Shanghai

Eco-friendly travel guide to Shanghai advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Shanghai, China.

The view of Pearl Tower and the Shanghai skyline at night

Air quality: 2/ 5

Exploring by foot: 4 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4.5 / 5

Public transportation: 5 / 5

Parks: 5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 2 / 5

Safety: 3.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$6 - $200

Budget per day: US$40 - $200

Responsible Travel

Shanghai, a city upon the sea, is the financial centre of China and the World. The city homes over 24 million people and is the most populated urban city in China. You will find that Shanghai is the global centre for technology, innovation, finance, and transportation. While exploring China, Shanghai is a must-visit city as it is full of opportunities to learn about Chinese culture, history, and significance.

When you travel to Shanghai, you will want to get the best experience out of your travel so that your trip is worth all the money you spend. To have a fantastic trip, you need to travel responsibly. Responsible travel refers to travelling in such a way that your actions don't cause any harm to the local communities or the environment. In the current scenario, you must follow various eco-friendly measures and participate actively in protecting our earth. To help you travel responsibly and get the best out of your trip, here are some tips and advice that you can choose to follow accordingly;

Your responsible travel measures need to start way before you visit the country. After booking your flight, you need to do extensive research about the current country scenario, the culture, things you need to avoid, and the laws you have to follow as a tourist. If you ignore this vital step, you will be clueless about your environment and not get the best experience.

After landing in Shanghai, you will want to stay at a 5-star hotel with a good reputation and luxury facilities. But, in reality, these hotels are not the best choice if you are a foreign tourist as they will provide you with world-class facilities but will fail to give you proper exposure to the Chinese culture. Instead, it would be best if you preferred opting for eco-hotels, hostels, guest houses, and apartments to get the right amount of exposure to the local culture.

The next thing that you need to keep in mind while travelling in Shanghai is to minimize your carbon footprint. The carbon footprint refers to the number of greenhouse gases released into the local environment by your activities. If you want to travel to Shanghai in the best way possible, you need to avoid any activities that will harm the local environment. You should make use of public transport and avoid using plastic containers at the most.

Suppose you want to get a close picture of the culture and livelihood of the local people. In that case, you need to avoid visiting international brands like K.F.C., McDonald's, Starbucks, 7-Eleven, H&M, Sephora, etc. as you can find then in your city. It would be best if you prefer visiting and buying from local businesses as they will give you deep insights into the lives of the people and their traditions and culture.

Besides these essential tips and advice, you need to be aware of the current economic and cultural situation to avoid any trouble while visiting and exploring the city.

Air Quality and Pollution

Everyone knows China's pollution rates as the highest in the World. With over 24 million people and high tourism rates, Shanghai is one of the leading pollutant cities in the country. While travelling, you will have to follow various measures to save your body from pollution. If you have any health issues relating to respiration, you will need to follow extra caution to avoid getting sick during your trip. Make sure to pack your medicines and their prescription letter to take with you to Shanghai. Here are some pollution statistics of Shanghai that will help you to understand the severity of the air pollution rates:

PM10 – 84

PM2.5 – 52

PM10 Pollution Level – High

Pollution Index – 78.15

Pollution Exp Scale – 139.69

This air pollution data is from the World Health Organization of the pollution levels as of September 2020.

Respect the Culture

Part of a major Asian country, it is crucial that you show respectfully towards the local communities, landmarks, culture, and Shanghai's local environment. By indulging in cultural or recreational activities, you can learn a great deal about the city's culture and history. While exploring the city, make sure to keep your criticism to yourself as Chinese people can take it personally, resulting in ruining your experience. You can befriend a local Chinese to learn about the culture and what you need to avoid to get the best experience.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Yu Garden: The 'Garden of Happiness,' dating back to 1559, is a beautiful garden covering 20,000 square meters in area. It consists of many parts like the Outer Garden; the oldest part built in the 18th century. You can also find the Hall of Spring, which has a lot of historical importance and is well-preserved to date. The Inner Garden is a Chinese garden that dates back to 1709 and consists of decorative stones, small ponds, pavilions, miniature mountain ranges, dividing walls, and a theatrical stage.

The Jade Buddha Temple: It is one of the crucial heritages in Jing'an that houses two Shakyamuni statues. The Jade temple is divided into two courtyards and three halls, including Tian Wang Dian and Daxiong Baodian. It is a must-visit place in Shanghai that will enlighten you with China's rich history and culture.

Longhua Temple and Pagoda: Dating back to A.D. 242, it is the oldest Chinese religious site and is a significant worship place. The Pagoda has gone through many reconstruction projects and is where many Buddhist ceremonies in Shanghai are held. You can find the site inside a park in Longhua Road and consists of Mile Dian, Tian Wang Dian, and Daxiong Baodian. It is a must-visit place where you can get deep insights into Chinese culture and history.

