Today you will spend the whole day feeling the perfect blend of the West and East in this “Paris of the East” by visiting brilliant museums, traditional Chinese-style gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.
First, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town! Yu Garden was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, was built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan (潘允端) for his father to enjoy his retired life. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (九曲桥Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (湖心亭Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912). According to Chinese Fengshui, the zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits, who can only journey in straight lines. As you enter Yu Garden, you can explore various beautifully crafted dragons hidden in the buildings, count them, and learn more about the Chinese dragon totem from your guide.
Or, you can either visit Shanghai City God Temple (城隍庙) located near Yu Garden. Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple) is a Taoist temple dedicated to the City God (Cheng Huang God). "Cheng城" refers to the city walls, while "Huang隍" refers to the dried-up moats. The City God is the protective deity of the city and is often a renowned hero or figure from local history. Strolling inside Chenghuangmiao, you will see a large abacus (算盘) that is quite intriguing. It bears the Chinese characters "not calculated by humans" (不由人算). Remember to ask your tour guide to explain the profound Chinese philosophy behind it. If you wish to meet your Mr. Right, make sure to visit the Temple of the Matchmaker (Yuelao Temple月老殿) and pay respects to the God of Love and Marriage (Chinese Cupid月老). If you desire wealth, visit the Temple of Wealth (财神殿) and pay homage to the God of Wealth (财神), Marshal Zhao Gongming (赵公明), who oversees fair trade and the distribution of wealth in the mortal realm. As a coastal city, Shanghai City God Temple also enshrines the Goddess Mazu (天后妈祖), who protects seafaring vessels.
However the phrase "go to Chenghuangmiao" used by Shanghai locals does not solely refer to the Taoist temple itself but rather encompasses the entire area of Yuyuan Bazaar. Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Market) outside Yu Garden is a vibrant Shanghai Old Street where you can try Shanghai’s local snacks such as Xiaolongbao (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant小笼包), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Fried Dumplings生煎包), Soup Dumplings (灌汤包), and Won-ton Soup (上海馄饨). You can also buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks for souvenirs here.
Notes:
Please note that Yuyuan Garden is closed on Mondays. A visit to the Daoist City God Temple (located near Yuyuan Garden) is also wonderful. We are always flexible and want to ensure you with the best experience.
After lunch, you can take a walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund, which is less than a 2 km walk. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the "Number One Commercial Street in China". It serves as a window to Shanghai's openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops. Walking from Nanjing Road East to the Bund, you will have the feeling of traveling back to the 1930s and 1940s. As the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List, the Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Located on the bank of the Huangpu River and renowned as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles. Since 1844 (Qing Dynasty), foreign banks, trading companies, clubs, and newspapers have gathered here, showcasing the former glory of the "Wall Street of the Far East" (远东华尔街).
After the Bund tour, you will reach Jinling East Road to board a public ferry to cross the Huangpu River, transferring you from Old Shanghai Town to Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Then, you will take a walk to the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower. It features a dramatic 120-degree twist from its base to its peak. Take the world's fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" located on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground level. Here, you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai and also look down upon the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a cultural landmark of Shanghai), Jin Mao Tower (a traditional Chinese pagoda-like structure with a modern style) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (the third tallest building in China and the fifth tallest in the world). From Shanghai Tower, you can also get a bird's eye view of the Bund and the Nanjing Road you had just visited before from another side of the Huangpu River.
Options for the Shanghai Evening Tour:
Shanghai Acrobat Evening Show (19:30- 21:00, 1.5 hours)
The Shanghai Acrobatic Show is a beloved and enchanting evening delight for tourists visiting Shanghai. This captivating spectacle is brought to life by the renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. Prepare to be amazed as the show unfolds with a breathtaking blend of acrobatics, graceful dance, rib-tickling comedy, mystifying magic, and awe-inspiring displays of aerial strength. Through this extraordinary showcase, the essence of Shanghai's rich cultural heritage is beautifully honored, transporting you to a world of wonder and marvel.