My thoughts on my first visit to Shanghai

When I first set foot on the land of Shanghai, I was immediately shocked by the bustling and modern atmosphere of this city. The towering skyscrapers and busy streets showcase the vitality of Shanghai as the economic center of China. The flickering neon lights and the bustling commercial district all showcase the modernization process of this city.

However, Shanghai is not just a symbol of modernization. In this metropolis, history and culture are everywhere, forming a unique charm. Strolling along the Bund, one side is the former European style architectural complex, and the other side is the modern Pudong skyline. This intertwined scene of old and new is deeply shocking. The Shikumen architecture in the alleyway and the ancient charm of the old city seem to be telling the story of the city’s historical changes.

I am full of anticipation for the upcoming hidden attractions because Shanghai not only has well-known landmarks, but also many unknown corners waiting to be discovered. From unique niche coffee shops to art galleries hidden in the streets, these places often contain surprising stories and experiences. Every hidden attraction is like a puzzle in the city of Shanghai, and only when you approach them can you truly understand the full picture of the city.

Overall, the unique charm of Shanghai’s prosperity and modernization, as well as the interweaving of history and culture, deeply captivates first-time visitors. Exploring these hidden attractions not only allows people to have a deeper understanding of Shanghai, but also reveals more beauty and mystery in the city. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a modern urban explorer, Shanghai can meet all your expectations for a city.

Attraction 1: Tianzifang

Tianzifang, as one of the most charming art districts in Shanghai, is renowned for its unique design, rich art studios, and cafes. This hidden alley is hidden in the bustling city center, but once you enter, you will immediately be attracted by its strong creative atmosphere. The name Tianzifang comes from the painter Tianzifang in the 1930s, who used to live here. Nowadays, Tianzifang has become a paradise for art enthusiasts, where countless artists showcase their works.

Strolling through the narrow alleys of Tianzifang, you will discover many hidden artworks. From graffiti on the wall to unique sculptures, every corner is filled with surprises. There are a wide variety of art studios here, each with its unique style and charm. Whether you enjoy traditional Chinese painting or advocate modern abstract art, you can find your favorite works here.

In addition to art studios, Tianzifang also has many unique coffee shops. Whether it’s savoring a cup of hand brewed coffee or enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace, it’s an excellent way to relax. The decoration of every caf é is unique, some full of retro atmosphere, while others have a modern and minimalist style. There are often artists performing live in cafes, adding a lot of artistic atmosphere.

Tianzifang is not only a tourist attraction, but also a place to experience creativity and inspiration. Here, you can feel the perfect integration of art and life. Both art enthusiasts and ordinary tourists are attracted by the unique atmosphere here. Tianzifang is one of the hidden treasures in Shanghai, which allows people to find a peaceful world in the busy urban life.

Attraction 2: Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple, located in Xuhui District, Shanghai, is a historic Buddhist holy site and can be regarded as a peaceful place in the city. This temple was first built during the Three Kingdoms period and has a history of over 1700 years. As one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Shanghai, Longhua Temple has attracted many tourists and believers with its unique architectural style and peaceful atmosphere.

The architecture of Longhua Temple combines the styles of the Tang and Song dynasties, with the most representative building being the Longhua Pagoda. This tower is seven stories high, exquisitely carved, and majestic, making it one of the iconic buildings of the temple. At the top of the tower, tourists can overlook the panoramic view of the entire temple and feel the unique charm of history and modernity intertwined.

Walking inside Longhua Temple is an immersive experience. The temple is filled with ancient trees and elegant gardens, and walking through it feels like entering a peaceful world. Every Buddha statue and building here tells the story and wisdom of thousands of years. Tourists can pray and experience the profound cultural heritage of Buddhism here.

In addition to the Longhua Pagoda, there are many buildings and Buddha statues worth visiting in the Longhua Temple. The the Shakya ManiHall is the main hall of the temple, where the solemn Buddha statue of Sakyamuni is enshrined. The hall is filled with solemn and solemn atmosphere surrounded by incense. The buildings such as the Heavenly King Hall and Guanyin Hall also have their own characteristics, and each place is filled with a unique religious atmosphere.

Longhua Temple is not only a religious holy site, but also a cultural treasure trove. The temple houses a large collection of precious Buddhist artifacts, including scriptures, statues, and paintings. These cultural relics showcase the richness and diversity of Buddhist culture, and are also windows for understanding traditional Chinese culture.

In the hustle and bustle of modern cities, Longhua Temple is undoubtedly a peaceful haven. Both believers and tourists can find inner peace here, feel the weight of history and the charm of culture. Longhua Temple is not only a hidden attraction that Shanghai cannot miss, but also a place where people’s souls are cleansed.

