As the dust settles following the Mid-Autumn festival, now’s the time to plan a visit to the most popular tourist destinations. With over 10 million visitors finding their way to Shanghai, where did the masses travel and are they worth going to. We look at the top 10 locations and give you the rundown!
10. Shanghai Natural History Museum
Being one of China's largest natural history museums, Shanghai Natural History Museum features over 280,000 items from the natural world and human historical relics. Both parents and children can enjoy immersing themselves in the world of science and truth, while satisfying their curiosity about nature.
9am-5pm (closed Monday); RMB30. Shanghai Natural History Museum. See listing here.
9. China Art Palace
Following the Shanghai Expo, the China Pavilion became the new home of the Shanghai Art Museum, and it was later renamed the China Art Palace. Displaying approximately 14,000 pieces of artwork, this museum offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate the work produced by the masters of modern Chinese art and how their rich culture inspires them.
9am-5pm; Free entrance. China Art Palace. See listing here.
8. Happy Valley
Happy Valley Shanghai is an amusement park with over 100 attractions, located 40 minutes from downtown Shanghai. Covering an area of 863,500 square meters, it is divided into seven major areas including Sunshine Beach, Happy Times, Typhoon Bay, Gold Mine Town, Ant Kingdom, Shanghai Beach and Shangri-la Woods. Whether you are bold or timid in your choice of activities, there is something for the whole family to enjoy and thankfully the queues are shorter than Shanghai Disneyland, so everyone can have their share of fun.
9am-9pm; RMB200. Happy Valley. See listing here.
7. Century Park
Nestled among the energetic metropolis of Shanghai, Century Park is the largest park in the city. Take a picnic and spend time enjoying the beauty of nature, and absorb yourself in the various activities such as fishing, cycling, paddle boats and navigating through the green maze. The park’s location definitely adds to its popularity, located at the end of Century Avenue, it is near the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and Shanghai Oriental Art Center. A morning or afternoon spent here is well worth your time!
7am-6pm; RMB10. Century Park. See listing here.
6. Oriental Pearl Tower
As one of Shanghai’s best-known landmarks, Oriental Pearl Tower is always a popular attraction. Famous for its 360-degree viewing platform, revolving restaurant and indoor roller coaster, the tower has drawn billions of visitors over the years. With the abundance of other places close-by such as the Super Brand Mall and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, it’s definitely worth a visit.
9am-9.30pm; RMB100-200. Oriental Pearl Tower. See listing here.
Read More: Shanghai's 10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions During Golden Week 2017
5. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
Having opened in 2001, the museum’s theme is ‘Nature, People and Science’ and the millions of visitors each year seem to enjoy what it has to offer. The five exhibition halls present 11 permanent displays and four science theatres, enough to keep young children interested for hours.
9am-5.15pm (closed Monday); RMB60. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. See listing here.
4. Fengjing Ancient Town
Fengjing Ancient Town is one of the more authentic water towns in Shanghai, presenting visitor with a feel for the old culture and customs of China. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Shanghai. Located 60 km from downtown, you will thoroughly enjoy spending a day among the canals, sampling local delicacies and wandering around the old bridges.
8.00am-4.30pm; RMB50. Fengjing Ancient Town. See listing here.
3. Shanghai Zoo
Presenting more than 6,000 animals, the Shanghai Zoo is divided into five sections: primates, herbivores, carnivores, birds and amphibians. Along with the large variety of animals to observe and the panda exhibit, visitors can also enjoy the various shows and entertainment attractions throughout the day.
7.30am-5pm; RMB40. Shanghai Zoo. See listing here.
2. Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Home to over 10,000 animals from China and other parts of the world, this large animal sanctuary has two sections, one is on foot and the other is safari tour. With activities such as a Ferris wheel providing a great bird’s eye view of the park, and the opportunity to interact with many of the animals, there’s something for all children to enjoy. It’s worth a visit for all of this, plus the most popular attraction, the Panda.
8.30am-4.30pm; RMB130. Shanghai Wild Animal Park. See listing here.
1. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
This Venetian-style water town is rich in history and makes a great day trip. With its array of ‘must see’ bridges built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, along with the ancient street, Zen garden and plenty of narrow alleys to meander through, you can really immerse yourself in the tranquility of this old town. Located on the outskirts of Shanghai, it is approximately 50 km from downtown and can be accessed with public transport.
Free entrance, however visitors must purchase tickets for selected attractions inside the town. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. See listing here.
