Published on May 20th, 2019
Shanghai is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.
Shanghai, with a population of more than 23 million (with over 9 million migrants), is the largest and traditionally the most developed metropolis in Mainland China.
Shanghai was the largest and most prosperous city in the Far East during the 1930s. In the past 20 years it has again become an attractive city for tourists from all over the world. The world once again had its eyes on the city when it hosted the 2010 World Expo, recording the greatest number of visitors in the event’s history.
Source: Wikitravel
1. The Bund
Symbolic of concession-era Shànghǎi, the Bund was the city’s Wall Street, a place of feverish trading and fortunes made and lost. Originally a towpath for dragging barges of rice, the Bund (an Anglo-Indian term for the embankment of a muddy waterfront) was gradually transformed into a grandiose sweep of the most powerful banks and trading houses in Shànghǎi.The optimum activity here is to simply stroll, contrasting the bones of the past with the futuristic geometry of Pǔdōng’s skyline.
2. Shanghai Tower
China’s tallest building dramatically twists skywards from its footing in Lùjiāzuǐ. The 121-storey 632m-tall Gensler-designed Shànghǎi Tower topped out in August 2013 and opened in mid-2016. The spiral-shaped tower houses office space, entertainment venues, shops, a conference centre, a luxury hotel and ‘sky lobbies’. The gently corkscrewing form – its nine interior cylindrical units wrapped in two glass skins – is the world’s second-tallest building at the time of writing. The observation deck on the 118th floor is the world’s highest.
3. Shanghai World Financial Center
Although trumped by the adjacent Shànghǎi Tower as the city’s most stratospheric building, the awe-inspiring 492m-high Shànghǎi World Financial Center is an astonishing sight, even more so come nightfall when its ‘bottle opener’ top dances with lights. There are three observation decks – on levels 94, 97 and 100 – with head-spinningly altitude-adjusted ticket prices and wow-factor elevators thrown in.
4. Shanghai Museum
This must-see museum escorts you through the craft of millennia and the pages of Chinese history. It’s home to one of the most impressive collections in the land: take your pick from the archaic green patinas of the Ancient Chinese Bronzes Gallery through to the silent solemnity of the Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery; from the exquisite beauty of the ceramics in the Zande Lou Gallery to the measured and timeless flourishes captured in the Chinese Calligraphy Gallery.
5. Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl is located at the heart of Pudong New Area and also Shanghai. It was the tallest building in the area until 2007 and has been a unique landmark in Pudong Lujiazui since it was constructed. It looks like a sequence of pearls from top to bottom, that’s how its name was originated. At night, with the illumination of LED lights, the tower looks so beautiful. From the observation deck of the tower, you can have the best view of Pudong and Shanghai. A must-go in Shanghai!
6. Former French Concession
ake this private walking tour in the Former French Concession. Wander around and explore the area as your guide gives you in-depth details about its history. See how the colonial past in the early 20th century has been incorporated into modern Shanghai.
7. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Set over five levels, this modern museum covers Shànghǎi’s urban planning history, tracing its development from swampy fishing village to modern-day megacity. Its mix of photography, models and interactive multimedia displays keeps things entertaining.
The 1st floor covers the city’s rise, including the establishment of the international settlement, and profiles its colonial architecture and shíkùmén (stone gate) housing. The most popular feature is on the 3rd floor – a visually stunning model showing a detailed layout of this megalopolis-to-be, plus an impressive Virtual World 3D wraparound tour.
8. Jin Mao Tower
Experience Shanghai at night on this four hour tour with English-speaking guide. Cruise along the Huangpu River and see the the illuminated skyline. Wander the iconic Bund area. Then, take in one of Shanghai’s most spectacular views from the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. Pickup and drop-off provided to your centrally-located hotel.
You will be picked up in your hotel lobby at 6pm. Then watch as the sun sets and city lights come on as you sail along the Huangpu River. Enjoy the night sky and the beautiful city skyline. You will enjoy the great views of the Bund and Pudong area from the water. See the impressive neoclassical buildings that the Bund is best know for and the bright city lights of Pudong.
9. Longhua Temple
The two-week fair at Lónghuá Temple coincides with the blossoming of the local peach trees and kicks off on the third day of the third lunar month (30 March 2017, 18 April 2018, 7 April 2019).
10. Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
Jews played a significant role in Shanghai’s development through 1949. Many wealthy and successful entrepreneurs lived in the city and ran thriving businesses. From 1933 to 1941, Shanghai accepted over 30,000 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust in Europe. In the “Designated Area for Stateless Refugees” of Shanghai, about 20,000 Jewish refugees lived harmoniously with local citizens, overcoming numerous difficulties together. By the time the Second World War ended in 1945, most of the Jewish refugees had survived. This tour takes you on the historical trail through Shanghai’s Jewish history. In this tour, you will not only visit the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, but also some famous landmark buildings along the Bund area and historical hotels in town.
