Shanghai Museum

Old City God Temple

A crash course in old Shanghai folk culture. The Old City God Temple has long been like a grand temple fair that never ends. Whatever you might look for at other temple fairs, you'll find here, with its snacks and distinctive handicrafts the most famous of all. The Old City God Temple was built during the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty. Historically, the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The current temple was built in 1926 and rebuilt on a large scale in the 1990s, becoming a large, antique-style architectural complex and commercial district. The renovated old temple may have lost some of the atmosphere of the old city district, yet visitors still flock here, a testament to its enduring charm. The saying “Gold from the Old Temple brings you good luck” is known far and wide.

Free · 1–3 hours

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

The best-preserved Jiangnan water town near Shanghai. Its waterside townscape, thousand-year history, historic sites and cultural charm define Zhujiajiao. It has less commercial bustle than many other towns, so it feels fresh and relaxed.

Free; folk customs tour ¥30; New Water Town heritage tour ¥60

Jiading Ancient Town

This ancient town, with over 780 years of history, still preserves pagodas, temples, monasteries and old trees. Most visitors come for Zhouqiao Old Street. Lying on the same central axis as the Fahua Pagoda, about 500 meters from it, are the Confucian Temple, Huilong Pool and Yingkui Hill, another distinctive scenic area beside Zhouqiao Old Street. The Confucian Temple in particular is considered the number one in Wuzhong.

Shanghai Old Street

Shanghai Old Street is called Fangbang Middle Road on maps. It was once where the trades of old Shanghai gathered, and the rebuilt Shanghai Old Street remains the best place to experience the street life of old Shanghai. The street is less than 1 km long and lined with shops, more than half of which sell handicrafts, calligraphy and painting, or jewellery. Teahouses are a special feature of the street. Wandering along, you will hear soft Wu dialect all the way, though it is a pity that it is mixed with rather too much commercialism.

1–3 hours

Shanghai Grand Theatre

The first choice for music and architecture lovers. Built with an investment of US$60 million and designed by a French architect, it has a geometric form, with a white curved roof that sweeps up toward the sky like a crown. Above it are a classical outdoor theatre and a rooftop garden, blending East and West. The seating has been excellently designed, with no obstructed views from any corner. The hall's ceiling features a multi-layered echo design, giving outstanding acoustics. The multifunctional stage is even larger than the audience area. The theatre houses three performance halls and frequently hosts international performances.

Visiting the theatre: ¥50 (¥100 for a family of three). To watch a performance, tickets must be booked at least 1 week in advance.

Shanghai Astronomy Museum

The world's largest planetarium. Its main exhibition areas are divided into three themes: Home, Universe and Journey. The main building is spiral-shaped, resembling 'orbits of celestial bodies'. Its three circular elements, the round skylight, the inverted dome and the dome theatre, form a distinctive 'three-body' structure. Since it opened, tickets have been hard to get. Here you can discover the wonders and rich knowledge of the universe, and enjoy a breathtaking visual experience.

¥30; dome theatre film ticket ¥40