The Oriental Pearl Tower: It is a 468-meter tall radio and television tower in Pudong Park in Shanghai. The building is a recent addition to Shanghai's landscape and has a lot of popularity among locals and tourists. Its elevation points give fantastic views of the surrounding city area and the Huangpu River. The tower also offers the visitors 15 viewing areas with a restaurant, shopping mall, virtual reality rollercoaster ride, and a hotel to enjoy.

Xujiahui Cathedral and Sheshan Basilica: It is a Neo-Romanesque style cathedral, which also happens to be the largest place for worshipping Roman Catholicism in Shanghai. It is a worth visiting place and homes 50-meter high bell towers with fine stained glass windows. Within a few minutes, walking distances from Xujiahui Cathedral is the Sheshan Basilica, a national shrine, and the basilica of Our Lady. The Roman Church is a significant part of Chinese history and is a must-visit place while exploring Shanghai.

Shanghai Disney Resort: It is the most visited spot by both locals and tourists in Shanghai. The resort is a centre for entertainment and shopping in the Pudong district of Shanghai. You will find many unique and fun attractions in the resort such as the Chinese gardens, Dumbo carousel, fantasyland, a treasure cove, and many adrenaline-filled and Disney themed rides.

Jin Mao Tower and Skywalk: The Golden Prosperity Building is a vital part of Shanghai's skyline as it is the World's tallest freestanding structures. Jin Mao Tower is an excellent place for taking a skywalk for the city's fantastic views from above. It is a must-visit place where you can spot other significant skyscrapers of Shanghai and spend a lovely time enjoying the views of the city from such a massive height.

Qibao: Qibao is one of the eight ancient water towns in Shanghai that offers stunning canal views and is a great getaway place for tourists. It is like a mini town and offers delicious street food and cheap shopping options for visitors. The best time to visit the water town is during the weekdays as it can get crowded on weekends.

Caojiadu Flower and Bird Market: It is a famous market for herbs, fish, turtles, birds, and other small animals. The market is located in Putuo District and offers an excellent place for some peaceful time for visitors as tourists often overlook it. You can also observe beautiful Chinese weddings on the third floor and make your Shanghai trip a memorable one.

Shanghai Circus World: It is a must-visit place in Shanghai where you can broaden your experience by watching the many acrobatic shows where local artists perform. The area features a revolving stage with a highly modern facility. You can spend a day's worth and create a memorable trip to Shanghai.

Yu Garden in Shanghai which is also known as the Garden of Happiness

Explore

Shanghai has many things to offer apart from the many historical and culturally renowned places packed with tourists. The various parks, beaches, museums, and landmarks will help you get deep insights into the local culture and its beauty.

City Parks

Fuxing Park: It is a must-visit park that offers profound insights into Shanghai's fascinating history and its importance to Chinese history. The park covers about 92,000 square meters of land with rose gardens, a pond, and a vast grass area where you can spend some peaceful time among the locals and relax.

Huangpu Park:It is China's oldest public park in the Huangpu district of Shanghai. The park offers a peaceful and quiet environment for visitors. Because of its location, you can also get amazing views of the Huangpu River, which will give you a sense of inner peace.

Jing’an Park: Jing'an Park is one of Jing An Si district's most popular parks that sits alongside the Jiang'an Temple. The park offers a tranquil environment where you can get some quiet and peaceful time to relax your mind and throw away all your worries. It consists of a pond, wooden boardwalk, and shaded tree areas to lie down and enjoy a disturbance-free time in the lap of nature.

Xuhui Riverside Green Space: It is a recreational area that sits alongside the Huangpu River. The park offers an 8.5 kilometres long strip of space where you can skateboard, jog, stroll, and test your rock-climbing skills. The best time to visit the riverside park is during the evening at sunset when you will get some breathtaking views of the river and city.

Hengshan Park: If you seek a place with fewer people and fresh air, then Hengshan Park is the place for you. The park gives a secret hideaway feels and has a meadow, flowering trees, and benches where you can admire the scenery and relax. You can find the park on Guangyian Road in Xu Jia Hui District of Shanghai.

Xujiahui Park: It is one of Shanghai's biggest parks, covering almost an entire block in the Xujiahui District. The park's main attraction is a 200-meter long sky bridge that gives breathtaking views of the human-made river on which it sits. You can spot many black swans in the river and locals exercising.

Xujiahui Park

National Parks

Shanghai Grand View Park: Shanghai Grand View Park is a popular national feature that consists of various courtyards, towers, pools, bridges, lodges, waterways, flowering trees, gardens, and landscape woodlands. The garden homes a wide variety of flora that attract a lot of locals and tourists. It is a must-visit place that will provide you with an enlightening experience.

Gongqing Forest Park: It is the second biggest park in Shanghai that sits in the Yangpu District. You will find that Gongqing welcomes a smaller number of visitors, unlike other parks, as it is located far from the city. The Gongqing Forest Park is an ideal place for nature lovers where you can spot a wide variety of flora and fauna living and prospering in their natural habitats.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park: It is an essential national feature of Shanghai that homes a wide variety of animals such as elephants, big cats, yaks, deers, etc. The park covers about 153 hectares of area and is best to be explored by foot or safari buses. You can find the zoo in the Pudong District in Shanghai, and is worth the trip and time.