Top Hotels In Shanghai
1. The Sukhothai Shanghai
Contemporary in design, the hotel is located within the HKRI Taikoo Hui, adjacent lifestyle retail mall and a short walk to metro line 2, 12 and 13 connecting to other sightseeing and business districts. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the hotel comprises of 201 well-appointed rooms and suites and feature HD television with soundbar, WIFI, minibar cum wine cellar, organic bath amenities and Nespresso coffee machine. The hotel boasts 5 stunning lifestyle venues. La Scala serves fresh-to-order Italian cuisine, Urban Cafe for an authentic Southeast Asian fare and URBAN Lounge offers a collection of premium gins and tonics and afternoon tea. A bistro by day and a bar by night, The ZUK Bar is the place to go for artisanal cocktails. Beans & Grapes serves a healthy selection of light fare and beverages and Asian-inspired tapas paired with wine by the glass. For relaxation, access to our 24-hours fitness and pool or The Retreat offers a range of wellness spa program.
2. Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai
As a truly lifestyle hotel, Les Suites Orient is situated on the historic Bund with breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline. It is also conveniently located near the famous Yu Gardens, the tunnel connecting to the Pudong financial district, and the Pudong ferry terminal. Les Suites Orient offers 168 exquisite guest rooms, including 43 suites. Rooms are decorated in a clean and elegant tone with reduced forms and warm colors, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. All rooms are equipped with a range of the latest technological features including wireless internet and high-speed wifi access, in-room bluetooth and DVD. Other facilities include Cafe Donxi, gym, le Lounge, cigar bar and multi-functional meeting room. The Hotel also provides smartlife WiFi router to meet the requests from in-house guests.
3. SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund is ideally located next to the Yu Garden and The Bund in the bustling Huangpu District. The nearest metro station ‘Yu Garden’, on line 10, is just a two-minute walk away, which gives you access to most major attractions in town. Our hotel is in close proximity to People’s Square, Xintiandi and Nanjing Road and all within 5-10 minutes walking distance. It is located 30 minutes drive from Hongqiao Airport and 45 minutes drive from Pudong International Airport. SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund offers 165 guest rooms, including 17 city view rooms, 12 suites and 14 Family rooms. All air-conditioned guest rooms come with free WIFI access, complimentary drinks in the mini-bar, complimentary coffee/tea facilities, an in-room safe and flat-screen cable TV.
To ensure the sleep quality of our guests, all guest rooms are equipped with a black-out curtain and comfortable‘King Koil’ mattresses. Comfy comfort awaits at our hotel lobby where guests can enjoy complimentary Italian coffee and tea in our hotel lobby and get free bottled water from our fridge. Chinese and English books are free to borrow from our library. In order to ensure guests enjoy their stay at our hotel, all in-house guests may enjoy complimentary mid-night snack between 10PM and midnight.
If you reserve either our Executive City View room or Executive Suite room, you also enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea buffet from 1:30PM until 4:30PM. On warm days, guests can enjoy their breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner on our outdoor patio with stunning skyline views. Gym access is provided for in-house guests and massage services are available upon request. Guests may use our special laundry service (surcharge) or complimentary use our newly equipped laundry room for washing, drying and ironing. Children will have an enjoyable time in our children’s playground.
4. The Qube Hotel Shanghai Pudong
The QUBE Hotel Shanghai Pudong is located along Metro line 2/Chuansha Station adjacent to Bailian Shopping Mall. Pudong International Airport and Disneyland are both 15 minutes drive away with complimentary shuttle services to both. The Shanghai New International Expo Center is only a 20 minute drive away. Spacious rooms feature comfortable bedding, large bathrooms with rainforest showers, large bathtubs, individual climate control, and international satellite TV.
Our Club Lounge with sweeping views over Shanghai offers additional executive privileges to Club Floor guests. Dining options include POYA where sumptuous breakfast and dinner buffets are served along with an all day menu highlighting western and Asian comfort dishes. Pin Zhen Xuan offers elegant private dining and is admired for its Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine. The 24 hour Gym features a full range of Star-trac cardio/strengthening equipment. Wifi, throughout the hotel, and car parking is complimentary for hotel guests.
