It’s time to visit Shanghai - here’s 5 things you shouldn’t miss

Shanghai’s city scape (https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/xSYU3yS9dQDBPdWoRyz9kxPozDo=/4256x2832/filters:fill(auto,1)/panoramic-skyline-of-shanghai-shanghai-center-at-the-time-of-construction-1097393186-c81b13c30ce045f6a403089b14330963.jpg)

Shanghai, oh Shanghai! Picture a city where the pace of life is faster than a toddler on a sugar rush. It's like New York City and Tokyo decided to have a love child and named it Shanghai, complete with skyscrapers reaching for the heavens and streets bustling with people who seem to have mastered the art of walking while texting.

You'll find yourself lost in a maze of noodle shops and dumpling stands, where the aroma of street food tantalizes your nostrils and your stomach threatens to start a rebellion against your willpower. And let's talk about the traffic - it's like watching a real-life game of Tetris, except instead of blocks, it's cars, bikes, and the occasional rogue scooter fitting into impossibly tight spaces.

Shanghai’s night life (https://www.qantas.com/content/dam/travelinsider/images/travel-tips/things-to-know-before-you-go-to-shanghai/4f1e290e-ced6-40d5-bae4-9513a00c420a.jpg)

But fear not, for amidst the chaos lies a city with a sense of humor as big as its skyline. From quirky fashion trends that make you question if you've accidentally stumbled into a time machine to the sheer audacity of some of its architecture (looking at you, Oriental Pearl Tower), Shanghai doesn't take itself too seriously.

And just when you think you've seen it all, you stumble upon a group of elderly Shanghainese folks performing synchronized tai chi in the park, reminding you that in this city where tradition meets modernity, there's always something unexpected waiting around the corner. So grab a baozi, hop on the metro, and get ready for the ride of your life in the city where chaos reigns supreme, but laughter is never in short supply.

1. Take a Stroll along the Bund: Marvel at the juxtaposition of old and new as you walk along the historic waterfront promenade, the Bund. On one side, you have the majestic colonial-era buildings, remnants of Shanghai's past as an international trading hub, while on the other side, you're greeted by the dazzling skyline of futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong.

Book your sightseeing tour here

Shanghai Bund (https://www.china-roads.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/shanghai-bund-4.jpg)

2. Explore Yu Garden and Old Town: Step back in time as you wander through the narrow lanes of Shanghai's Old Town and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Yu Garden. Admire the classical Chinese architecture, sip tea in traditional teahouses, and haggle for souvenirs in bustling market stalls.

Get a private car to guide you around the Garden, Bund and the Old Town here

Shanghai Yu Garden (https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/qwlS5tg7Qc47YGItchqtO607lfs=/3819x2607/filters:fill(auto,1)/night-view-of-yu-garden-in-shanghai-584838896-5a991b3031283400374fe855.jpg)

3. Ascend the Shanghai Tower: For panoramic views that will leave you breathless (partly from the height and partly from the awe), head to the Shanghai Tower, the tallest skyscraper in China and the second tallest in the world. Take the super-speedy elevator to the observation deck and soak in the mesmerizing vistas of the sprawling metropolis below.

Get your ticket for the observation deck upfront here

Shanghai Tower (https://www.commercialinteriordesign.com/cloud/2021/07/08/bNRchZAg-Shanghai-Tower_.jpg-1200x857.jpg)

4. Indulge in Street Food at Tianzifang: Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure in Tianzifang, a maze-like arts and crafts enclave filled with quirky boutiques, cozy cafes, and, most importantly, mouthwatering street food stalls. From steaming bowls of noodles to crispy scallion pancakes, you'll find a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy your cravings.

Street Food at Tianzifang, Shanghai (https://travelanddesign.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_1989.jpg)

5. Experience Shanghai's Nightlife: When the sun sets, Shanghai truly comes alive. Dive into the city's vibrant nightlife scene by exploring trendy rooftop bars, chic lounges, and lively nightclubs. Whether you're sipping cocktails with a view of the glittering skyline or dancing the night away to pulsating beats, Shanghai offers endless opportunities for nocturnal adventures.

Why not explore Shanghai’s nightlife through a guided bike tour here?

Club in Shanghai (https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-06-19/Live-Put-on-your-party-shoes-Shanghai-s-nightlife-festival-is-here--RrMyMRSYhi/img/a2e31131770f4764a4d9050aee779f6d/a2e31131770f4764a4d9050aee779f6d.jpeg)

And there you have it, my fellow adventurers! With these activities in your itinerary, you're ready to conquer Shanghai like a seasoned explorer... or at least stumble through it with style and a sense of humor. Whether you're marveling at skyscrapers that seem to defy gravity, bargaining for trinkets in ancient marketplaces, or attempting to navigate the city's labyrinthine metro system without getting lost (spoiler alert: you probably will),

Shanghai promises an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, wonder, and maybe just a hint of confusion. So go forth, dear travelers, and may your days in Shanghai be as vibrant and exhilarating as the city itself!

Where to stay in Shanghai:

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