This is technically the largest city in China and it is one of the most developed and advanced cities both in China and around the globe. It is domestically rivaled only in size by Beijing and Chongqing. This is the New York City of China and if you’re someone that likes the metropolitan areas and unique architecture look no further than Shanghai.
While Shanghai might not have the same rich history as other cities in China, it makes up for it in its modernization and unique blend of cultures and architecture. Shanghai is a very westernized city more so than any other city in China in my opinion (Hong Kong excluded). Shanghai also has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. As Shanghai is a port city near the center of China (latitudinally, not longitudinally), it is the ideal destination to either start or end a trip through China.
The Bund 外滩
The Bund is without a doubt the most famous and notable sight in Shanghai. It is world renown for its skyline, architecture and beauty. The Bund is located near the Huang Pu River (黄浦江). On the other side of the Huang Pu River are the buildings that make up one of the most famous skylines in the world. The Bund is the ideal place to go to get a great photo of the skyline.
Although the Bund is a long area, it is recommended that you take a walk down the Bund. It will not be time wasted. The main reason is because on one side of the Bund there are the incredible buildings that make up the famous skyline; on the other side are the French Concessions and the unique European architecture that comprises it. While the walk may take up to an hour it won’t be a walk that is easily forgotten.
However, be aware that the Bund is one of the busiest places that you could go. So, don’t expect to be alone while there. If you’re an early bird you may be able to catch a glimpse of some of the elderly people doing Tai Chi on the Bund. If you’re not an early bird fear not because the best time to photograph the Shanghai skyline is at night when all of the buildings are lit up.
Side note: At night you won’t be able to see as much smog in the photos. Although Shanghai is a coastal city, like many other big cities there is a bit of smog, but it varies from day to day.
The French Concessions 法租界
The French Concessions is a very unique part of Shanghai because it is traditional European architecture that is located in the heart of Shanghai. Why is European architecture located in the heart of Shanghai? That’s because Shanghai has been one of China’s main/biggest ports throughout history. So, Shanghai was a melting pot of travelers and statesmen looking to conduct trades or imports/exports with China. Their culture has become engrained in Shanghai over the years.
The French Concessions consist of businesses, banks and other modern establishments that operate out of these old style buildings. The French Concessions is located across the street from the Bund, which makes the Bund a great place to photograph the French Concessions.
That being said there is not much to do in the French Concessions except admire the architecture and take some photos. As I said the French Concessions are old European Style buildings that mainly house modern businesses.
Side Note: Bus Etiquette in Shanghai
In Shanghai they have thought of a way to prioritize elderly people and people of the vulnerable population when it comes to public transportation (buses). At the larger bus stop there will often be steel rod dividers (like you might see when lining up for a ride at Disney) leading up to the bus. The dividers are separating two lines, one for able bodied people and one for elderly or disabled people. So, if you think of it like a supermarket line, see a bunch of people on one side of the bus and think that you can get in the other line; you may have some people take offense as that is the equivalent to cutting in line. Do you’re best to be aware of that, it is not at every bus stop but if you see that set up you’ll now know what it is there for.
东方明珠塔 The Oriental Pearl Tower
This is most likely the most notable and distinct building in all of Shanghai. It is one of the buildings that makes up the famous skyline of Shanghai. To make another comparison to New York, it is the like Empire State Building of Shanghai. It is also pretty costly to go up the Oriental Pearl Tower. The basic entrance ticket will allow visitors to ascend to three levels in the Oriental Pearl Tower. The ticket will run you about 220RMB.
The Oriental Pearl Tower looks like a needle with orbs of different sizes around it. Those three orbs are floors that visitors can ascend to. The first level is about 90 meters (300 ft) off the ground. Here is where you will find a glass bottom floor in a section of this floor. It is a bit nerve wracking, but if you’re not afraid of heights or would just like to test your courage, be sure to check it out.