5. Radisson Blu Hotel
Experience stylish accommodation in the heart of China’s largest city at the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World. Visit this centrally located hotel for excellent shopping at the world-famous Nanjing Road mall and immerse yourself in Chinese culture at People’s Park. Unwind in the hotel’s Vita Spa, one of the finest spa’s in Shanghai, indulge in a wide range of delicacies at one of the five food and beverage outlets and host professional events in the 953-square-meter meeting space. With its unique 208-meter tower that features a revolving restaurant and sky bar, Radisson Blu is an icon in the city’s skyline.
6. New World Shanghai Hotel
New World Shanghai Hotel offers 558 guest rooms, including 138 brand new Residence Club rooms and 17 suites. All rooms are equipped with free Internet access, one king bed or two twin beds with down pillows and luxurious linens for a relaxing night’s rest. Also included are bottled water, iron and board, daily newspaper, free local phone calls and parking. All rooms have in-room safe, mini bar, LCD TV with Satellite channels, individual climate-controlled air conditioning. All guest rooms have full views of either the city or Zhongshan Park. Pool and gym access provided to guests of the hotel.
Brand new Residence Club guest rooms from 32nd to 38th floors offer guests full Club access including, daily breakfast and all day beverage service in the 38th floor Residence Club Living Room. Residence Club guests can also enjoy free pressing of one garment per stay, late-check out and 2 hour use of club living room per day (subject to availability). Cosy comforts of home awaits at the Residence Club Living Room, including a library, fireplace, dining room, carefully chosen art pieces and subtle, Oriental-influenced decor.
New World Shanghai is located next to Zhongshan Park in the heart of bustling Changning district. The hotel is two metro stations from Jing’An commercial center and close proximity to the architectural gem of French Concession. It is located 30 minutes drive from Hong Qiao airport and 60 minutes drive from Pudong International airport, with metro line 2,3 and 4 located right at the hotel’s doorsteps
7. Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel
Campanile Hotel Shanghai Bund The hotel is located near the Bund, where the local culture originated and also the first kerosene street lamp was set. It is ideal for a family holiday, week-end, or business trip in Shanghai. You can get access to the People’s Square Station on Line 1 about 15 minutes by walk, to the East Nanjing Road Station on Line 2 about 12 minutes by walk, to the Dashijie Station on Line 8 about 8 minutes by walk and to the YuYuan Garden Station on Line 10 by walk about 8 minutes by walk. It takes about 50 minutes from the hotel to Hongqiao railway station and airport by Metro Line 2 or Line 10, and 80 minutes to Pudong Airport by Metro Line 2.
8. Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road
3 minutes walk to East Nanjing Pedestrian Road and 6 minutes to the Bund, 1 minute to metro station, what else will you ask for the location? Fish Inn East Nanjing Road is such a gem hidden in a small alley right next to the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers tranquility, cleanness and comforts for travelers from all over the world.
9. Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel A Marriott Luxury & Lifestyle Hotel located downtown near the famous Yu Garden and Old Town, the new Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan Hotel is just minutes away from the Bund, Xintiandi and other tourist attractions. Whether staying for business or leisure, you’ll be right at home at the Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan Hotel. Our accommodations feature contemporary guest rooms and suites with luxurious bedding, high-speed Internet, safe, mini-bar and refrigerator. Top-notch facilities include a business centre, four event rooms and banquet halls, and a 17th-floor Club Lounge with expansive views of the city skyline.
10. Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel
New intimate boutique opened autumn 2014. In this district of art, design and culinary experiences, Metropolo Classiq is a sophisticated sanctuary in the perfect Shanghai Bund location. It is surrounded by the glorious 1920’s British architectural heritage buildings of the Bund. ‘Bund’ means river embankment in English. Part of the unique urban style lodging brand this Classic hotel is one of 6 MetroPolo Hotels already open in Shanghai.
The designs are Shanghai old meets new with a twist of GLAM, this is not just a hotel. MetroPolo consists of 11 floors and 109 sassy guest room doubles and a few twins. There are 9 suites and most important 3 of these have their own private terraces overlooking the magnificent modern Pudong skyline.
The only such suite terraces overlooking The Bund views of Pudong. The MetroPolo has Chatters Bar & Grill providing international cuisine 3 meal periods a day, Afternoon Teas and hand crafted cocktails, literally a place to meet and chat.Enjoy the MetroPolo east-meets-west Breakfast Buffet every day and the FREE Evening Social gathering.
There is a fitness center on the 5th floor and a small meeting room on the 3rd. Relax-Refresh-Recharge! Outside is the bustling Nanjing Lu and within a 30-minute stroll, you can find every luxury retail brand known to man and woman kind. Even closer by are some of the world’s finest chefs working their art. Take the usual big city precautions, but this is a safe city and area to walk about all day and after dark. We are Artists 4 Life – Your Life. Attentive service; distinctive decors; delighting your senses; inspiring your imagination.
