanghai Disneyland for your planning. Get your grub on with these Shanghai Disneyland treats too cute to resist!
Shanghai Disneyland
Opening Hours: 8:30am-8:30pm, daily.
Address: China, Shanghai Shi, Pudong, 川沙新镇, Huangzhao Rd, No. 310
5. Experience hot pot heaven at Hai Di Lao
If you’re visiting in the cold seasons, there’s nothing that warms you up better than a hotpot meal. You will definitely be spoilt for choice at the number of hot-pot stores in Shanghai but here is of our top pick!
Hai Di Lao is no stranger to us all. Where else can you get FREE manicures, snacks, drinks and even play games while waiting for a table? If you’re new to Hai Di Lao, don’t forget to order the Tomato Soup, Freshly mashed Shrimp and Fried Beancurd Skin.
P.S. If you’re travelling solo, fret not, you can order half portions of food and the restaurant will even bring you a doll to dine with you.
6. Feast on street snacks
The last thing you’d need to worry about in Shanghai is not having enough to eat! You’ll find PLENTY of small eateries and street vendors selling a huge range of street food. From Flaky Crispy Pancakes that are bigger than your face to the cutest Steamed Buns and even Salt Baked Quail Eggs, get ready your loosest pants and get feasting.
P.S. The streets of the QiBao Water Town is home to some of the best street food stalls!
7. Enjoy the views on the Huangpu River Cruise
Set sail on the waters of the Huangpu River on a relaxing cruise ride for views of the city like no other. We suggest going at night to catch the different light and projection mapping shows on the building exteriors. Sail past The Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and more!
#Klooktip: head up to the open deck on the 3rd floor for the best views.
Huangpu River Cruise ticket redemption
Address: 481 Zhongshan East 2nd Rd, Shanghai, China (上海市中山二路481号上海黄浦江旅游票务中心)
8. Visit the hip district Tianzifang
Tianzifang is Shanghai’s art and crafts enclave, hidden in the French Concession Area. You’ll find handmade gifts, local designer brands like Feiyue and White Rabbit Candy, Cat Cafes, and snacks you can take home for the family.
Tianzifang
Address: 210弄 Taikang Rd, Da Pu Qiao, Huangpu, China
9.Go on the most exciting train ride along the Sightseeing tunnel
This IS hands down the MOST exciting train ride we’ve ever taken. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a psychedelic ride with impressive illumination effects that we guarantee you’ve not witnessed elsewhere. You’ll feel as if you’ve crossed different galaxies, universe, time dimensions, the works! This driverless train will take you from the Bund to the Pudong Area, across the Huangpu River. It costs RMB 30 per person for a single ride ticket and RMB 50 per person for a roundtrip ride ticket.
10. Get your cuppa at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery
What once was the BIGGEST Starbucks in the world, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai features in house roasting, a coffee bar, and augmented reality experience and more. Step in and the first thing you notice is the huge bronze cask that is adorned with 1000 traditional Chinese engraved stamps. After you’ve grabbed your coffee, if you’re feeling peckish you can also grab freshly made baked goods from the Italian bakery chain Princi. Take some home exclusive Shanghai Roastery merch or some customized bags of freshly roasted beans.
Located on Nanjing Road, this is an extremely popular district so do note that there is usually a line to get in.
Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Address: China, Shanghai Shi, Jing’an, Nanjing Xi Lu, Nanjing W Rd, 789号Unit 110 & 201 邮政编码: 200000
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 11pm
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