Mixed group of Caribbean Flamingo and Greater Flamingo at Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Beaches

Laomatou Sunshine Beach: It is a human-made beach south of the Bund in the Huangpu District. It is a great place to lose Shanghai's crowded and busy streets and get some peaceful time by yourself or with your friends or family. The beach offers reclining beach furniture with umbrellas where you can get your tan on while enjoying the Bund and surrounding areas' stunning views.

Jinshan City Beach: Another human-made beach in Shanghai gives a good beach vibe and access to the sea where you can swim, sunbath, stroll, and catch crabs. It gets crowded in the summers as it is the only proper beach near Shanghai, and the locals like to visit the beach on weekends to relax and rejuvenate their bodies and minds. You can find the beach on Xincheng Road in the Jinshan District of Shanghai.

BihaiJinsha Water Park: It is a luxurious beach area in Fen Xian District in Shanghai that offers beautiful white sand from Hainan province. Bihai Jinsha Park is a great place where you can enjoy some peaceful time while getting some fresh air that isn't polluted. You will find fewer crowds on weekdays than on the weekends as the locals like to visit the Bihai Jinsha water park with their families and friends.

A huge crowd of people at Jinshan City Beach

Landmarks

The Bund: It is a cultural landmark along the western bank of the Huangpujiang River. You will find that the area gives off a European feel as it has many buildings with British and French architecture. Presently, these buildings serve as restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and offices. It is a must-visit place for tourists in Shanghai as it possesses impressive Art Deco architecture collections.

Tianzifang: It is an old European district in Shanghai where you can discover the Chinese art and craft. It homes many buildings that possess well-preserved architecture and layout. You can have a great time exploring the galleries, cafes, craft shops, and music joints. You can also find many restaurants serving authentic Chinese food at reasonable prices and high quality.

Nanjing Road: It is a significant shopping street in Shanghai that runs for several miles and is preferred by locals and tourists. The street homes many street vendors, boutiques, malls, department stores, restaurants, cafes, and cinemas. You can spend a fantastic time exploring the traditional and local art items and watch street performances by local Chinese artists.

People’s Square: It is a significant public space in Shanghai that homes many important buildings like the Shanghai Museum, Grand Theatre, Shanghai City Hall, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, etc. You can find the square in Wusheng Road in Huangpu district and have a fantastic time discovering the city's beauty.

Moganshan 50: It is Shanghai's architectural landmark, which is a modern art district on Moganshan Road in Shanghai. The district homes some of the best art galleries and museums that showcase different art types from local and prominent artists. It is a photogenic district where you can find many unique graffiti forms that will give you groovy backgrounds for your Instagram pictures.

Chongming Island: It is a protected wetland area in the northern part of Shanghai that homes a reserve for migratory birds. While visiting the place, you will find many organic farms that provide locally sourced produce and high-quality meat products to many organic restaurants and cafes in the city. You can also find one of the three remaining Confucian Temples of Shanghai residing in this protected area.

Xintiandi: It is a shopping and dining street in the Central Huangpu District of Shanghai, where you can enjoy car-free and peaceful streets. The site is a historical landmark as it is the place that held the first congressional meeting of the Communist Party of China. It offers fine dining options and shikumen housing that will enhance your Shanghai experience.

"Bund," pronounced like "fund," is an Anglo-Indian word that means "embankment." Major buildings, from left to right: Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank (dome), Customs House (tallest, with clock), North China Daily News Building (two red flags), Peace Hotel (formerly Sassoon House; tall, green peaked roof), Bank of China

Museums

The Shanghai Museum: It is a major museum in China that showcases classical Chinese art. You can find the building on Renmin Avenue in Shanghai and spend some fantastic time exploring China's history, culture, and art. The museum possesses extensive art collections of calligraphy, drawings, seals, furnishings of the Ming and Qing periods, coins, and jade.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: It is one of a kind museum in China in the Pudong district of Shanghai that is one of the tourists' main attractions. The museum exhibits include some state of the art science theatres, permanent display items, and interactive multimedia exhibits. It also homes the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and Shanghai Zoo, which are great places to explore the marine life and native Chinese animal species.

The China Art Museum: The China Art Palace is Asia's most extensive art gallery that homes some of the most significant modern art collections. These collections include work from prominent Chinese artists that depict the cultural development of Shanghai over the years. It also homes the Oriental Art Center and Shanghai Grand Theatre, which are the best places to indulge in live music performances and theatre.

Shanghai Natural History Museum: It is a stunning world-class museum that dates back to 1956 when it was first built. It covers over 40,000 square meters in area and homes a massive amount of collection of 240,000 artefacts. These artefacts include rare and ancient specimens of animals and plants of over 140 million years ago. If you love to learn about historical things, then it is a place that you don't want to miss visiting while exploring Shanghai.

Shanghai Museum of Glass: Set in Changjiang West Road in Shanghai, it is a unique museum that showcases the history of glass and its importance in ancient China. Many breathtaking pieces by renowned artists as exhibits in the museum will give you enchanting feelings. The museum also offers a glass-blowing class where you can learn the art and create a masterpiece or souvenir to take back home with you.

