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SmartShanghai's Essential Guide to

Sightseeing & Shopping in Shanghai

By Laura; Last updated 2008-05-03
Shanghai is one of the world's great cities. Everywhere you look there is something new happening. Whether it's a new building being constructed at break-neck speed, or an opulent bar opening on the Bund , or one of the great Western brands looking to crack one of the biggest consumer markets in the world with a spectacular event; it's all here. While many people know about the great shopping streets that plunge their way through the heart of the city 每 and trust us, many hours can be spent marching up and down Nanjing Lu 每 there are other, less consumerist, ways to spend your time in this city.

Shanghai Sights


The Bund


A trip to Shanghai is simply not complete without a visit to the Bund; in fact it should be your first port of call (excuse pun). Known also as "Waitan," this area on the banks of the Huangpu River was the birthplace of economic growth in Shanghai where trading occurred at a most frenzied pace and fortunes were made and lost. It is here where the city's core identity and history lie. The buildings on the Western side of the river vary in architectural styles, from eclectic to neoclassical, and now house banks, exclusive fashion stores, The Shanghai Gallery of Art and exceptional restaurants. A promenade stretching along the riverside enables tourists and locals to absorb the atmosphere and its history at a relaxed pace.

In great contrast to the Puxi skyline is the view looking towards the Pudong side. Known as the '21st Century Bund' the Eastern side is dominated by modern skyscrapers: the rather gothic looking Jinmao Tower and of course the internationally recognized Pearl Tower. These giants are best viewed from the promenade. The promenade itself offers a few mediocre establishments where one can purchase a coffee or ice cream, and there are also many sellers trying to earn a buck or two from souvenirs, postcards and other miscellaneous tourist stuff.
There are also some attractions along the Bund but nothing of real worth, including the uninspiring boat cruise where tourists meander down the river and back up again all the while listening to an infuriatingly annoying Chinglish voiceover pointing out the more important buildings along the riverside.

The best way to see the Bund in all its glory is simply to walk along the promenade either early morning when locals are practicing tai chi - or ballroom dancing - or at dusk when the Shanghai skyline lights up in all her glory.

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel


Opening Hours:8am 每 10.30pm (wkdays) 8am 每 11pm (wkends)
Entrance Fee:30rmb (single trip) 40rmb (return)
The Bund sightseeing tunnel was designed either by a man high on opium or designed for those in a similar perceptual state. Basically it's a 637m voyage underneath the Bund, with entertainment being provided by what can only be described as undeniably the worst "special" effects ever. There's brash lighting and horrifying props, and the cable car ride guarantees to get you to Pudong with your mind and nerves completely shot. The experience is much like consuming Marmite, you'll either want to cry or vomit straight after, or you'll be so intoxicated by the strangeness of it all you'll want another go.

Combined tickets can be purchased at the ticket office. The price also includes entrance to an aquarium filled with fish that prefer lying on their backs, and entrance to a sex museum that could potentially lead viewers to long-term celibacy. You have been warned.

Pearl Tower


You'd be excused if you thought the man who designed the Pearl Tower was the same guy who designed The Bund sightseeing tunnel. They are both utterly bizarre designs. But whether you think it beautiful or ugly, there is no denying how striking and visually dominant it is when looking towards Pudong from The Bund. A mixed-use tower with telecommunications transmitters broadcasting over 50 miles, a hotel, a restaurant, and several observation decks, the Pearl Tower has become the symbol of Shanghai, emanating innovation and modernity. It is the centerpiece of the city upstaging every other building and is worthy of visit.
When: 8.30am 每 9.30pm
Entrance Fee 每 Between 30rmb 每 150rmb.

Jade Buddha Temple


The Jade Buddha Temple is itself a small piece of history, as well as being a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. In 1882 a temple was built to house two jade Buddha statues Monk Huigen had bought over from Burma. The temple was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, but fortunately the two statues were saved and a new temple, the "Jade Buddha Temple" was built in 1928 to hold the artifacts. Despite the temple lacking any real age or history of its own, the two special statues held inside are worthy of a visit. Likewise the ambiance of the surroundings: the burning incense, the haunting drumming beat, the overwhelming number of people praying in the courtyard combined, allow visitors to experience the fading spiritual part of Old Shanghai.
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5pm

The Old Town


The Old town was once a walled city: authentic, traditional and self sufficient. Now it's one of the largest existing traditional Chinese areas in Shanghai attracting a mass of tourists who want a glimpse of traditional china. Although some of the architecture is worthy of a photo, the main square of The Old Town feels as authentic as China World in Epcot Center. Chinese residents sell all the usual souvenirs from their homes, and The Old Town Bazaar sells mass produced fans, silk scarves, Buddha's and communist memorabilia. It's a great opportunity to practice your bartering though. (N.B: Aim to pay a quarter of the original asking price). The Old Town also has numerous traditional tea houses and Chinese snack stalls. Hunt down the infamous Nanxiang steamed bun restaurant (it's the one with the massive queue) for a delicious treat or two. The best and most interesting way to see the area - and its inhabitants - is to divert from the main walkways and head down the back streets. This will give you a real insight to Shanghai's past. Also, visit the traditional Yuan Garden (built in 1577, complete with beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations) located at the edge of the Old Town, but try to avoid weekends as the garden gets extremely busy.

