My husband travels to the city of Shanghai often for work and I was finally able to tag along. Shanghai is a massive city full of different neighbourhoods to explore and sites to see. Being a city girl, I loved it! Here are the top things we did and saw on my first trip of many to China.
The Bund
I am such a sucker for a good skyline and Shanghai is one of the best in the world! There are amazing views from The Bund day and night. We were able to get some great shot from our Hotel, Hyatt on the Bund. They have a rooftop bar and restaurant with amazing views. Spend some time walking along the bund to see the view and don’t miss the vertical garden and bull statue for some great pictures too! We walk the Bund to You Garden, which is number 2 on my list.
Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden)
This is more than a garden. It has a lot of history dating back to the 1500s! The area around the garden is the old city of Shanghai with beautiful architecture full of shops and food stands selling chines street food. Don’t think of a traditional garden with green grass and plants abundant. This is a garden, mostly pathed, some parts with beautiful tile work. Paths wind through and around “dragon wallsâ€, buildings, ponds, rockeries and pavilions. It is difficult to explain but is a must see if in Shanghai.
Tian Zi Fang
This is a neighbourhood must see especially if you are looking for some great Instagram-able shots. Is this touristy? Yes, but it is definitely worth the visit. Tian Zi Fang is compiled of small, winding alleyways full of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and bright colors.
Wan Ling Tea House
While in China do not leave without going to a Tea Tasting. I highly recommend Wan Ling Tea House. The owners directly source their teas from different regions in China. The knowledgeable owner taught us all about tea, different regions grow different teas, the harvesting and drying process. Coming from California and the wine country it was very interesting to learn the similarities between wineries and wine making to tea farms. we had such a nice time tasting delicious tea and learning about the process that 2.5 hours flew by. This is my number one recommendation for tea tasting in Shanghai. Tip: be sure to call ahead to make sure they will be open when you plan to stop by.
A few other great areas to explore are the French Consession and Xin Tian Di. I love the tree lined street in the French Consession and we found some fun bars to stop in for a drink while walking from Wan Ling Tea House to Tian Zi Fang. Xin Tian Di is the most “western†area with restaurants from all over the world like Spanish Tapas and Italian. There is also some great high-end shopping in this area.
Planning a trip to Shanghai? Be sure to check out my Shanghai Food.
Still overwhelmed planning your Thailand adventure? Let me help! As a professional Travel Advisor its my job to design you the perfect Thailand escape. Visit my travel planning page or planning process page to learn more.
Full-service, luxury Travel Advisor/Agent. Travel Blogger. Married, dog mom, plant-based. Based in San Jose California but often traveling the world.
Find me on: Instagram