The Shanghai Museum

Eat

When it comes to Chinese food, Kung pao chicken, egg rolls, ramen, and fried rice comes in mind of every non-Chinese person. You will feel shocked to hear that there are a vast diversity of food cuisines that are split into eight regional cuisines. As the second most populated city in China, you can easily find all kinds of Chinese dishes in local restaurants and cafes. You will find that the local prefer to eat healthy and nutritious food with lots of vegetables and meats. You will find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are popular and you will not find much trouble in conveying your food preferences. Apart from these traditional and modern cuisines, the local street food is a must-try one that will leave your mouth lingering with their flavours.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Da Dong Roast Duck: Da Dong Roast Duck is a traditional restaurant that is popular for serving the best tasting Peking Duck in Shanghai. You'd be surprised that they didn't invent it but are famous for serving an authentic flavoured Peking Duck dish. Da Dong Roast Duck has many chains that are available in many cities in China, but the best one in Shanghai is on Jiaxing Road.

Pin Chuan: Pin Chuan is a traditional restaurant that is popular as the best Sichuanese food in Shanghai. You can find the restaurant on Taojiang Road in Shanghai and can indulge in mouth-numbing spicy tasting dishes that have authentic flavours.

Duo Jie La: Duo Jei la is the best traditional-style restaurant that will provide you with the best fresh meat of yak, chicken, goat and mutton. It serves fantastic cooking combinations of Yunnanese and Xinjiang cuisines with Indian and Nepalese influences. Duo Jie La offers a pure Tibetan dining experience to the customers with the juicy meat that is cooked in traditional Chinese style.

Lotus Eatery: Lotus Eatery is a unique and cheerful restaurant that specializes in some of China's progressively exotic southwestern style food. The dishes of the eatery focus on flowers, mushrooms, and insects as the main ingredients of the food item. You can find the eatery on Yangzhai Road in Shanghai and try some unique dishes like fried bugs, fried goat cheese, etc.

A Luo: A Luo is the best restaurants to get Xinjiang cuisine food in shanghai. The main attractions of the restaurant are the homemade sour yoghurt, rice pilaf with lamb, and the milk cake. Rice with lamb is a must-try dish in Shanghai that will leave delicious after-taste traces of its flavour in your mouth.

The traditional Pecking duck served at the Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Vegetarian and Vegan

Wuguan Tang: It is an elegant clam restaurant has been one of the best mainstays to Shanghai vegetarian scene for years. They have a handwritten menu, where you can find lovely fresh vegetable dishes that look simple but are flavorful when you are having the crunch and off-course without MSG. The restaurant offers a spacious place which is ethic to their culture looks and feels along with it they have a terrace to dine.

Godly Vegetarian Restaurant: Dating back to 1922, it is Shanghai’s most historical vegetarian restaurant which is famous for having mixed influential dishes from two different cultures; Buddhist and Huaiyang, in their divine menu as per restaurants name Godly. It attracted influential personalities throughout history, including Lu Xun, the father of modern Chinese poetry. Its most famous dish is wheat gluten cooked with black wood ear mushrooms which are to delight taste-bud.

Fu He Hui: The restaurant is among the top 50 restaurants in Asia which are led by Chef Lu, a Michelin star awarded in 2017. It is the only restaurant that promotes education in China's diverse fungi, some of which you are very unlikely, even known. The grilled porcini smoked in a jar with a grapevine which accompanies a mushroom dip is the most popular dish of the restaurant.

Vegetarian Lifestyle: It is a unique restaurant in Shanghai which has represented the art of "Fake Meat" which consists of tofu or seitan. It is modified in such a creative way that some of the dishes look similar to their meat counterparts. You can find the restaurant in the Jing’an District of Shanghai and is a fun dining place for vegan and vegetarian lovers.

Lucky Zen: A decade-old restaurant in the South of Xintiandi area, it has a quiet and peaceful environment. They have not only vegetarian dishes on the menu but also provides fake meats options. The best time to visit the restaurant is during the weekdays as it can get hectic during weekends and you will need to make reservations in advance.

Street Food

Chinese street food is something that needs to be on your to-do list while visiting the country. The local street food vendors are no less than professional chefs, and their dishes will leave you wanting more every single time you eat out. There is a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes that will fulfil your hunger and satisfy your heart. Here are some famous street food dishes are you can try while exploring the streets of Shanghai;

Ci Fan: Ci fan is a must-try street food dish in Shanghai that is available at every street vendor's shop. It is a popular breakfast dish as it has healthy and nutritious qualities that will provide your body with energy. The food item consists of a glutinous rice ball that has different types of stuffing options like pickled vegetables, eggs and ham, pork floss, youtiao, and white sugar.

Tea Eggs: The dish consists of hard-boiled eggs that get their flavour from green tea and soy sauce. It is a popular street food dish amongst the locals as it serves as comfort food to them. You can find the food item in almost every street food vendor's shop.