Attraction 3: Sinan Mansion

The Sinan Mansion is located in the center of Shanghai and is a well preserved historical reserve. Its unique architectural style and rich historical background have attracted countless tourists. The architectural features of Sinan Mansion blend Chinese and Western elements, showcasing the prosperous scene of Shanghai as an international metropolis in the early 20th century. The buildings here are mainly Shikumen and Garden style houses. Shikumen architecture is famous for its unique brick walls and stone door frames, while Garden style houses showcase Western architectural style and lifestyle.

Strolling through the alleys of Sinan Mansion, tourists can feel a strong historical atmosphere. This used to be the residence of many famous scholars, and many buildings have touching stories behind them. For example, the famous writer Lu Xun once lived here, where every brick and tile seemed to be telling the glory and glory of that era.

In addition to historical buildings, Sinan Mansion also gathers numerous boutique shops and high-end restaurants. Here, tourists can find unique handicraft shops, fashionable clothing stores, and various specialty restaurants. Whether it’s tasting authentic Shanghai cuisine or enjoying a cup of coffee, Sinan Mansion can provide visitors with a great place to relax and enjoy.

The Sinan Mansion is not only a treasure trove of historical and cultural heritage, but also a platform for showcasing modern life. Here, the fusion of history and modernity is ubiquitous. Tourists can enjoy both ancient buildings and modern lifestyles. The night at Sinan Mansion is particularly charming, and the buildings under the lighting appear particularly spectacular, as if it takes people through time and back to that glorious era.

Attraction 4: Wukang Road

Wukang Road, located in Xuhui District, Shanghai, is a street full of historical atmosphere. The unique architectural style here is full of strong European charm, attracting a large number of tourists and history enthusiasts. Strolling along Wukang Road, you will find many well preserved historical buildings standing on both sides, each carrying a rich story.

This street was originally built in the early 20th century and was once part of the French Concession, thus retaining many French style residences and apartments. These buildings were mostly built between the 1920s and 1930s, featuring both French Renaissance style villas and modern minimalist apartment buildings. Among them, the most famous is undoubtedly the Wukang Building, built in 1924 and designed by the renowned architect Hudak. It combines neoclassicism and decorative art styles and is known as one of the most representative historical buildings in Shanghai.

In addition to the architecture itself, Wukang Road is also famous for the former residences of many celebrities. This used to be the residence of many cultural celebrities, politicians, and social elites. For example, the former residence of the famous writer Ba Jin is located on Wukang Road, which preserves his study and daily necessities during his lifetime, making people feel as if they can feel his aura. In addition, there are many former residences of other celebrities on Wukang Road, such as literary scholar Mao Dun and painter Feng Zikai, whose lives and creations are closely related to this street.

Strolling along Wukang Road, you can not only appreciate the exquisite architectural details, but also feel the long history. Every building and alley has its own story, waiting for you to discover and explore. On a weekend afternoon, let’s slowly walk down this street full of stories and savor the cultural heritage inside.

Travel Tip: Best Travel Time

Choosing the right time to visit Shanghai is an important factor in ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to visit this city. March to May every year is the spring season in Shanghai, during which the climate is warm and pleasant, with an average temperature between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. In spring, Shanghai not only has a mild climate, but the blooming cherry blossoms and tulips add a touch of color to the city, attracting a large number of tourists to come and admire.

Autumn, especially from September to November, is also an ideal time to visit Shanghai. During this period, the temperature is moderate, usually between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity is low, making outdoor activities more comfortable. In addition, in autumn, the sky in Shanghai is high and the clouds are light, and the air quality is good, making it very suitable for city strolls and enjoying the scenery. The scenery on both sides of the Huangpu River in autumn is infinite, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

In contrast, the summer weather in Shanghai (June to August) is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Despite many summer activities and night markets, high temperatures and humidity may affect the comfort of travelers. In winter (December to February), Shanghai is relatively cold, with temperatures dropping below zero degrees Celsius. Although it is not as cold as northern cities, the cold wind is piercing and outdoor activities are restricted.

In summary, choosing to travel to Shanghai in spring or autumn not only avoids extreme weather, but also allows you to enjoy the city’s most beautiful natural scenery and pleasant climate. In these two seasons, Shanghai has both the beautiful spring scenery of blooming flowers and the bountiful autumn harvest, making it the best time to explore hidden attractions in Shanghai.

