You Have not Visited Shanghai Unless …

Best Places to visit as an intern in Shanghai

Lonely Planet recently rated Shanghai as the second best travel destination in Asia, likely because it is tooted as China’s most modern city that still holds on to its past, and it helps that China’s only Disneyland has recently opened there as well. Whether you are an on the shainghai internship Program or studying Chinese Language in Shanghai, there too much for you to see. From the captivating horizon to historical spots, you cant get more of

Don’t worry, we’re not going to recommend Disneyland to you, but instead we want to focus on the uniquely Shanghai destinations:

1. The Bund

You’ve probably heard of the fancy bars, restaurants, and clubs “off the Bund” and wondered what they’re talking about. The Bund is a 1.5km stretch boulevard near the Huangpu River that features old Western buildings from when Shanghai was still under the control of Western powers.  Visit the Bund at night for a beautiful city view.

2. Cruise the Huangpu

You can get an even better view of the Bund from the water, and there are numerous cruise boats for you to choose from.  If you’re not interested in a full tour, you can also take the few minute ferry from one bank to another.

3. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the 4th tallest building in Asia with a few of the ocean (you can see Taiwan!) It has three sightseeing floors, an aerial sightseeing corridor with see-through floors, and a revolving restaurant with a 360 degree view.  

Ticket prices depend on how high you want to go in the elevator: do you want a view from the “space capsule” (the highest sphere), the “upper ball” (second highest sphere), or the “lower ball” (lowest sphere)? We recommend skipping the highest level and settling for the middle one.

4. Chenghuang Temple

Chenghuang Temple (City of God Temple) is one of the most attractive and well-known temples in Shanghai and differs from other temples in that it is a Taoist temple.  The temple is famous for its food selection, touristy shopping stalls, and holiday festivities. A must visit for any Shanghai tourist.

5.Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is the world’s longest shopping precinct, with goals of becoming the longest pedestrian shopping street. It’s so long that it is divided into East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road.

East Nanjing Road is a commercial street with a pedestrian mall, department stores, as well as a variety of domestic retail outlets and traditional eateries. The Central Market, an old outdoor market specializing in electronics, is also nearby.

West Nanjing Road was originally the hub for European style restaurants and cafes, but has now evolved to include upscale shopping centers, five star hotels, and office buildings. It is near Jing’An Temple.

6.Jade Buddha Monastery

The Jade Buddha Monastery, built in 1882, is a popular tourist site if you visit with a tour group. Although the temple architecture is typical of the Song dynasty and not renowned, it is visited for its two Buddha statues made of white jade.

The Jade Buddha Temple holds religious events throughout the year, especially around Chinese New Year.

7.Old City

The so-called Old City is the area within the old Shanghai walls, remnants of the era of foreign concessions when the Old City was exclusively for Chinese. The area, though not entirely made up of old buildings, the area is ideal for tourists. For the best experience, visit Laocheng Huang Miao (Old Town Yellow Temple), a popular shopping and eating area. Or sign up for a Street Food Tour and experience Shanghai’s night markets.

8.Former French Concession

The Former French Concession was built around in 1849 and further expanded in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Most tourists visit for the French architecture, but the area now also includes fancy cafes, boutiques, and designer clothing shops.

9.Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao Town is called the “Venice of Shanghai”, with over 1,700 years of history. Although it is a little far (47 km away), the trip out is worthwhile as the town has waterways, rock bridges, old stone streets, and over 10,000 buildings from Ming and Qing dynasties.

10.Xintiandi

Xintiandi is a pedestrian road made up of a combination of Shikumen houses and modern buildings. Shikumen houses are the traditional buildings unique to Shanghai’s longtangs, similar to the hutongs of Beijing. Xintiandi reflects the 1920s Shanghai style with traditional Jiangnan style as well as a more modern, Western style.