5 Best Things to do in Shanghai
/Shanghai is the largest city in China with a dense population of nearly 25 million people. With a city this size, the list of things to see and do is endless. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a good amount of time in Shanghai, as in 2017 I worked on a cruise ship that sailed in and out of the city on a weekly basis.
One of my first experiences on land was buying a coffee from Starbucks in the cruise terminal. With the exchange rate from US dollars to Yuan, it was the most expensive Frappuccino I’ve ever had in my life. $14 to be exact which is triple the normal price. I didn’t make that mistake again, that’s for sure.
Apart from the silly coffee expenses, blocked Facebook, thick smog and crazy taxi drivers, I had some pretty incredible experiences in the city. It’s one of those places you stop to think and go wow, am I really here?
1. Jin Mao Tower Skywalk.
This experience is still one of the most incredible and surreal moments of my life. Located on the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower, the skywalk is a platform that takes you around the outside of the whole building. The harness keeps you safe but also enables you to lean completely off the side! Pretty much every time we docked in Shanghai, the smog was so bad we couldn’t see the skyline. However, on this day we were so incredibly lucky to get the cleanest air and we could see for miles. Sitting on the edge, with our feet hanging over the side at 340m was just insane. Definitely, something I would do over and over again!
2. A.P Xinyang Fashion & Gifts Market.
China is known for its underground markets which sell knock off (fake designer) goods, including clothing, shoes and technology. Located in Century Garden pictured here, the entrance to the market is so small you’ll miss it. But once inside, it’s no short of a maze. We may have got lost a couple of times. No item is priced so you have to haggle with the shop owners, which is all part of the fun. Side note: no pictures were allowed to be taken inside.
3. Yu Garden.
Located in the heart of the hustle and bustle and surrounded by the most convenient of shops, is the 400 year old Yu Garden. The Chinese version of New York City’s Central Park, with just a bucket load more culture. The perfect place to shop, dine and collect souvenirs.
4. Huxinting Teahouse.
Located in the heart of Yu Garden in the middle of a goldfish lake. The teahouse serves a range of traditional Chinese teas and delicacies. The flower is placed inside the hot water and infused to make the tea. The perfect spot for a lunch date with your girlfriends.
5. Oriental Pearl Tower (The Bund).
One of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. Standing at 468m tall, this TV tower is home to fifteen observatory levels, a hotel, a shopping mall and a revolving restaurant. I always say that if you want to get a full experience of a city, you must visit the most famous building. Higher the better!
