9 Free Activities to Do in Shanghai
As one might anticipate in a metropolis of over 24 million residents, Shanghai offers a plethora of attractions and activities, leaving visitors with a limited window of opportunity to experience them all. There are some free activities available in Shanghai focus on exploring the port’s rich history. From foreign powers occupying or carving out concessions to the city’s heyday in the 1920s, the story of Shanghai’s growth into a financial superpower is both tumultuous and fascinating. Let us review the available options.
Admire the Art at the M50
The M50 complex subsequently evolved into the Moganshan Road Art District in Shanghai. The row of dilapidated warehouses just south of Suzhou Creek has been transformed into the epicentre of Shanghai’s modern art movement. The area offers an industrial ambience and a selection of the city’s most popular art and café venues.
Visit Ancient Water Towns
A number of ancient villages and towns situated in the Yangtze River Delta have become popular tourist destinations, earning the moniker of the “Venice of the East.” The majority of these historic towns, characterised by their intricate network of canals and picturesque stone bridges, are situated approximately an hour to two hours’ drive from Shanghai. Please note that entry to the water towns is typically complimentary. However, a fee may be applied for boat cruises or visits to renowned attractions. There is a wide range of villages to choose from, with varying levels of tourist activity. Of the locations under consideration, Zhujiajiao is perhaps the most accessible from Shanghai. Nanxun is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque options.
Enjoy fresh air in Shanghai’s Parks
The majority of Shanghai’s parks do not charge an entry fee. Parks provide an excellent opportunity to observe Chinese culture, interact with the local community and participate in free activities. Local residents utilise the parks as a venue for exercise and walking in the early morning. It is not uncommon to observe groups of varying skill levels practising tai chi, qigong and other martial arts. Tabletop games such as mahjong and chess are popular pastimes, and you may even be invited to join in for a friendly match. It is common to encounter groups of older people singing or dancing.
Admire an beautiful Shanghai’s neighborhood
Xintiandi is an entertainment district known as the “New World” and is frequently cited as the most expensive place to live in China. The area boasts pedestrianised squares and streets lined with classical architecture, cafés with patios, art galleries and high-end boutiques. The Xintiandi neighbourhood is not expansive, but it is aesthetically pleasing. To cater to the growing number of tourists, a number of mid-range shops and eateries have opened in the area, offering dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Walk along the Bund
There are alternative options for exploring Shanghai on foot, in addition to walking along the usual part of the Bund. There are numerous opportunities to observe daily life and impressive architecture. Should you wish to explore Shanghai’s historic neighbourhoods at your own pace, you can do so by following a map or guidebook. This allows you to soak up some street culture along the way. Should you require a brief interlude to rest and recuperate, you may wish to consider stopping for refreshments, such as tea or dumplings.
Check out Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA), situated in People’s Park to the north of the Shanghai Museum, was China’s inaugural private contemporary art museum. The building, which enjoys an abundance of natural light, was previously used as a greenhouse but has now been transformed into a showcase for impressive works by contemporary artists. Admission is free of charge. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to interact with the artists in person during their exhibitions.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum boasts one of China’s most comprehensive collections of cultural artefacts, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the exhibits free of charge. The museum comprises four floors and offers a comprehensive insight into Chinese culture. Visitors can spend half a day or more browsing a diverse range of artefacts, including bronzes, jades, calligraphy and porcelain. An audio tour is available at a nominal charge.
Date back in Old French Concession
When weather permits, we recommend a visit to the area of the former French Concession in Luwan and Xuhui on the west side of the Huangpu River. The atmosphere is pleasantly calm in this neighbourhood, which boasts a variety of cafes, old mansions, and streets lined with imported trees. Exploring some of the quieter lanes is an especially pleasant experience.
Pray in temples
Shanghai offers a number of interesting temples, which provide an ideal opportunity to combine a day of shopping and sightseeing with a moment of calm and culture. Many of the temples have a long history. To illustrate, the monastery at Longhua Temple dates back to the third century. You may wish to consider a visit to the Confucius Temple. The landscaped gardens are a popular destination for locals, so you are unlikely to encounter many tourists there.
We hope you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of these attractions during your weekend or weekday. Should you require any assistance with your travel plans, please do not hesitate to contact our travel consultant.
