Family-Friendly Adventures in Shanghai!

Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day at Shanghai Maglev Train

Morning: Start your adventure at Longyang Road Station, easily accessible by Shanghai Metro lines 2, 7, and 16. Here, you can board the Shanghai Maglev Train, the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. Before boarding, visit the Maglev Museum located at the same station. It"s free and offers fascinating insights into the maglev technology and the history of this remarkable train. The train operates from 6:45 AM, with services every 15-20 minutes.

Maglev Experience: Purchase your tickets at the station — opt for a round trip to make the most of your experience. As you board, prepare for a swift, smooth ride reaching speeds up to 431 km/h (268 mph). The journey to Pudong International Airport is just 8 minutes but promises to be exhilarating for both kids and adults.

At Pudong Airport: Once at the airport, explore the terminals which offer various eateries and shops. Have a light snack and perhaps some plane-spotting before heading back to Longyang Road on the Maglev.

Afternoon: Back at Longyang Road, take a short taxi ride to Century Park, the largest park in the city. Enjoy a leisurely picnic and let the kids play in the spacious playgrounds. You can also rent a paddle boat to explore the beautiful lakes within the park.

Evening: Conclude your day with dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants in the nearby Thumb Plaza, a mall just a 10-minute drive from Century Park. Here, options vary from local Chinese dishes to international cuisine, perfect for satisfying any palate.

Interesting Fact: The Shanghai Maglev holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed of a commercially operating train, making it a modern marvel in transportation.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of technology, education, and relaxation, tailored to keep everyone in the family entertained and engaged.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Zhujiajiao

Why Visit?

Day Trip Itinerary to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Morning: Arrival and Kezhi Garden

Start your adventure to Zhujiajiao, known as the "Venice of Shanghai," by catching a direct bus from Shanghai Pu’an Road Bus Station, which takes about an hour. Upon arrival, head straight to Kezhi Garden. This beautiful, classical Chinese garden is renowned for its intricate landscapes and ancient architecture. Explore the garden’s scenic bridges, koi ponds, and the largest manor in Zhujiajiao, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former wealthy owners.

Midday: Boat Tour and Lunch

After the garden, take a relaxing boat tour through the ancient town’s waterways. These gondola-like boats provide a serene view of the historic buildings and stone bridges from the water level. Post boat ride, enjoy a local lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. Try some fresh river-caught fish or the famous xiaolongbao (soup dumans).

Afternoon: Fangsheng Bridge and Handicraft Streets

Post-lunch, walk off your meal heading towards the iconic Fangsheng Bridge. As one of the largest stone arch bridges in Shanghai, it offers picturesque views and a perfect family photo opportunity. The bridge"s name means "Setting Fish Free Bridge," reflecting a local Buddhist practice of mercy.

Next, explore the handicraft streets nearby. Zhujiajiao is famous for its artisan shops where kids can watch candy sculpting and paper cutting. It’s a great place for picking souvenirs like hand-painted fans or silk umbrellas.

Evening: Return to Shanghai

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon to avoid the rush back to Shanghai. The bus service runs until the evening, making it convenient to return after a fulfilling day exploring this charming water town.

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry an umbrella or raincoat for unexpected showers.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Shanghai Museum

Morning: Arrival and Exploring Ancient Chinese Art

Begin your family day out at the Shanghai Museum, located conveniently at People"s Square in the heart of the city. To get there, take the Shanghai Metro and alight at People"s Square Station, which is served by lines 1, 2, and 8. From the station, the museum is just a short walk away, making it easily accessible.

Start your visit when the doors open at 9 AM to enjoy a quieter experience. The museum"s impressive architecture, resembling an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a "ding", is a great introduction to what lies within. Begin on the first floor with the Ancient Chinese Bronze gallery, where kids can marvel at the intricate designs that date back millennia. Don"t miss the gallery of Chinese Sculptures, where the stone statues tell tales of China"s artistic evolution.