Guo Tie: Guo Tie a unique Chinese street food item that looks like a fried bun on the outside but has a hot stuffing to a dumpling on the inside. It is quite popular among local and tourists, and you can find it serving near the prominent squares, landmarks, and streets in Shanghai.

Hong Shan Yu: Baked sweet potato is a popular street food dish that is cheap and nutritious. You will find that the food item is usually sold by vendors in a pushcart and served piping hot. It is a healthy snack that is popular during the winters in Shanghai.

Soup Dumpling: It is a classic Chinese dish that is popular all over the World. It is perhaps the most common street food in Shanghai and is the top preference of locals and tourists. These dumplings are velvety and delicate but hold a mind-blowing stuffing inside. You can find this selling all the time during the day and night.

XieKe Huang: It is a crab shell pie that is a seasonal street food dish made using Shanghainese man's hairy crab. It is available in sweet and savoury fillings and looks irresistible when they are freshly baked. You can find these street food dishes in many street vendors' shop and are a must-try item while exploring the street food culture of Shanghai.

Ci fan tuan in a traditional Chinese steaming basket

Drink

There is no doubt that Chinese people love to drink regularly and especially on special occasions with friends and family. There are many Chinese alcoholics and non-alcoholic beverages that you can see in the local cafés, restaurants, bars, and pubs in Shanghai. These drinks will help you in understand the significance and increasing popularity amongst the locals. Here are some beverages that can try while exploring Shanghai;

Baijiu: It is the national liquor of China which is a must-drink beverage while exploring the drinking culture of Shanghai. You will need a lot of courage to the liquor as it is not for the faint-hearted people. It contains 40 – 60% alcohol content and with a pungent taste. You can find it in almost all restaurants, bars, pubs, and breweries in Shanghai.

Chinese Tea: China is the country from where the tea culture began. You will find a wide range of teas are popular among the locals for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Chinese tea is a non-alcoholic beverage that is made using various herbs, leaves, medicinal parts of plants, and even fruits. The most common teas in Shanghai are the Chrysanthemum, Milk and Wang Lao Ji tea that can be consumed alone or at the side of a spicy or savoury dish.

Fruity Drinks: The locals are very conscious of their health and try different ways to keep their bodies healthy and fit. The popularity of fruity drinks is no secret. You can find a wide variety of fruit drinks that are made using fruits' juices. Plum juice, Arctic Ocean Orange Soda, Mai Dong are some famous drinks in Shanghai that you can easily find in bars, restaurants, cafes, and vending machines.

Qingdao Beer: It is a German-style beer that has popularity not only in China but all over the World. The beer has low alcohol content and a light taste that is ideal for a night out with friends or family. You can easily find beer in most restaurants and cafes in Shanghai.

Wine: Since Chinese people love to drink, the popularity of wine is increasing recently amongst the locals. Red Grape Wine and White Grape Wine are trendy drinks for a family occasion or celebration. These wines are usually imported from European brewing companies and have authentic tastes that will leave you content and happy.

Baijiu (clear distilled Chinese liquor made from spring water, sorghum, glutinous rice, and wheat)

Tap-water

The primary sources of tap water supply in Shanghai are from surface water and groundwater. The Qingcaosha is the largest reservoir in China and serves Shanghai city's water requirement as well. There is no shortage in the availability of tap water in Shanghai, but the quality of the water is something that you need to consider before you take the risk of consuming it. Although the Chinese government states that the water is drinkable and follows the standards set by Environment Protection Agency and the World Health Organization, you will find that most Chinese families in China do not prefer tap water sources. In recent researches, the tap water of China came out to be not safe for drinking even after boiling and filtering as the water contains high levels of toxic, lead, and heavy metals. While travelling in China, you should avoid drinking from public sources and prefer mineral water bottles. Instead of disposable water bottles, prefer reusable water bottles that you can refill.

Organic Cafés

The popularity of organic food is an increasing phenomenon in China, as the locals are very conscious of their diets and like to eat nutritious and healthy food. You can find a lot of Organic Cafés in Shanghai that serve dishes that are made using locally sourced quality products. These cafés are the best places where you can indulge in organic and quality non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. If you are a health-conscious person, then you must visit these cafés.

Green & Safe

Avocado Lady

Organic Kitchen

The Coffee Bean

Baker & Spice Café

Coffee Tree

Qimin Organic Hot Pot

Honolulu Coffee

Seesaw Coffee

Breweries

Beer Lady (Suzhou): It is a perfect place to try different beers with a group of friends. The location Suzhou South Road (Near Xinchang Road), which is convenient for people’s square and Jing’an area. The bottles of liquor are cheap essence of quality and aroma. Suppose you want to loosen up. Well, its 24 hrs open but during winters closes at 2 am. They not only have Chinese crafted beers, but also they have every sort of beer you have seen in Asia. The bar boasts it has over 1000 types of beer.

