5 Top Places to Visit in Shanghai

If you’re travelling in the Far East and decide to venture into the vast land of China, then the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai is certainly one of the highlights. The city dubbed the Pearl of the Orient and the Paris of the east offers something for everyone. From ultra-modern architecture, uber-cool clubs and bars to traditional teahouses and beautiful classical Chinese gardens, Shanghai can be regarded as a microcosm of the vibrant, insatiable waking giant that is modern China. The choice of places to go and things to see and do is endless. Here’s a short list to help you on your way.

1. Oriental Pearl Tower
Standing on the banks of the Hangpu river the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most popular tourist destinations attracting over 3 million visitors a year.

Completed in 1995 and with a height of 468 m (1,535 feet) high, it takes a 7 metre a second lift ride to one of the three observation levels. The Space Module level is located at 350 m (1148 ft) whilst the Sightseeing Floors sit at 263 m and 90 m (295 ft) (Space City). Alternatively enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant at the 267 m (876 ft) level.

2. Shanghai Municipal History Museum
Located at the foot of the Oriental Pearl Tower this is a must see. Divided into three main display areas this is a hugely impressive and fascinating introduction to the history of Shanghai using a stunning array of models, manikins and detailed dioramas.

3. The French Concession
Shanghai’s French Concession area is a unique blend of western and eastern, old and new. A beautiful and elegant reminder of the influence of French style on Shanghai, the French Concession area is an attractive mix of the tree-lined streets and Art Deco residential architecture (reputedly the world's largest). Discreet cafes, chic boutiques, bars, restaurants and guesthouses offer a refreshing and classy alternative to the neon frenzy of the city's generally megalomaniac streetscape.

4.The Bund
The Bund is possibly Shanghai's most famous landmark and has been Shanghai’s heart since the mid 1800’s. Stretching 1.5 km along the Huangpu River and enjoying spectacular views across the Hungpo River to the Pearl Oriental Tower and the other impressive skyscrapers in Pudong, the Bund is adorned with dozens of historical European colonial buildings that once housed numerous banks and trading houses from Britain and around the world.

Among the 52 buildings of various architectural styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical, and Art Deco (Shanghai has one of the richest collections of Art Deco Architectures in the world) are the Peace Hotel, the HSBC Building and the Customs Building. The Peace Hotel (formerly Cathay Hotel), also known as the Sassoon Building.

5. Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma – the first is a sitting Buddha 1.95 metres tall and weighing in at 3000kg. The second is a smaller reclining Buddha representing Buddha's death.

The Jade Buddha Temple is a flourishing temple with over 70 resident monks some of whom you will doubtless see praying. In addition to the traditionally peaceful and tranquil ambiance you will also find an amazing range of ancient carvings, paintings and precious Buddhist cultural relics.

Whether you’re planning a week of meditation or base-jumping from skyscrapers in Shanghai, you should always book the right level of travel insurance cover before you leave. There are a number of comparison sites such as Cheap Flights.co.uk where you can compare policies, while the AA have recently entered the travel insurance market, with some very reasonable deals.