Plenty to Visit in Shanghai this Spring

The French Concession

Now that spring is approaching, a wonderful destination to consider is Shanghai. If you're already planning a trip to China, a visit to Shanghai is a must. There are lots of fun activities people of any age can enjoy. 

The French Walking Tour should be on everyone's list of stops while venturing through the city. The French Concession has a very peaceful atmosphere, unique from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city (the population exceeds seventeen million!). The trees were imported from France in the early 1900s and still line both sides of the street and old villas are being renovated and turned into nice little shops and homes. 

Another walking tour that should make the list of things to do is the Bund Walking Tour.  The Bund is Shanghai's most famous landmark. A great way to visit the Bund is to be dropped off at the Peace Hotel and walk south, going in and out of buildings along the way. 

The Yu Garden

The Yu Garden is another fun place to venture through. The entire area has been renovated in the traditional style Chinese architecture. It is also home to the Huxingting Tea House that inspired the design in the famous Blue Willow china pattern. The Yu Garden has everything that a tourist would want to take home with them from silk pajamas to chopsticks. 

Be sure to visit one of the city's skyscrapers, such as the Shanghai World Financial Center, the city's, as well as China's, tallest building- at least for now.  

If you are in the mood to do some shopping, Taikang Road is the place to be. This road allows you to see Shanghai at its best with street vendors selling foods and other various items, women hanging up laundry, children scampering about, and more. Its full of shops and cafes selling everything from traditional to hip, new clothes, jewelry, and other various items. 

Taikang Road

Another great place to shop is Dong Tai Road. This road is Shanghai's version of the Beijing Panjiayuan Market. Dong Tai Road is not nearly as large as the Panjiayuan Market but offers a similar atmosphere with the shops and stalls lining both sides of the street. Here you can find all kinds of items including old wooden rice buckets, brightly painted opera masks, porcelain, and Mao memorabilia. Don't forget your bargaining skills! 

Finally they have the fastest high speed train in the world - so take a ride and see the area outside Shanghai as well.