One of the most interesting trips that we can undertake in Asia is the visit to China given the contrast between the West and the East. The country is so large that it offers multiple possibilities to tourists, from those who seek adventure and be in contact with nature, to those who prefer a cultural or gastronomic visit.
In the delta of the mythical Yangtze River, one of the most populated cities in the world is located: Shanghai, which has become a cosmopolitan city symbol of China's technological and economic progress.
Shanghai has an innate charm as a result of that mix between the modern and the traditional, as there are neighborhoods where towering skyscrapers are concentrated and others that transport us to traditional China.
If you are thinking of taking a trip to Shanghai this summer, here are the best things to see and do during your stay.
Waist
The Bund is one of the most iconic areas of this city. In it we can find several representative buildings of the colonial era with a European style that invite you to take a long walk along the Huangpu River.
Among tourists, river cruises are in high demand and seeing this area at night is a spectacle of colors and lights.
In addition, from this side of the shore there are excellent panoramic views of the Pudong financial district with its popular skyline full of skyscrapers.
Pudong
Pudong is one of China's most important economic centers and Shanghai's financial district, which was built over the last two decades with a very futuristic look.
Here are the Shanghai Worl Financial Center and the famous Jinmao Tower, two of the 10 tallest buildings in the world. Nor does the Oriental Pearl Tower go unnoticed due to its unmistakable appearance. You can take advantage of your visit to Pudong to go up to some of them and take pictures.
Image | Pixabay
Jiashan Market
Jiashan Market is one of the coolest places to see in Shanghai. Here is a local open-air food market that gathers the stalls of about thirty merchants and is considered one of the best markets in the city thanks to the quality of its products.
This market is also characterized by its cozy atmosphere. You will not only be able to try all kinds of food but also enjoy the small concerts that are organized regularly or the craft, designer and gardening fairs.
Jiashan Market has been open every first and third Saturday of the month since 2012.
French Quarter
For almost a century, between 1849 and 1946 this area of Shanghai was under French control and was known as the Paris of the East. Today it still retains that European flair and has become a very interesting place to enjoy Western cuisine and go shopping.
In this part of Shanghai, you can also visit the Fuixing Park (a quiet, clean space full of fountains) and the building where the Communist Party of China arose, today converted into a museum.
A good way to get to know Shanghai's French Quarter is to rent a bike from one of the companies that carry out personalized tours of the city and walk the streets looking at the European-style houses that still stand.
Image | Pixabay
Old city
With its more than 600 years of history, tourists will find the essence of the most traditional China in the old part of Shanghai.
Old City is a mandatory stop for all those who want to discover the most authentic Shanghai and get an idea of what this place was like centuries ago.
It is especially recommended to visit Yuyuan Gardens, private gardens built in 1559 and with a tourist market next to it. In the neighborhood there are also some temples such as the Temple of the Town Gods and even a mosque, Xiaotayuan Mosque.
Party in Shanghai
Shanghai is said to have the best nightlife in China as it is a city where there is a lot of going on. The city has several areas where the nightlife is interesting with a lot of discos and karaoke bars such as Nanjing Street, Huahai Street or Lujiazui Ring Street.
Shanghai Museum
It is one of the most relevant museums in China thanks to its valuable collection made up of objects from different historical periods.
The Shanghai Museum was created in the mid-120.000th century to display a collection of more than 8.000 pieces, including bronze and ceramic objects, furniture, coins and stamps from a period spanning more than XNUMX years.
The entrance to this museum is free so it is well worth a visit. They open their doors every day between 9am. and 17h.