Shanghai’s Promenade: The Bund – Pudong Skyline – South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market – Yu Garden (Yuyuan)

The Bund (Wai Tan) - We’ll pick you up from your hotel lobby in Shanghai at 9:00 A.M. to visit The Bund, Shanghai’s most popular attraction. This waterfront area and protected historical district in central Shanghai features buildings and wharves along Zhongshan East No.1 road. The promenade offers a close-up view of the beautiful old colonial buildings from the former Shanghai International Settlement. On one side of the Huangpu River, you’ll see high-tech futuristic skyscrapers, while on the other side, 19th-century colonial architecture. The Bund provides the best views of the Pudong Skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. The area is stunning both day and night, with buildings lighting up in the evening.

Bund International Architecture Exhibition - The western-style buildings on the west bank of the Huangpu River are well-preserved by the Chinese government. There are over 50 buildings, with the Peace Hotel being a highlight.

Riverside Promenade (Bingjiang Da Dao) - A stroll along the waterfront Promenade on the Bund is a must in Shanghai. It offers the best view of the old part of Shanghai with colonial European architecture on one side and the new part with modern Chinese architecture on the other. The architectural contrast is striking.

The Bund City Sculptures - The Bund features several sculptures, including a large bronze bull on “Chinese Wall Street,” similar to the one on Wall Street in New York City.

Heping Fandian - The Peace Hotel is a historic building worth visiting for its interior, serving as a living museum of a bygone era.

Huangpu River - This landmark river separates Shanghai into Pudong and Puxi. A stroll along the Huangpu River at the Bund is a must-do activity in Shanghai.

Pudong New Area - The latest developed area in Shanghai, featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and many other shops. It’s modern in every sense.

Shanghai Tower - One of the most exciting activities in Shanghai is getting a panoramic view from the top of a tall building. You can choose between Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Shanghai Tower has the world’s highest observation deck at 1,844 feet (562 meters). Visitors can see other skyscrapers below them. It’s the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world, with 128 stories and a height of 2,073 feet (632 meters). However, the views are best on clear days, so avoid visiting on misty or foggy days.

Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu) - An alternative for panoramic views of Shanghai. You can choose between this tower and Shanghai Tower. The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic landmark and one of Shanghai’s most popular attractions. The best pictures of the tower can be taken from the Bund.

Shanghai World Financial Center - Close to Shanghai Tower and not far from the Oriental Pearl Tower. If you visit Shanghai Tower, you’ll pass by this tall building and can take great close-up pictures.

South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market - China is known for exporting affordable, high-quality clothing. Many big brands have factories in China. The South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market is the second most popular attraction in Shanghai on Tripadvisor. It’s worth a visit for shopping.

Old Town (Nanshi) - Features fantastic old buildings, great shopping, and food places lining the laneways under historic buildings. You can find plenty of food, drinks, clothes, and souvenirs here.

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) - Yu Garden showcases traditional landscaping with intricate architecture, tranquil ponds, and lush greenery. Strolling through the zigzag bridges, rockeries, and pavilions offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle. The area also features refurbished old Chinese architecture turned into shophouses, eateries, and souvenir shops.

Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum - Celebrates Jewish history in Shanghai with personal stories and historical exhibits. There’s a lot to learn about a lesser-known part of history. The tour ends around 5 P.M.

Shanghai Museum – Nanjing Road – Natural History Museum

Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan) - The tour starts at 9:00 A.M. with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which focuses on ancient Chinese history and art. Exhibits include porcelain vases, ancient seals, jades, scrolls, classical Chinese furniture, and figurines. The paid audio guide is included in the tour.

People’s Square (Renmin Guang Chang) - A serene and beautiful public area where hundreds of people walk through or relax. The large square features landscaped areas where you can sit and watch people.

Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road) - Similar to Oxford Street in London, Nanjing Road is filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and towering buildings. It features big-name brands and local outlets. Highlights include a shop selling Bee Cheng Hiang beef and pork jerky and an m&m store, one of only five in the world. The 600 square meter LEGO flagship store is also located here.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall – Former French Concession – Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall - Explains how Shanghai evolved from a fishing village to a city of 30 million and an international financial and trade capital. It features a huge model of the city.

Former French Concession - Features old architecture from the French concession period, with streets and alleys resembling the south of France. The area has a relaxed atmosphere with many bars and cafes.

Fuxing Park - A great place to see Chinese daily life. Retired people engage in various activities such as tea, maracas club, ballroom dancing, tai chi, Chinese yoyo, ribbon dancing, singing, calligraphy, card playing, and more.

Longhua Temple - The oldest and largest temple in Shanghai, preserving the architectural design of a Song dynasty monastery. It’s a spiritual and historical place.

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre - A small museum with a collection of around 6,000 posters, preserving Chinese history. Talking to the owner, Mr. Yang, enhances the experience. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel.

The Water Towns in Suzhou – Tongli Town – The Classical Gardens of Suzhou

Luzhi Ancient Town - Known for its pretty whitewashed houses, arched stone bridges, and bustling canal-side streets. Locals maintain their waterside lifestyles, using rivers and canals for washing clothes, catching food, and transportation. Luzhi features original Ming and Qing-era residences and beautiful waterways and ancient bridges, some dating back to the Song dynasty. A walk in Luzhi is like stepping into history.

Tongli Town - Known for its canal system, earning it the nickname “Venice of the East.” Founded over 1,000 years ago during the Song dynasty, it retains many features of an ancient Wu region town.

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou - A group of gardens in Suzhou, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. These gardens date back to the 6th century BCE and were inspired by royal hunting gardens. Today, over 50 gardens still exist, featuring landscapes mimicking natural scenery with pavilions and pagodas. You’ll visit Tuisi Garden, located in Tongli Town.

Tuisi Garden - Also known as Retreat and Reflection Garden, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Designed by artist Yuanlong for Ren Lansheng and built between 1885-1887, the garden features pavilions, bridges, rockeries, corridors, and halls, giving the feeling of floating on water.

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