Shanghai Museum


Located in People's Square , the impressive architectural building of the Shanghai Museum possesses a collection of 120,000 precious works of art, which are displayed under state of the art lighting and also incorporating modern interactive elements. Take your pick from galleries that house a rich and high quality collection of ancient Chinese bronze, ceramics, painting and calligraphy, which are celebrated throughout the world. If you possess a burning passion for Chinese Art or have even a slight interest, then this museum is not to be missed. However, if your enthusiasm for these traditional styles is lacking, head for something a little more contemporary at Moganshan Lu.
Opening Hours:9am 每 4pm.
Entrance Fee:20rmb

Propaganda Poster Art Centre


The era of Chairman Mao is still rarely brought up in conversation. Much of the older generation choose to forget this time of severe hardship, and consequently the young learn little about it. But if this part of history is of interest, the Propaganda Poster Art Centre really is a must see. Authentic posters from this era are extremely rare as most were destroyed after the Cultural Revolution. This privately owned collection allows for a striking glimpse into such a turbulent time.

What can only be described as "hidden" down an alley - and in the basement of a French concession apartment building - lies a grand collection of Communist propaganda posters stretching from 1949 to 1979. Mr Yang Peiming, the owner of the museum will be happy to show you round the the poster-swathed walls. See for yourself how artists were forced to create images of a powerful Chairman brutally overpowering the West. It is also possible to purchase posters and comics but be warned they come at quite a price.
Opening Hours: 9am-4:30pm
Entrance Fee: 20rmb

Xintiandi


Located just off Huai Hai Lu is Xintiandi, a recent renovated development aimed as a business, cultural and entertainment complex. The heart of the development includes redeveloped (more often completely rebuilt) shikumen style houses. There is also a small museum which allows the public to view the interior of a typical shikumen house and a typical Chinese family who would live there. Though ultimately an ersatz environment and essentially a recreation, Xintiandi has become the city's most stylish area, filled with trendy fashion stores, and chic international cuisines. It's Shanghai at its most cosmopolitan, but also its most expensive. Expect to pay international/western prices for meals and souvenirs. It's most definitely worthy of a visit, if only to wander the beautiful back alleys and absorb the romantic atmosphere.

Moganshan Lu


Off the beaten track on the north edge of the city center is Moganshan Lu. First impressions might have you believing that nothing could exist down such a begrimed road, with empty industrial plants and graffiti-laden walls. Yet Moganshan Lu forms the somewhat quirky and rapidly developing art scene in Shanghai. Warehouses and small scale factories have been renovated and are currently being used as art space, galleries and exhibitions. It is here where Shanghai's high-end contemporary art world resides and all their galleries/studios are open to the public free of charge. Much like early SoHo in the UK, artist's exhibit their work in modern, light and airy buildings that are surrounded by desolate urban city life.

Shopping Streets



East Nanjing Lu


Known also as Gold Mile, Nanjing Lu was one of Shanghai's first commercial streets. Covered head to toe in advertising and neon lights, it is the perfect stereotype of the new, modern, buzzing Shanghai. As it heaves with tourists, this road crammed with shops, restaurants and malls stretches all the way to the Bund. However, as far as quality goes, the quality of the shops along Nanjing Lu is debatable - it's a odd mix of over-priced brand names and poorly made generics.

Huaihai Lu


A far less crowded shopping street is Huaihai Lu, which consists of far better shops than the more popular tourist trap of Nanjing Lu. The new generation of Shanghainese believe Huahai Lu is more stylish, sleek and cutting edge, while also being more affordable. Huaihai road vies with Nanjing Road for being one of the city's premier location for department mall shopping. The main shopping malls on Central Huaihai are Shanghai Central Plaza (an average collection of clothing stores), Times Square (high end European designer clothing) and The Hong Kong Plaza (better for restaurants than shopping).

Changle Lu


Changle Lu - and the small roads running off it 每 is home to most of the street fashion in Shanghai. Small independent stores are mingle with urban chains to target the young and trendy. There are also a few boho style cafes and restaurants to dine at.

