Home to more than 450 species spread across nine different zones, from the deep ocean to China, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (SOA) is one of Asia’s largest aquariums and the country’s best. Expect to see everything from jellyfish and sharks to Yangtze alligators, Humboldt penguins, and giant stingrays—as well as one of the world’s longest aquarium tunnels.
Located on the southern bank of scenic West Lake, the 5-story, 8-sided Leifeng Pagoda offers stunning panoramic views over West Lake, and features spectacular statues and carvings on different levels. One of the top attractions in Hangzhou, “Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset” is also one of the classic Ten Scenes of West Lake.
Located just south of Suzhou Creek in Shanghai, M50 is one of the city’s premier destinations for contemporary and modern art. This sprawling industrial art park spans 36 acres (14.5 hectares) and houses more than 100 galleries and art studios, featuring artists from more than a dozen countries.
Housed in a futuristic glass structure in Pudong, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM) comprises four theaters and more than a dozen exhibition halls focusing on robotics, space travel, natural history, and more. With hands-on and immersive displays, this museum offers a fun and educational day out for the whole family.
Get a glimpse into the life of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, founder of the Chinese Republic and the Great Forerunner of the Chinese Democratic Revolution, at his former residence in Shanghai. See where he carried out a large number of revolutionary activities, wrote treatises, and met with members of the Communist Party from 1918 until 1924.
At the West Sea Grand Canyon (Xihai Grand Canyon, a network of steep steps leads travelers through ever-changing landscapes of pine forests and rocky crags, offering incredible views over Xihai. The scenic area offers some of the best scenery on the already scenic Yellow Mountain (Huangshan.
A 7-story tower that looks deceivingly taller, the Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda) was constructed in 970 to ward off evil spirits believed to be responsible for the Qiantang River’s tidal bore. The pagoda is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and an enduring symbol of the city of Hangzhou.
An art deco masterpiece on the Bund, the Fairmont Peace Hotel (Heping Fandian), with its distinctive green copper pyramid roof, has been a Shanghai landmark, and a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries, since 1929. Originally the Cathay Hotel, it became the Peace Hotel in 1956 and reopened in 2010 as the Fairmont Peace Hotel.
The inverted scarlet pyramid that towers over Pudong isn’t just an icon of Shanghai. It’s home to one of Asia’s largest art museums, including works previously housed at the Shanghai Art Museum. Spread across several huge floors, the China Art Palace tells the story of the rise of modern art in Shanghai and hosts world-class exhibitions.
The holiest of China’s five sacred mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mt. Tai (Tai Shan or Taishan) towers over Shandong province, its slopes lined with temples, gates, archways, and pavilions. Pilgrims flock to follow in the footsteps of emperors, climb the 6,660 steps linking heaven and earth, and marvel at ancient trees, including 2,100-year-old cypresses.
Step back in time at Shanghai Chedun Film Park, which covers a whopping 4,305,565 square feet (400,000 square meters). The park is an active film set and features historically-accurate sets. See where hundreds of Chinese movies and TV shows were shot, explore the sets, and enjoy varied exhibits, experiences, and shows.
Laoshan Scenic Area, one of China’s first national parks, has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The hills and slopes surrounding the 3,280-foot (1,000-meter) peak of Mount Lao are home to the Taoist Taiqing Palace, built in 140 BC, as well as waterfalls, precipitous gorges, and views across the Yellow Sea.
One of nine classical Chinese gardens in Suzhou that share a UNESCO World Heritage listing, the Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin) takes its name from its fantastical rock formations, which many believe resemble dancing lions. With its tranquil pavilions, and tangled webs of pines, cypress, and rock, it feels like a sacred mountain.
Qinghefang Ancient Street, the best-preserved historical street in Hangzhou, stretches 1,575 feet (480 meters). East of West Lake, it’s a great place to shop, dine, and appreciate classical architecture. A number of buildings are from the Ming (1380–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, and some of the shops date back hundreds of years.
Boasting more than 1,000 years of history, Fengjing Ancient Town is one of Shanghai’s most charming water towns. Black and white houses and scarlet lanterns flank shady canals; ancient bridges, such as Yuan Dynasty Zhihe Bridge, reflect in the water; and folk artists create prized “peasant paintings”. The wedding museum is also charming.
