Top Things to do in Shanghai

top cultural hands-on activities in a shanghai trip

Shanghai is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of hands-on activities that can help visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. Here are some top cultural hands-on activities to try during a Shanghai trip:

Chinese Calligraphy Class: Take a Chinese calligraphy class to learn the art of writing Chinese characters. You'll learn about the history and meaning behind each character and create your own unique piece of art.

Dumpling Making: Take a dumpling-making class to learn how to make Shanghai's most famous dish. You'll learn how to wrap the dumplings, mix the filling and cook them, before enjoying a tasty meal.

Chinese Tea Ceremony: Attend a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to learn about the art of tea-making and tea-drinking. You'll sample different types of tea and learn about their health benefits.

Chinese Brush Painting: Take a Chinese brush painting class to learn the art of painting with ink and brushes. You'll learn about the different styles and techniques, and create your own masterpiece to take home.

Chinese Knotting: Learn the ancient art of Chinese knotting, which involves tying intricate knots to create beautiful decorations. You'll learn about the different types of knots and their meanings, and create your own unique piece of art.

Tai Chi: Practice Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. You'll learn about the health benefits and history of Tai Chi while improving your balance and flexibility.

Acrobatics Show: Attend an acrobatics show to witness the incredible strength, flexibility and agility of the performers. You'll be amazed by their feats of balance and coordination.

Huangpu River Cruise: Take a Huangpu River cruise to see the city skyline from a different perspective. You'll learn about the history and culture of the city while enjoying beautiful views of the Bund and the Pudong financial district.

Shanghai Museum: Visit the Shanghai Museum to learn about the history and culture of Shanghai and China. You'll see exhibits on art, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and other historical artifacts.

City Bike Tour: Take a city bike tour to explore the streets of Shanghai and get a feel for the local culture. You'll see historic neighborhoods, modern skyscrapers, and famous landmarks while learning about the city's history and culture.

top outdoor adventures to do in a shanghai trip

While Shanghai is known for its bustling city and towering skyscrapers, there are also plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy in the surrounding areas. Here are some top outdoor adventures to do on a Shanghai trip:

Hiking in Moganshan: Located about 2.5 hours from Shanghai, Moganshan offers great hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains. There are several trails to choose from, including a popular trek to the top of Moganshan.

Cycling on Chongming Island: Chongming Island is a large island located in the Yangtze River delta, just a short ferry ride from Shanghai. The island offers plenty of cycling trails that take you through scenic countryside and along the coast.

Rock climbing in Qingliangfeng: Located in Zhejiang Province, Qingliangfeng is a popular spot for rock climbing. The area has over 300 routes for climbers of all skill levels, and the stunning views from the top make it worth the climb.

Water sports at Dishui Lake: Located in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, Dishui Lake offers a range of water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

Camping in Dianshan Lake: Dianshan Lake is a large lake located about 1.5 hours from Shanghai. There are several campsites around the lake where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the scenic views.

Skiing at Yinqixing Ski Resort: Located in the suburbs of Shanghai, Yinqixing Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. The resort has several slopes and a variety of amenities, including a restaurant and a ski shop.

These are just a few examples of the many outdoor adventures you can enjoy on a Shanghai trip. With a little research and planning, you're sure to find something that suits your interests and preferences.

top 5 food must try in a shanghai trip

Shanghai is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, influenced by both traditional Chinese dishes and international flavors. Here are the top 5 foods you must try on a trip to Shanghai:

Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings): This is a type of steamed dumpling filled with savory pork and a rich, flavorful soup. To eat them, carefully pick up the dumpling with chopsticks, dip it in vinegar and ginger, and then take a small bite to let the soup inside cool down before devouring the rest.

Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns): These are similar to xiaolongbao but are pan-fried on the bottom, giving them a crispy texture. They are also filled with juicy pork and can be dipped in vinegar and soy sauce for extra flavor.

Cong you bing (scallion pancakes): A flaky, crispy pancake made with scallions and sesame oil. It's a popular breakfast food in Shanghai and can also be eaten as a snack.

Da Zha Xie (hairy crab): A delicacy in Shanghai, hairy crab is a type of crab that is only in season in the autumn months. The meat is sweet and tender, and it is typically eaten steamed with a side of vinegar and ginger.