Taikang Lu


Taikang Lu is one of the only traditional courtyards left in Shanghai. When you arrive at Taikang Lu, halfway up the road is a small lane wedged between a clothing store and an art store. This will lead you towards the Chinese Courtyard. Still in keeping with the traditional look, the area is now an art infused shopping area, reminiscent of early Carnaby Street in London. It is a maze of lanes crammed with independently owned boutiques selling authentic silver, handmade pottery and dozens of crafts, gifts and trinkets. Peppered among the shops are art galleries, beautiful cafes and cozy bars. During the day lanes are colorful and alive, and at night - with the lanterns lit - the atmosphere is delightful. Prices are generally fixed and more expensive than areas such as the Old Town, but merchandise is superior. Bustling but laid back, Taikang Lu is a quaint corner to visit if you are looking avoid the frenzied pace of Nanjing or Huaihai.

Maoming Lu


Located in the leafy and serene French Concession, Maoming Lu is a million miles away from bigger often more aggressive shopping streets in Shanghai. It also tailors to a different clientele. South of Huaihai Lu shops specialize in custom-made, traditional women's clothing; north is dedicated to high-end men's boutique shops. Don't expect to find any bargains, because you wont.

Markets



Fake Markets


Puxi


Longhua Fashion and Gift Market claims to be the unofficial new "Xiangyang Market." For those not in the know, Xiangyang was the fake market in Shanghai until the city's authorities decided enough was enough and turned off the lights. Ever-resilient traders responded by setting up shop in various locations, one of the largest being Longhua. Expect the usual bargain fakes and knock-offs, but don't expect anything of lasting quality 每 indeed if your goods make it home intact the venture was a success. And remember: if you've paid only a quarter of the original asking price, you've paid too much.

Pudong


Yatai Market is one of the largest fake markets in Shanghai. Located at the Shanghai Science and Technology station on Line 2, it sells all the usual fake goods one desires. Talented shopkeepers spot the inexperienced "haggler" a mile off. Starting prices are exceptionally high so prepare for battle. You know you like it.

Antique Markets


Dongtai Road Antique Market


This is an outdoor market with over 100 stalls spread over both Dongtai Rd and Liuhe Rd. The "antique" stalls sell some interesting items among the inevitable Mao memorabilia, including ceramics, old Shanghai poster advertisements, pocket watches, paintings and a host of other collectibles. Haggle hard here as it's all vastly overpriced.

Fabric Markets


Like most parts of South East Asia, Shanghai is popular for tailor made clothing. The tailors here can create custom made suits, dresses, coats and jeans, in fact they will pretty much create anything you could want, and all this for as little as 10% of the normal Western price.

The two most popular fabric markets are Xiangyang Market and Dongjiadu Lu Market, both indoor and both made up of hundreds of small stores on numerous floors all competing for clientele. Our advice? Only bring as much money as you're willing to spend, lest you get talked out of your inheritance. Tailor made suits cost in the region of 500-700rmb depending on how large you are. They usually take 3 每 4 days to finish. Note: Alterations are almost always needed, so the completed garment could take a little longer. You can also take an item of clothing along with you they can copy it exactly. In fact, the tailors have an easier time getting copies just right.

Off The Beaten Track


Modern Military Sports Club


If you're currently re-watching the last Rambo flick, or just joined up with the neo-cons Shanghai's shooting range is the perfect venue you. Pick up any of the guns on offer, close your eyes, squeeze the trigger, and imagine you're doing your bit for the war on terror - all from the safety of Huaihai Lu. With ex-military guys supervising your every move, you'll be shooting like a pro in no time. As far as handguns go, you've got a choice of three with the most lethal being a massive Dirty Harry-style hand canon. You looking at me, punk? Ten bullets cost 80rmb.

Lupu Bridge Climb


At only 68rmb the more adventurous amongst you might try your hand (or feet - there are 367 steps) at scaling the world's largest steel arch bridge. With a height of 110 meters, the vantage point from the top of the arch offers unparalleled views of our sprawling megatropolis; however, this is not for the weak-willed, lazy, or sufferers of vertigo - for you guys we suggest nothing more strenuous than lying in a park.

Disc Kart Indoor Karting


For the petrol heads, grease monkeys, and speed freaks, the indoor go kart track indoor go kart track is a must this holiday weekend. Strap on your racing attire and prepare to burn some serious rubber at the 4,500 square meter racing-track. Lewis Hamilton you're not, but he never gets to drink before a race at the in-house bar - and you do. So Shanghai. So crazy. 150rmb for three 8-minute runs.

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