Shanghai: Exploration
It goes without saying that Shanghai is big. Everything here is gargantuan, from the airport to the highways to the food portions. And of course, there's the world famous Bund, where unbelievable modern buildings can be viewed across the river inside European-style buildings from the 1800's. I had a few days before school started to get out and immerse myself in the sights and sounds of China's largest city.
As big as Shanghai is, it is centered in a relatively small area. In fact, from my experience, if you plan on visiting the city, there are really two main areas that can be broken down into sub-areas, which both make the city as a whole feel smaller, but also contribute to the potential let down from what your expectation may be for such a large city. Realistically, you don't need more than three days to see all the sites in Shanghai, while giving yourself plenty of free time to engage with the people and culture of the city.
The Bund (Pudong Side)
The Huangpu River separates Pudong from the rest of Shanghai. Pudong is where the crazy skyscrapers are and is what you're seeing from the other side of the river. It seriously is a jungle of skyscrapers,
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
This tower is an icon around the world as a shining example of China's introduction into the modern world. The architecture is one of the most recognizable in the world, arguably on a league the same league with the Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower. And what makes visiting this tower especially cool is the glass floor on the observation deck. And I'm not talking about some small ledge that sticks out over the side of the observation deck like the Willis Tower in Chicago or US Bank in Los Angeles. This glass floor goes all the way around the entire observation deck, labeled as the world's only 360 degree glass for observation deck. Go on a weekday so you can actually see through the glass though, otherwise all you'll see is a bunch of shoes and toes.
Views over the Oriental Pearl Tower
Additionally, there's the Shanghai Museum, which I highly recommend NOT visiting. It's meant to provide and interactive timeline through the city's development but you really don't learn anything and it loses its charm very quickly. Seriously, it isn't worth it unless you are into a bunch of old Chinese mannequins. Would much rather have visited the aquarium next door, but hey, there's always next time.
And I can't forget to add the slide outside the entrance to the tower. Down the stairs outside the entrance are two slides meant for children, so of course, I slid down it and had the time of my life.
Lu Jia Zui
This park is surrounded on all sides by massive buildings yet you feel completely separated from the hustle and bustle. There is a footbridge around this entire area which is super cool, and you can go, for example, from the Ritz to the IFC Mall (one of the nicest in the city) and then to the park without touching the streets. I wandered around here on a Sunday around noon and it was incredibly peaceful (more on that juxtaposition coming later).
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road leads to the bund and is the hub for everything in Shanghai. Department store after department store after Zara after Zara. You can literally find everything on this street, from squid on a stick to Dolce and Gabana. Get off the subway at People's Square and it's an hour walk, or ten minute shuttle, to the end of the road which is the Bund.
To the west of People's Square you can find great museums, including the Shanghai City Planning Museum. Seeing the way the Chinese government developed this mega city is mega interesting, and provides a very interactive way to learn about the insane growth of Shanghai. We went on a Friday and basically had a private experience there as it was almost entirely empty.
Nanjing Road is the center of action in Shanghai
I've been in Shanghai for a few weeks now, and we have ended up on or near Nanjing Road seven times. Basically every time we have gone out, Nanjing Road is a part of our plan. Not necessarily by choice either, which goes to show how Shanghai does lack interesting tourist places. But at the same time, I'm not complaining because Nanjing Road is huge in every definition of the word, and I see something new every time I go (although still have not accepted the offer for a free massage with a happy ending).
French Concessions
Now this area was surprising. I had no idea Shanghai was occupied by so many countries during the 20th century, but sure enough, there are several areas with significant international impact. Along with the French Concessions, there are the Japanese Concessions, British Concessions, American Concessions and Russian Concessions. These areas all offer an incredibly interesting peek into what Shanghai used to be like, and how it's history has shaped the modern civilization living within the untouched international quarters.
Part of me was genuinely curious to try this Chinese Quesadilla in the French Concessions
The French Concessions are the best of the concessions around the city, and it is definitely not a small area. Like everything else in China, this area is sprawling, housing great bars and restaurants and shops. To think you can go to China and walk through streets that look somewhat like France (and have it not be some fake billion dollar development) is something I did not expect by any means, and I would totally recommend spending at least half a day just roaming the streets and seeing what intricacies and nooks you can find
Yu Yuan Gardens
Essentially a big shopping town with a stereotypical Chinatown aesthetic, with much more grandeur. It is definitely a place to visit at night because the buildings illuminate the sky in the most gorgeous, golden way. Vendors serving everything from grilled meats to silk robes are scattered all over and are not afraid to yell at you to buy their merchandise, trust me.
In regards to that actual gardens themselves, the designated area is mostly a beautiful lake with a traditional Chinese Tea House in the center. Walking through the gardens here provides an incredible visual between the serenity of nature, traditional history, and off in the distance the hyper-modern skyline, again outlining how juxtaposed the city can be, even just from one vantage point.
Yu Yuan is relatively near the bund, and makes for a great place to walk to after dinner, but I would recommend bringing an umbrella, especially if you visit in June, as you never know when it may start to rain.