The next level that visitors can ascend to is the revolving restaurant. There is a restaurant and bar in this level. It is approximately 267 meters (867 ft) above the ground. You’ll be able to get a better look of the city from here than anywhere else. You can order food and drinks here (both alcoholic and none alcoholic). If you go to the restaurant it’d probably be best to buy one drink or appetizer (if anything) just so you could say that you ate/drank at 800ft above the ground. I don’t recommend making a meal out of it though unless you’re willing to take out a loan to pay the bill.
The highest level that travelers can visit is called the Space Capsule and is meant to look like an actual space capsule. This floor is located 351 meters (1140ft) above the ground.
Be sure to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower between 9:00am and 9:00pm. Those are the hours of operations of the tower but try not to cut it too close to closing time as they may close off some sections of the tower earlier than the actual scheduled closing time.
Getting to the Oriental Pearl Tower Via the underwater tunnel
Taking the ride under the Huang Pu River is one way to get from the bund over to the Oriental Pearl Tower. It is similar to a slow moving Disney ride. It is not a must do but you could get to the other side of the river in a rather unique way, giving you a chance to experience something new. So, I guess its killing two birds with one stone.
You can take the underwater ride to and from the bund but beware of the closing time. If cross the Huang Pu River and don’t return before closing time you may be stranded on the other side. Walking back to the bund would take a couple of hours, so that might not be the best option at night. There is nothing dangerous in the area but it might be hard to get a legitimate cab driver. Black cabs roam the streets over there. To take you to the other side of the Huang Pu River they will charge between 200-300RMB! It’s outrageous! However, China has become a bit more friendly with the company Uber over the years (even though it seems to be more of an on again off again type of relationship), so calling an Uber to your location could save you the hassle of getting home.
The Huang Pu River Cruise 黄浦江游览船
This is the cruise that is most notably known to be taken around the Bund. The cruise takes you out on the Huang Pu River and passes in front of the skyline area across the river from the Bund. I don’t recommend this cruise based on the feedback that I have heard from several people that have taken it.
Firstly, because the cruise is short. From what I’ve heard about the cruise it takes you from the Bund to the bend of the river and then back. In all fairness, there probably isn’t too much more to see once you reach the bend of the Huang Pu River because the skyline is the main attraction, the further away from the skyline you go the less exciting the cruise is. So, I can understand why the cruise is set up how it is.
However, the next reason that I do not recommend taking the Huang Pu River cruise is because I have heard that the scenery is no different than the scenery from the Bund. This shouldn’t come as much of surprise either. The buildings that make up the skyline are the same that from a boat as they are from land. The cruise doesn’t give you a look at any new or unique sceneries that can only be seen from the boat. Also, chances are that you’ll be able to take a good picture of the skyline from the Bund (for free).
So, I would say don’t waste your money on the cruise, it may just lead to disappointment and being underwhelmed. The price of a ticket ranges from 120-180RMB.
Black Cabs 黑车
These are probably the biggest pains in the neck of travelers in China. Black cabs are people that drive a car and claim to be a cab driver. They will offer to give you a ride to your destination at an unreasonable price. There are also black cab drivers that drive actual cabs and simply turn their meter off or adjust their meters to increase the fare at a much faster rate than normal. Any cab driver that negotiates a price with you should be avoided.
Black cab drivers are all over Shanghai and because the cab rates there are normally amongst the highest in the country, the rates for black cab drivers are even steeper.
Don’t get in their vehicles without first negotiating a fair price. If they give you a ride to your destination first, they could name any price that they think they can get away with. These people are just trying to make a living and for the most part they are not physically dangerous people. However, they make their living off of deceiving and praying on the ignorance of travelers. So, in my eyes these people are the scum of the entire country. It is unfortunate that many travelers in China will encounter these people during their trips through China, as they tend to gather around highly trafficked areas such as popular tourist destinations. These people by no means are a representation of the population of China. So, do your best to shrug off any unsavory experiences that you may have with them.
International Kev 