Top places to visit

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium This fantastic aquarium showcases underwater creatures from around the globe; sharks, jelly fish, sea lions, dolphins, otters and different varieties of fish are all on exhibit here. The observation tunnel is brilliant and all that separates the visitor from these fantastic sea creatures is glass.

This pagoda is the 5th tallest building in the world. On the 88th floor is an observation deck which provides the most brilliant views of the city of Shanghai. This is one of the most renowned architectural sites known for its fusion of eastern and western architectural styles.

This has to be one of the most stunning edifices in all of Shanghai. Its claim to fame is that it is the tallest tower in all of Asia standing at over 1500 feet off the ground. The edifice comprises of three spheres and the architecture is incredibly modern and futuristic. Visit the observation decks to get a wonderful view of the city and visit the Shanghai History Museum. This museum showcases the history of this city especially life under colonization.

This fantastic aquarium showcases underwater creatures from around the globe- sharks, jelly fish, sea lions, dolphins, otters and different varieties of fish are all on exhibit here. The observation tunnel is brilliant and all that separates the visitor from these fantastic sea creatures is glass.

This is an interesting museum and popular amongst tourists and locals alike. This will make for a fantastic outing for both children and adults. The concept behind this is for visitors to engage in and interact with the exhibits. This is a good way to learn about the earth and its resources especially via simulations.

This park is popular amongst locals who come here to while the weekend away. It is fast becoming a tourist hot spot as well. The park comprises of a garden, a man made beach, a mini-golf course, a bird protection area and a lake where fishing and boating is allowed.

This cemetery is worth a visit as it served as the venue of the execution of many communists in the 1920s prior to the Chinese Revolution and Communist era. These individuals were persecuted, tortured and ultimately killed on these premises. The tunnel via which the execution area is arrived at is eerie and the place still retains a chilly ambience.

This cathedral is worth stopping over at as it will give visitors a good idea of the history of Shanghai and the phase particularly during which it underwent European colonization. The cathedral dates back to 1910 and was opened by the Jesuits. Nearby is the grave of an official belonging to the Ming Dynasty who had converted to Catholicism when Jesuit missionaries had visited China during the 16th Century. The architecture is distinctly European with gargoyles, stained glass and renderings of the Last Supper adorning the interiors.

This museum has a spectacular interior. The architecture is distinctly French with gleaming marble floors and palatial scale staircases, wooden beams and stained glass windows. On display are various intricate and lovely pieces of wood carving, ivory carvings as well as creations composed of jade and bamboo. In addition there are traditional lanterns, dresses, tapestries, fans and snuff boxes on display.

This temple dates back to the Song Dynasty. This is a very important temple and the largest of its kind in Shanghai. The four halls contain statues of Buddha, his disciples and other protagonists. Do not miss the over 3 tonne bell which is rung 108 times at New Year's to rid the world of all its problems and diseases.

This is a significant archaeological site since the remnants of the old city wall which stretches for about 40 meters dates back to a time when the Chinese people of Shanghai sought to protect themselves from Japanese attacks around the mid- 16th century. Located nearby is a small museum showcasing life in the old city of Shanghai and giving a glimpse of the history of this city.

This museum is located in a clock tower building erected on premises formerly used as a racecourse during colonial times. Sturdy wood and gleaming marble make for a stunning interior. The art on display is interesting as well as diverse. All mediums of art are used. The content varies from traditional to more contemporary.

This museum is dedicated to showcasing photographs of the Bund so as to depict its rich history as an architectural marvel and the site of political turmoil, the buildings that stood there in the past and those that stand here in the present.

This street is probably Shanghai's most famous. Be sure to stroll along this riverside boulevard where a number of stalls have sprung up and where locals and foreigners alike can be seen participating and practicing dancing, aerobics and tai chi.

This temple as it now stands was built in 1918. It is a hot spot for tourists because of its beautiful architecture, its magnificent halls, the two statues of Buddha carved from a single piece of white jade and transported by a monk from Burma to Shanghai, a sleeping Buddha, and some fantastic bejeweled massive images of the same.

Shanghai's famed troupe frequently conducts acrobatic, circus and magic shows at this venue. These performances are excellent and often feature lions, elephants, pandas and tigers.

This is a renowned water park- the largest of its kind in Asia. Be sure to spend the day here. Adults and children alike are bound to enjoy it considering the variety of rides there are to enjoy. These include water slides [one of these is as long as 500 feet!], an absolutely massive wave pool, swimming pools and water sports such as water polo and volleyball.

This renowned aquarium in Shanghai is an exciting place for children to be where they can explore and gaze at wonderful dazzling underwater creatures. Penguins, sea horses, turtles and rays are all there in addition to the usual Sharks. The unique feature of this aquarium is its touch pool where children can touch and join crabs, urchins and starfish. Scuba diving can also be learnt here.