Boxing Cat Brewery: It is one of Shanghai's O.G. craft beer joints, and a fact about Boxing Cat Brewery is that it has won almost 40 international awards - a clear indication these bar folks are doing things right as it should be. Talking about their menu features, they have an impressive, diverse section of IPAs, pilsners, lagers and more of the varieties. It is located Sinan Mansions Unit 26A, 519 Fu Xing Rd. and features South American comfort food along with British as well as South-Asian accents.

Daga Brewpub: It is the swagger version of common-bar and pub as its primary key focus is to serve the Chinese craft beers above anything else. If you are looking for a refreshing and relaxing place, this brewpub is ideal to you as a relatively adventurous tippling experience. It offers a wide selection of locally-brewed craft beers—over 50 beers on tap. If you are looking for a chill experience, make sure to check out their roof-top patio for sure during the lunar eclipse.

Liquid Laundry: It consists of Great beers & next-level pub grub. If you are bustling on the streets of Shanghai, you will likely to bump into the Liquid Laundry as it is located near Donghu Road. It is a lively gastropub which has dozens of brew taps. Their food takes bar bites to the next level, delicious dishes such as wood-fire oven pizza, duck nuggets and hand-crafted charcuterie.

Shanghai Brewery: It is another Multi-award-winning brewery in Shanghai in our list breweries. It has gained international acclaim for its top-notch craft beers which are brewed using only the best-imported ingredients around the globe. They have craft beers from other local high-end craft breweries such as the award-winning Mad Dragon Brewery and Taste Room Brewers, as well as occasional "Guest Brews" which makes them top-notch and of their kind who serves the finest beers.

Activities

Apart from all the historical and cultural tours, there are many things that you can do to enhance your Shanghai experience. These activities will help you understand the local communities, the people, and their livelihood. Some of these activities will also help you create a memorable time. Here are some activities that you can do while exploring Shanghai;

Admire the city’s skyline from the Bund

Take a ride of the Maglev

Explore the food and drinking culture

Watch performances by local artists at the theatres

Take a trip to a local brewery

Go for wine tastings

Take a cooking class from a local Chinese chef

Take a night stroll on Nanjing Road

Yoga and Retreats

With increasing awareness for the need for a healthy and fit lifestyle, the Chinese people are gaining interest in yoga; which is an ancient Indian practice for maintaining the health of mind and body. You will find that young people are the ones that like to participate in such fitness exercised. There are many yoga institutes in Shanghai where you can train under a qualified and experienced yoga teacher. Some of the renowned yoga studios and recreational centres in Shanghai are;

Body and Soul Yoga Club

Y+ Yoga Center

The Orange Room Wellness Center

Z&B Fitness

Red Door Yoga

Yoga Room

Accommodation

There are various options for accommodation in Shanghai that range from cheap to luxurious rates. You will not face much trouble in trying to find an appropriate place for staying according to your preferences and budget as the options are so many. You can opt from a large variety of options for five-star hotels, eco-friendly hotels, hostels, guesthouses, rental apartments, and campsites. You can also opt for couch-surfing, which is starting to gain popularity in Asian countries and there are many college and university students that are eager in helping out a foreign tourist in having the best Shanghai experience.

Green Hotels

Kunlun Jing An Hotel: It is one of the leading green hotels on Hua Shan Road in Shanghai. You will find that the hotel is one of the first hotels to support eco-friendly practices in China. Instead of using disposable toiletries, the hotel uses reusable and environment-friendly toiletries. Although the hotel is a five-star hotel, it is dully meeting all of its corporate social responsibilities head-ons.

Guangzhou Hotel: It is another luxury hotel that has turned itself into a green hotel to promote eco-friendly practices. You will find that the hotel employs staff from the local communities to support them and help them grow. Other environment-friendly measures adopted by the hotel are; avoiding the use of plastic items, reuse of water for toilets, smart lights, etc.

The Langham: It is a five-star hotel on Madang Road in the Huangpu district of Shanghai. The hotel is not only famous for its prime location, but also for promoting eco-friendly practices and supporting the local communities. You will find that the hotel follows various eco-friendly rules that help in maintaining its carbon footprint and minimizing daily waste.

URBN Boutique Shanghai: It is a green boutique on Jiaozhou Road in Jing'an District of Shanghai. The boutique is a carbon-neutral one that offers amenities like free WiFi, restaurant for dining, and friendly staff. It is a popular eco-hotel in Shanghai among tourists who are travelling with a tight budget.

Radisson Blu Plaza Xing Guo Hotel: It is a luxury green hotel on Xingguo Road in Changning District of Shanghai. The hotel offers luxurious facilities like bar service, indoor pool, free WiFi, etc., which gives it a Chic quarters’ vibe. The hotel also follows various policies to eradicate the use of items that are harmful to the environment. It is one of the best green hotels in Shanghai with great amenities and reasonable prices.

Guangzhou Hotel

Hostels and Guest Houses

Apartments

While travelling through Shanghai for an extended period, apartments serve as a better option of accommodation then the five-star hotels, hostels and guest houses. You will find that renting out an apartment can be relatively cheaper if you are travelling with your friends or family. Before you rent out an apartment, make sure to check the property properly and get some reviews of current residents in the apartment building. Also, make sure that the property is legal and approved for tourism purposes.

