Summertime Sights in Shanghai

CHI checks out some of the best places to visit in Shanghai during summer.

Shanghai really comes alive in summertime with plenty of things to see and do for the whole family. Here, we run through some of Shanghai’s most popular summertime attractions.

The hottest time of the year in Shanghai can also be the best time to explore this wonderful city. Numerous outdoor and indoor attractions can offer a great place to either soak up the sun, or to cool off. It is also the time of year when Shanghai’s water and amusement parks open, offering even more choice to help keep young kids active and content.

Shanghai’s impressive riverfront area, The Bund, is a stretch of road along the western banks of the Huangpu river. The area is one of Shanghai’s most famous tourist landmarks and is the perfect place for a casual morning or evening stroll. On the western side of the Bund (Puxi) are buildings and architecture representing old Shanghai - all were originally built in the 19th century to house the offices of Western companies that had just begun trading there. In contrast, looking out across the river to the eastern side of the city (Pudong), the skyscrapers and office towers of the Pudong New Area financial district offer a glimpse of the new and modern Shanghai.

The Bund underwent major renovations in 2008 and was completed to coincide with the start of the Shanghai World EXPO in 2010. It now comprises a wider boulevard for pedestrians, and numerous shops, cafes and bars to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also daily ferry or river cruise options, plus an underground tunnel allowing pedestrians to make their way from the Bund to Pudong and vice versa. A recent addition at the southern end of the Bund is a man-made beach, complete with deck chairs, sun loungers and a small restaurant nearby.

Moving a little deeper into the heart of old Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden is another highly recommended place to visit in summer. Meaning the garden of happiness and peace in Chinese, Yuyuan is a serene and secluded area of an otherwise bustling part of the city. Complete with colourful plants, shrubs and trees that surround ancient tea rooms and chambers, Yuyuan is a favourite with both locals, expats and tourists. Outside of the garden itself, the Yuyuan area has been transformed to include a large market, tea shops, street food stalls and restaurants. The plentiful tea shops in the area offer a traditional way to sit and observe the crowds with a refreshing pot of Chinese green or black tea.

The French Concession area of Shanghai is a part of town which was until 1946 a French settlement. It is located in downtown Puxi and has been transformed into arguably the trendiest part of the city. The area contains some of Shanghai’s most popular restaurants and bars, but it is generally characterized by quiet, tree-lined streets and small bookshops and cafes.

The walking tour of the area has been made popular by its inclusion in the Lonely Planet guide to Shanghai, and it takes roughly two hours to complete. The tour starts at South Huangpi Road and weaves its way through the area before finishing at Tianzifang, which is a small complex of art stores, and restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating that are ideal for resting tired legs.

Each summer, the outdoor amusement park Happy Valley attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy its action packed activities including roller coasters, amusement rides, rafting and a number of outdoor swimming pools. Happy Valley was first opened in Shanghai in 2009, and it is located in Sheshan district. It is approximately 40 km or a one hour metro ride outside of the city center, and tends to get very busy during the school holidays. An early morning arrival is strongly recommended.

For pure water-related fun, Dino Beach offers a welcome escape from the summer heat. This massive water park features plenty of water slides, rafting, swimming pools and even an artificial beach. Unsurprisingly, Dino Beach is literally bursting with people at weekends so a mid-week visit is advised. The admission prices are also quite expensive, with prices ranging between RMB100 and RMB200 for both kids and adults. One frequent complaint about Dino Beach is its catering facilities, or lack thereof. Outside food and drink are not allowed inside the park, so be prepared and eat well beforehand.

Those wishing to visit an actual beach can make the one hour trip outside the city to the Jinshan City Beach. Although the location of the beach is real, the sand has been brought in from China’s southern tropical island of Hainan, and the sea water specially filtered and cleaned to give it a clear green-blue look. In addition to the beach, other activities include bungee jumping, wall climbing, jet skiing, scuba diving and even a gymnasium. The entrance fee is quite reasonable too - RMB30 midweek and RMB50 on Saturday and Sunday. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby offering local seafood.

Those looking to make a total escape from the heat can blissfully spend an entire day at one of Shanghai’s famous museums. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is conveniently located near Century Park in Pudong, and it attracts over three million visitors each year. The museum has a large exhibition space that regularly features special exhibits showcasing some of China’s most memorable technological feats. The museum is open from 9am to 5:15pm each day, although it is closed on Mondays.

Lovers of classic Chinese art can pay a visit to the Shanghai Museum, situated in People’s Square. First opened in 1952, this museum is host to numerous galleries of ancient Chinese calligraphy, jade, ceramics, sculptures, furniture and paintings. The Shanghai Museum is a very popular attraction all year round, and large queues begin to form at the entrance from early morning.