Located in the French Concession, the Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts showcases traditional embroidery, paper crafts, lantern making, and carvings in wood, jade, bamboo, and other materials. Visitors can check out the exhibits and watch artisans at work.
Learn all about the history and development of tea in China, tea culture, tea ceremonies, tea wares, and different types of tea at the National Tea Museum (Zhongguo Chaye Bowuguan). Nestled within the hills of idyllic Longjing (Dragon Well) Village, the National Tea Museum is the only national museum in China focused entirely on tea.
On top of Snake Hill, along the banks of the Yangtze River, the iconic Yellow Crane Tower offers panoramic city and river views, and features artwork on different levels. Considered one of the Four Great Towers of China, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Wuhan, and a symbol of the city.
The Tsingtao Beer Museum commemorates some 100 years of German brewing history and heritage in China. Wander the halls of the two-story structure and learn about the traditions developed and perfected here, and sample cold and crisp beer right from the production line of one of China’s oldest working breweries.
Red Carp Pond, or “Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor,” is one of the classic “Ten Scenes of West Lake” in Hangzhou. Formerly the garden of a Southern Song dynasty official, the stunning pond and flower views have been inspiring artists for more than 800 years and continue to draw visitors of all ages today.
A massive multilevel complex devoted to all things tea, Tianshan Tea City (Tianshan Cha Cheng) is a tea-lover’s paradise. With over 150 shops and stalls selling thousands of varieties of Chinese tea and tea wares, it’s the largest concentration of tea shops in Shanghai and a must-visit for tea enthusiasts and those who wish to learn more about tea.
Visiting the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre can be a sobering experience, but it portrays a significant event in Chinese history where more than 300,000 lives were lost, and it’s well worth a visit. Explore four different areas, including a mass grave, the Peace Park, the Site Square, and Exhibition Area for a comprehensive tour of the memorial hall.
A pretty little park lined with flowers and trees, Little Fish Hill Park (Xiaoyushan Park) stands atop a low hill with views of Qingdao, Little Qingdao, and the maple-forest-surrounded ocean. The tallest of its three pavilions, the 3-story Lanchao Pavilion, has the best views; the two smaller pavilions are the Bibo Pavilion and Yong Cui Pavilion.
Clear, unmanned tram cars surrounded by a psychedelic music and light show travel under the Huangpu River on the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel tourist ride. The 2,122-foot-long (647-meter-long) tunnel connects passengers from the Bund to Pudong in three to five minutes.
Located along the Huangpu River near downtown Shanghai, the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal is conveniently located for cruise ship passengers to disembark and make the most of their shore time. From the port, it's easy to explore the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, both one of the largest and most popular cities in China.
Set along the coast southeast of Qingdao, the Badaguan Scenic Area (Eight Passes) is a historic neighborhood with a colonial past. More than 200 buildings and villas representing the architectural styles of more than 20 different countries can be found here, amid charming tree- and flower-lined streets and several beaches.
Qingdao’s first pier, Zhanqiao Pier, is a landmark of the city. Built in 1891, the 1,444-foot (440-meter) pier stretches into Qingdao Bay—and at the end of the pier stands the octagonal Huilan Pavilion, which famously forms a part of the Tsingtao beer logo. Zhanqiao Pier also offers stellar sea views, helping solidify it as one of the most popular attractions in Qingdao.
Located south of Hangzhou’s West Lake, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed China National Silk Museum (NSM) is the largest museum in the world devoted to silk. In addition to an extensive collection of silk garments, textiles, and relics, the museum covers 5,000 years of silk development, history, and culture across eight galleries.
One of Hangzhou’s most noteworthy landmarks, the Qiantang River Bridge is both an architectural and a historical highlight. The first modern steel bridge to be designed and constructed by Chinese engineers, the landmark has stood for upwards of 80 years. Today, the double-decker bridge serves pedestrians, trains, and vehicles.
Home to Shanghai’s contemporary art scene epicenter, M50 Creative Park, Moganshan Road (Moganshan Lu) was once known for its street art and grimy, gritty vibe. Today, the street art is under demolition, while luxury edifices such as the 1,000 Trees building are transforming the district. Galleries, cafes, and bookstores line the streets.
