There is absolutely no shortage of things to do in this incredible city. Having such limited time to visit only so much ground one can cover. It’s a destination you could spend months in and still feel like there is much to be seen. Here are 6 free things to do in Shanghai China that I hope will whet your appetite for more.
People’s Heroes Memorial Tower
Head on down to the north end of the promenade at The Bund and you cannot miss this gigantic structure. It was built in 1993 to commemorate the Communist revolutionary martyrs who invaded and captured the city in 1949. Soaring 24 metres into the sky, those three concrete pillars represent rifles leaning on each other. Head down into the bowl of the monument and the surrounding walls depict images of the struggles and life of the people. Gorgeous flower beds surround this large area that is full of police protection.
Post Office Museum
I stumbled on this quite by accident when I was mailing my postcards to Canada. Inside the historical General Post Office, located in The Bund or British Concession is this free museum! It covers a time span from the earliest days when messages were sent in the Qing Dynasty to modern day.
There is a ‘Treasure Room’, so dark and cold, it’s actually quite difficult to see these rare and beautiful stamps within. Displays of mail boxes, uniforms, carts, wagons and loads of interesting photographs cover the walls. Quite a large museum, and very worth the time.
Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower
Seeing this tower, was actually a bucket list item for me. I have been intrigued with it ever since I first saw an image. The most popular place to view is from the promenade at The Bund as it is located in the Pudong District across the harbour. It was built in the early 90’s and is 468 metres tall!
Made up of 11 spheres, the five small ones in the middle are a hotel! How cool is that? The actual purpose of the building is to transmit radio and TV signals to 30 stations. It also includes a revolving restaurant, multiple viewing platforms the highest of which is at 351 metres. There is also a shopping mall and situated under the tripod is the History Museum.
Xujiahui Park
If you are exploring Shanghai on foot, you quickly come to realize just how may parks and green spaces there are in the city. And they are always busy, filled with mostly elderly people and young families exercising. One of my favourites is Xujiahui Park for it has some interesting features. On this site stood the Great Chinese Rubber Works Factory and several remnants of that have been retained such as this marvellous tall brick chimney.
Walk the trails and paths and even a sky bridge through the park for a peaceful respite from the busy streets. An artificial pond, coffee shop, flower beds, benches and craft market are lovely to see. One special moment for me was when I climbed up into a pavilion above the pond. Two men were practicing the ancient art of Tai Chi and another was playing a traditional flute! That man was so kind and allowed me to photograph him and listen while he played. When I told him how beautiful it was, in true Chinese fashion he kept insisting that he wasn’t very good. Such is the humble nature of the people here.
China Record Factory Museum
Another feature that visitors will find in the Xujiahui Park is the original building of the China Record Factory. Now a museum, originally it was a private garden residence, built in 1921 and known as the Pathe Building.
Famous Chinese composers worked from this building when it was used as a recording studio and it is that and the records it produced that are on display. Marvellous to see these old instruments, interior décor and architecture of the time. But the best part is the record covers! They are fascinating in both graphic design and titles.
Zhijian Road Market
If you want to experience a truly authentic local market, then this is the place for you. Located on Zhijian West Road, in Amaps it is called the ‘Fruits Wholesale Market’ but it is much more than fruit. At the street entrance is indeed some fruit, enticing enough but wait until you see what is deeper into the narrow cavity. Loads of fresh seafood (including jellyfish!) and seaweed, vegetables galore and so many varieties of mushrooms its amazing.
And eggs, not just fresh ones but preserved as well. Vendors have one of each variety cracked open so you can see what the inside looks like. Then comes the meat, loads of salted pork products including the trotters. Lots of preserved veg is towards the back with the vendors selling a myriad of varieties of tofu. And then come the nuts, being ground before your eyes, seeds, herbs, bags and bags of loose-leaf tea, it’s incredible to see all of these products, wonder what they taste like and how they are prepared.
I hope this gives you, dear readers, a small taste of what you can expect to find in Shanghai. With 30 million residents now, this city is absolutely massive and has so many enclaves each with their own flavour. This is less than a drop in the bucket but rather a place to help you begin your explorations of the exciting Chinese city.