Midday: Dive into Ceramics and Calligraphy

By midday, head to the Ceramics gallery on the second floor, showcasing pottery and porcelain from various dynasties – a fantastic way to see the changes in styles and techniques over the centuries. It’s both educational and visually appealing for all ages.

Enjoy a quick bite at the museum café, which offers snacks and refreshments perfect for a family.

Afternoon: Painting and Minority Nationalities’ Art

Post-lunch, explore the Chinese Painting gallery. This section is particularly captivating with its landscapes and narrative scenes, which can inspire children’s imaginations and interest in art. Conclude with a visit to the exhibit of Minority Nationalities’ Art, which provides a colorful display of the diverse cultural heritage of China’s ethnic groups.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by 3 PM, allowing time to browse through the museum shop for souvenirs like replica artifacts and educational books, making your visit to the Shanghai Museum both memorable and informative.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Jin Mao Tower

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Jin Mao Tower

Morning: Arrival and Ascent to the Observatory

Kick off your family adventure at one of Shanghai"s iconic skyscrapers, the Jin Mao Tower. Conveniently located in the Lujiazui area in Pudong, you can easily reach the tower by taking the metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. From there, it"s just a short walk to the tower, a journey which also offers some fantastic street-level views of the tower’s grandeur.

Start your visit by heading up to the Skywalk Observatory on the 88th floor. Tickets can be purchased in the lobby. The elevator ride itself is thrilling, whisking you upwards at high speed. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai. Don’t forget to tell the kids that when Jin Mao Tower was completed in 1999, it was China’s tallest building!

Midday: Lunch and Learn

After descending, enjoy a family-friendly meal at the Food Court in Jin Mao Tower, offering a variety of options that cater to all tastes. Post-lunch, join one of the guided tours available in English which delve into the tower’s architecture. This 420.5-meter tall building is designed in a tiered pagoda style, blending elements of traditional Chinese architecture with modern aesthetics – a great way to mix sightseeing with a fun, educational twist for the kids.

Afternoon: Interactive Fun at the Basement

End your visit by exploring the B1 level, where interactive kiosockets are suitable for children, offering games and activities that explain more about the engineering and architectural marvel that is Jin Mao Tower.

Departure

As the day winds down, exit through the main lobby and easily catch a taxi or return to the Lujiazui Metro Station to continue exploring Shanghai or head back to your accommodation after an exciting and enriching day at Jin Mao Tower.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden), Shanghai

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by heading to Yuyuan Garden, ideally arriving by 9:00 am to avoid the crowds. You can easily reach the garden via Shanghai Metro - take Line 10 and get off at Yuyuan Garden Station. From there, it’s a short 5-minute walk.

Exploring Yuyuan Garden

As you enter, immerse yourself in the enchantment of this Ming Dynasty-era garden. Created in 1559, Yuyuan Garden spans over 2 hectares, featuring traditional Chinese architecture and a serene landscape. The garden is divided into six main areas, each designed with harmony and tranquility in mind.

Begin your tour at the Grand Rockery, a stunning collection of rock formations, where kids can marvel at the towering structures and winding paths. Don’t miss the Exquisite Jade Rock, a 5-meter tall, porous rock rumored to be one of the garden"s most precious possessions.

Lunch and Leisure

Around noon, take a lunch break at one of the nearby tea houses or snack on some local street food within the Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden. Here, you can enjoy Shanghai specialties like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) or Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns).

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, visit the Huxinting Teahouse, accessible via the picturesque Zigzag Bridge. The bridge’s design is said to ward off evil spirits, which only travel in straight lines. The tea house offers a variety of teas and traditional Chinese snacks.

Shopping and Culture

Wrap up your day by exploring the surrounding bazaar. The area is vibrant, filled with shops selling crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Chinese items. It’s a great place for families to pick up gifts and learn about local culture through handmade products.

Departure

By late afternoon, head back to your accommodation or continue exploring nearby attractions in Shanghai’s bustling city center. Your visit to Yuyuan Garden will no doubt be a memorable highlight of your family trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.