Couchsurfing

Couch surfing may not seem like a common concept in Asian cities. Still, surprisingly, it is gaining a lot of popularity and recognition as a cheap and affordable mode of accommodation. Chinese people are amicable and welcoming. You will not face much trouble in finding a good couch surfing host. Are you need to do is to get on the couch surfing website, search for CouchSurfing hosts In the city that you are travelling too. You will need to create a good deal beforehand with the host to avoid any unfortunate and uncomfortable situations.

Camping

Camping is one of the best modes of accommodation for travellers that seek some peaceful and quiet time in the lap of nature. Campsites are affordable and cheap accommodation option for travellers with a tight budget. There are several campsites in Shanghai where you can camp with fellow campers and participate in recreational activities and extreme sports. Here are some famous grounds in Shanghai that can serve as an ideal camping spot for you and your companions.

Lin Jia Camping Site Shanghai

Ziwei Park

Yu Garden

Oriental Land

Dongping National Forest Park

Gucun Park

Cherry blossom festival at Gucun Park

How to Get There

There are many ways to reach Shanghai-like trains, buses, aeroplanes, taxis, rental cars, etc. These public or private transports are easy to access and are very convenient. If you are in your home city and want to reach the city directly, then you can opt for aeroplanes as they are the fastest mode of travelling to another country. If you are already in China, you can choose from various transport services like long-distance buses, trains, rental cars, etc. These are affordable and quite convenient modes of travel. You can also opt for hitchhiking, but you may face trouble getting to the city in time, and it isn't the most comfortable mode of travel.

Air

There are two international airports; the Pudong International Airport and the Hongqiao International Airport. These two airports provide flights to various major cities of the World. If you want to reach Shanghai directly, then you can opt for flights that land at one of these airports. These airports also provide domestic flights to other cities from Shanghai. If you are already in China, then you can opt for these cheat and affordable domestic flights to reach Shanghai.

Inside the Hongqiao International Airport

Bus

Four major national highways and expressways run through the city and connect to the other nearby towns as well. Many public and private buses vary according to the distance that you want to travel. The long-distance buses are usually private buses and ideal for getting from one city to the another. Travelling through the buses in China is very easy as there is a convenient online portal where you can buy the tickets for your travel. There are many public buses and airport shuttle buses that run inside the city areas to help the locals and the tourists get to different locations with ease.

Local bus in Shanghai

Train

Shanghai has a well-connected railway system that is inexpensive and comfortable for long-distance travels. There are three primary railway stations in China in the three prominent cities; Beijing, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. These railway stations serve to connect to every small to a big town in the country.

Shanghai-Xuzhou Train leaving Shanghai Station

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a common practice in Asian cities among travellers that are low on cash and budget. It is an environmentally friendly practice to ask for a lift to a nearby town or city. If you want to hitchhike to reach Shanghai, you will not face much trouble as the locals are always very eager in helping out a foreign tourist. The familiar thumbs-up gesture to ask for left on the highways and roads can be used in China as well.

Others

Apart from aeroplanes and public transports, other options of travelling to Shanghai include rental car services, boating, and private long-distance buses. These options are not eco friendly as the cause of harm to the local environment by using non-renewable resources and emitting greenhouse gases. You need to avoid such modes of transports so that you can travel in an eco-friendly manner and save lots of money.

Moving Around

If you want to travel and explore the various areas of Shanghai, then the best option at your disposal are the public transports such as subway trains, available buses, and electronic vehicles. These modes of transportations are efficient in helping you move around Shanghai and discover the hidden gems of the city. Walking is an alternative mode of moving around but is the healthiest and cheapest mode. While exploring the city, always prefer using public transports or electric vehicles to maintain your carbon footprint and make use of the local services of the town.

Walk

The best way to move around the city and discover lesser-known facts and places is by walking. It is the only mode that doesn't cost even a single penny while keeping you healthy and fit. Many places in Shanghai are not reachable by vehicles like cars, bikes, and trains. These areas can be only accessible by foot. Walking is perhaps the best way to discover new things and observe and learn about the local communities and the peoples’ livelihood.

Bicycle

If you cannot travel long distances by walking, then you can use an electronic or mechanical bicycle to cover up distances at a faster pace. Bicycles are friendly to the environment and your travel budget. You can easily find bike renting stores in almost every district of Shanghai.

Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles are gaining a lot of popularity in China as they have become a necessity for the local people. With high rates of pollution and exploitation of natural resources, China is nowhere near to decreasing it's pollution rates. The government promotes the use of electronic vehicles by setting up various charging stations and parking areas for such cars. The users of electronic cars and bikes also receive relaxation for taxes. You can easily find many electronic vehicles stores in Shanghai, but you may need to make a booking to ensure that you can get a vehicle the day of your travel.

