Why
Shanghai Old City
is special

Shanghai Old City is visually charming despite its touristy character on weekends. Unlike in central Shanghai where many old buildings were demolished to make room for modern skyscrapers, those in Shanghai Old City were preserved or reconstructed.

Shanghai Old City
tips & insights

Interesting description

Perhaps the best way to describe Shanghai Old City in a single sentence is to quote a Western photographer who told me, "It resembles a Chinatown back home, but a lot more authentic and photogenic."

Four musts

There are 4 aspects of Shanghai Old City you should experience:

Main square
Walk through the picturesque main square (see photo).

Huxington Tea House
Have tea inside it (see left side of photo). This two story pavilion sits over a large goldfish pond and is reached via zigzag bridges. Go upstairs - it has a better ambiance.

Yuyuan Garden
It's a reconstructed classical Chinese garden that was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It has attractive Chinese pavilions, ponds, bridges and outdoor corridors.

Bazaar
This is touristy but well worth exploring. Its tightly packed shops line a narrow street near the Old City's main square. What makes this bazaar appealing is that each shop specializes. For instance, one sells only chopsticks.

In addition, you might wish to visit a couple of interesting antique markets that are conveniently located near Shanghai Old City.

When to come

Visit Shanghai Old City on workdays to avoid the weekend pedestrian traffic jams. If you can only go on a weekend, go early in the morning.

Dining

Lu Bo Lang is the most authentic and one of the best restaurants in Shanghai Old City. It serves traditional Shanghai dishes, including hairy crab (seasonal) and soup dumplings. For the best dining atmosphere, eat in one of the small rooms on the second floor.

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications