A victim of prolonged foreign occupation for decades, Shanghai experienced remarkable growth throughout the twentieth century, becoming one of the world's economic powerhouses. Those who think they know the city inside and out couldn't be further from the truth, given how much it has to offer!    

While the most European of Chinese cities doesn't really have must-see sites like Paris or Rome, its true appeal lies in the bustling streets, where daily life unfolds with incredible variety. The sight of an elderly woman in pajamas chopping vegetables on her doorstep is followed by an elegant businesswoman heading to a nearby art gallery. The city cannot be reduced to simply the Pudong district, so let's discover without further ado some activities not to miss if you're passing through Shanghai.

1 Fuxing Park

 The frenzied development of major Chinese cities shouldn't obscure the pleasure of a leisurely walk. Shanghai understands this and offers the chance to escape for a stroll through Fuxing Park, located in the former French colonial concession. Here you'll find elderly women singing at the top of their lungs while men busy themselves walking their caged birds. Venture a little further to 7 Xiangshan Lu, home to the former residence of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern Chine whom we discussed extensively in our articles about Guangzhou. Complete the walk by wandering through the nearby alleyways, lined with elegant period mansions now converted into family homes, for a genuine glimpse of today's Shanghai.

2 The Art Galleries of Moganshan Lu

 Contemporary Chinese art now commands astronomical prices. This underscores the importance of a quick visit to the nerve center of Shanghai's art scene, located at Moganshan Lu. The once-abandoned warehouses on this street have been renovated to provide artists with the opportunity to set up studios and galleries. Certain internationally renowned artists have established themselves here, including Zhou Tiehai and Ding Yi.

3 Xiaolong Bao

 Xiaolong bao are to Shanghai what rillettes are to Le Mans. These are dumplings wrapped in wheat dough and filled with juicy pork (or crab, if your budget allows), and most importantly, a savory broth. To savor this delicious specialty, restaurants abound, but they often prove disappointing despite their "authentic" recipe. Paradoxically, the best Xiaolong bao are found in a Taiwanese restaurant chain called Din Tai Fung. You'll want to try them yourself!

4 The Flea Market on Dongtai Lu

 The street Dongtai is filled with souvenir and antique shops that would make many museum curators blush. Of course, you'll find the usual tourist traps, but some reveal themselves to be genuine treasures. Among these are beautiful artworks and many souvenirs from the Cultural Revolution. For bargain hunters, this street is for you!

5 The Shanghai Transrapid

 The ride on Shanghai's magnetic levitation train (Maglev) is the perfect metaphor for the city itself. Connecting Pudong International Airport to Longyang Lu metro station, the train reaches speeds of 430 km/h and the journey takes less than eight minutes. It's an excellent opportunity to try it on arrival, preparing you perfectly for the city's frenetic pace. Built specifically to impress tourists, this line doesn't (yet) extend to the rest of Shanghai. For the modest sum of 50 yuan, leaving an airport has never been so appealing!

6 The Shanghai Museum

 Despite 5,000 years of history, Chine is not often highlighted by its museums. Poorly presented works, approximate English information... it's difficult to attract discerning tourists under such conditions. The Shanghai Museum, located at People's Square, mercifully stands as an exception and should be visited if you're passing through the city. Rather than trying to see everything at once, we recommend focusing on one section in particular: jade, ceramics, calligraphy... There's no shortage of themes to delight you if you're interested in Chinese culture.

7 Xin Ji Shi

 True Shanghai cuisine bears little resemblance to the traditional takeout boxes found in Western "Chinese" restaurants. To eat local, Xin Ji Shi is unquestionably the best place. The restaurant is tiny and always packed, so book ahead. Unlike many Chinese restaurants, this one has thoughtfully translated its menu into English, complete with pictures! Appreciate the effort... especially since the dishes are numerous and incredibly varied: braised pork with bamboo shoots, smothered fish with scallions, Yunnan ham stir-fry, crab with vermicelli leaves... Even the most reluctant of your friends will find something to enjoy!

8 Therapeutic Massage

 Traditional Chinese acupressure (acupuncture without needles) is not for the faint-hearted. Here there's no question of Swedish relaxation or Thai oil massage. Undergoing a Chinese acupressure session is somewhat like visiting Chine: you may even cry from the pain, but ultimately you emerge enriched by the experience. Among the thousands of massage parlors lining Shanghai, you can trust Massage Green, located behind Huaihai Park. You'll find appropriate massage tables, clean pajamas, soothing music, and scented candles. A warm atmosphere for 45 minutes of pleasure-pain, all billed at around 100 yuan.

This short selection gives an overview of the variety of activities available in Shanghai. Like modern Chine itself, the Paris of the Orient offers a wonderful blend of cultures and eras that contribute to its richness. The contrasts are striking but give this unique Chinese metropolis all its charm.

And you, what are the places you'd recommend in Shanghai to visitors passing through?