Electronic bus in Shanghai

Public Bus

Public buses in China are the cheapest mode of moving around Shanghai. These buses are a standard mode of transportation for the locals and are entirely safe for tourists as well. You can use public buses to travel to different areas of the city and gain some useful information from the locals on the bus.

Tram, Train and Subway

Presently, there is only one tram network in Shanghai that covers an area of 10 kilometres in the distance. It is an excellent way of moving around the city and exploring the local culture, heritages, and landmarks.

Four railway stations in Shanghai serve the locals and tourists for moving around the city. These railway networks are some of the fastest ways of moving around the town and getting some beautiful views of the urban jungle.

The metro system in Shanghai is the second biggest network for metro trains in the World. It is the fastest mode of moving around the city and is the most popular public transport for working-class people and students. The metro trains can help you reach any part of the city with ease and safety.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is a popular trend in the Chinese fashion industry as the people are realizing the importance and need for changing their ways and opting for eco-friendly measures. You will find many Chinese models and actors promoting the use of such items. These items are sourced from locally available resources and consider all environmental aspects to avoid any negative impact. There are many places where you can shop sustainably and act as a responsible person. These places are the local food markets, flea markets, second-hand stores, and eco-fashion stores.

Food Markets

These markets serve as the primary source of fresh and quality food products in Shanghai. You will find that these markets home local businesses and people that sell high quality produces at a reasonable rate. These markets are better options as they are relatively cheaper and better sources than the frozen and preserved food in the supermarkets and departmental stores. By buying produce from the local fishermen, farmers, and producers, you can help them in growing their business.

Shanghai Yandong Wuchang Non-Staple Food Market

Shanghai Shilipu Oil and Grain Food Transaction Market

Shanghai Zhongguang Non-Staple Food Market

Muslim Food Shoppe

Shanghai Qingyi Fresh Food Supermarket

Flea Markets

These markets consist of local businesses and people that sell second-hand products that are reusable. These markets are run by local people and the best places to find local art and craft items. You can find these markets fill with handmade products as well, which represent the local culture and people. These are must-visit markets where you can buy souvenirs for your trip.

East Street Flea Market

Zhennan Road Flea Market

Futou Antique Market

Shanghai Antique Market

Hongqiao Pearl Market

Hongqiao Pearl Market

Second Hand Stores

These stores are some of the most common places for shopping for lower-income groups and budgeted travellers. These stores sell second-hand products that possess the potential for reuse. You can find many antique items at low rates as well.

Shanghai Honour Pawn Shop

Xieyuan Second-Hand Goods

Dajia Second-Hand Goods Shop

Huaihai Second-hand Goods Shopping Mall

Eco-Fashion

You will find that eco-fashion is a viral trend among Chinese people. Many models and brands serve such type of clothing items which is why it is gaining a lot of popularity. While looking for eco-fashion stores, prefer local businesses as they sell products sourced from the local environment.

Xinlelu

Cotton

Uniqlo

Roots

Recycling

Shanghai is the most polluted city in China, and the need for proper recycling and waste disposal is essential to protect and conserve the environment. You will find that there are many recycling stores in various districts where you can take your recyclable waste and get it appropriately recycled. These stores offer various monetary or store voucher services that you can use for buying other recyclable items and services. The government has also provided multiple incentives to people that are following various measures of recycling waste and saving natural resources.

Waste

Pollution is a severe problem in Shanghai, and there are many measures that the government has put into action to control it. You will find that there are dumpsters and garbage disposal trucks in every street of the districts in Shanghai. While exploring and travelling, make sure to use these containers and vehicles to dispose of the waste properly, or you can get into trouble for violating the laws and environment.

Work and Study Abroad

Shanghai holds a lot of significance as it is the financial centre of the World. There are two major stock exchanges in the city that are many decades old and hold a lot of significance to the current world economy. You will find that as the financial hub, the educational and career opportunities in Shanghai are the best in Asia. All you need to do to get admission is apply to the various institutions and meet their requirements. The education system is one of the best, and you will be able to learn a lot about Chinese culture, history, heritage, and people.

Exchange Student

The student exchange program is a worldwide program that enables students from different countries to study in another country and learn about local culture and traditions. You will find that many institutions in Shanghai are part of the program and offer various scholarships to such students. Here are some of the renowned colleges and universities in Shanghai;

Shanghai University

Fudan University

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

New York University Shanghai

Au Pair

Au pairing is a relatively new concept in Asian countries where a foreign couple helps out a family in meeting their responsibilities and managing a household. The couple helps the family members in education and career to help them build a better life with lots of potentials. You will hardly find an Au Pair or a family participating in such activities as they are accustomed to managing by themselves or with the help of their close relatives or neighbours.

Volunteering

Many volunteering organizations in Shanghai are fighting to resolve various cultural, environmental, and social problems such as violence against women and children, child labour, animal protection, environment protection, humanitarian rights, etc.

Shanghai Public Service Foundation for Volunteers

Habitat for Humanity

Shanghai Society Bangjiao Volunteer Association

Minhang Volunteer Home

By participating in the activities of these organizations, you can play your vital role as a responsible tourist and help out someone that needs your help.