Shanghai, as an international metropolis, has a well-established transportation system that facilitates tourists to travel within the city. Firstly, the subway is the preferred mode of transportation. The Shanghai subway network covers a wide range, connecting major attractions and commercial districts in the city. The subway ticket price is reasonable, making it convenient and fast to ride. Tourists can purchase one-way tickets at the ticket vending machine or choose to purchase transportation cards, such as Shanghai Public Transport Card (Traffic Card), for use on subways and buses.

Buses are also an economical way of transportation. The bus routes in Shanghai are dense and can reach almost every corner. Passengers can use their transportation card to pay for the fare or deposit coins when boarding. It should be noted that buses may be crowded during peak hours, so it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance.

Taxi can be seen everywhere in Shanghai and is a relatively comfortable mode of transportation. The starting price of taxis varies between daytime and nighttime, with slightly higher prices at night. Tourists can book taxis through ride hailing apps such as Didi to ensure safety and convenience. It should be noted that during peak traffic hours in Shanghai, it may be difficult to get a taxi. It is recommended to reserve sufficient travel time in advance.

From Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city center, Metro Line 2 is the most convenient choice, directly reaching the People’s Square Station in the city center. In addition, airport buses also provide multiple routes connecting the airport with major hotels and commercial areas in the city. Taxi is another option, although it is more expensive, it is a worry free choice for tourists who carry more luggage.

When traveling within the city, the subway and bus are the most cost-effective options. For short distance travel, cycling or walking is also a good choice. The shared bicycle system in Shanghai is very developed, and tourists can rent bicycles through mobile applications and freely explore the city.

Travel Tip: Accommodation Recommendations

Finding suitable accommodation is the key to a pleasant trip in Shanghai, a charming city. Whether you are pursuing luxury or looking to save on budget, here are accommodation options suitable for every tourist.

For travelers pursuing a high-end experience, it is recommended to stay at the Peninsula Hotel located on the Bund. This five-star hotel not only has a superior geographical location, overlooking the magnificent scenery of Huangpu River and Lujiazui, but also provides top-notch services and facilities. The rooftop bar and Michelin restaurant inside the hotel provide you with an unparalleled dining experience.

If you want to enjoy comfort without excessive luxury, then the Pudong Shangri La Hotel located in Jing’an District is a good choice. The hotel is located in the city center with convenient transportation, surrounded by many shopping centers and dining options. The hotel has comfortable guest rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool to meet your various needs.

For tourists with limited budgets, Shanghai also has many economy hotels to choose from. The Home Inn located in Huangpu District is a highly cost-effective choice. The rooms here are simple yet comfortable, suitable for short-term stays. The transportation around the hotel is convenient, and you can walk to multiple subway stations and bus stops, making it convenient for you to go to various scenic spots in Shanghai.

In addition, there are many youth hostels in Shanghai, providing an affordable accommodation option for backpackers and young tourists. For example, the Mingtown Youth Hostel located near People’s Square not only offers affordable prices, but also provides a platform to meet travelers from all over the world.

No matter what your budget is, Shanghai’s diverse accommodation options can provide you with a comfortable foothold, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique charm of this city.

Budget recommendations

Budget management is an essential part of planning a trip to Shanghai. Firstly, accommodation costs may vary depending on geographical location and facilities. High end hotels in the city center cost around $150 to $300 per night, while economy hotels or youth hostels cost around $30 to $70. To save on accommodation costs, you can choose hotels located along the subway line, which not only allows you to enjoy convenient transportation but also saves on expenses.

In terms of transportation, Shanghai’s public transportation system is very developed and reasonably priced. The subway fare ranges from $1 to $2 depending on the distance traveled, while the bus fare is usually around $1. It is recommended to purchase a Shanghai transportation card, which can be used on subways, buses, and taxis, while enjoying certain discounts. The starting price of a taxi is $3, with an increase of approximately $0.5 per kilometer, making it an ideal choice for short distance travel.

There are also significant differences in catering expenses in Shanghai. Eating in high-end restaurants may cost $50 to $100 per person per meal, while enjoying delicious food at local restaurants or snack stands only costs $5 to $15 per person per meal. To save on dining expenses, you can try street snacks and local restaurants, which not only offer affordable prices but also offer authentic Shanghai flavors.

The admission fees for tourist attractions depend on the specific attractions. The ticket price of famous scenic spots such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower Tower is about 30 to 50 dollars, while the ticket price of some museums and parks is about 10 to 20 dollars. Many historical and cultural attractions offer discounted ticket prices during specific time periods or holidays, and tourists can check and utilize these discounts in advance.

Overall, reasonable planning and careful budgeting can make your travel in Shanghai more cost-effective. Booking in advance, making good use of public transportation, and choosing local restaurants and free attractions are all effective cost saving tips. Through these methods, you can enjoy more fun without sacrificing travel quality.