Adventure in Shanghai!

Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT)

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: High-Speed Magic on the Shanghai Maglev Train

Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai

Begin your high-tech adventure in Shanghai, China’s sprawling metropolis that artfully blends the ancient with the ultramodern. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend your evening strolling along the neon-lit Bund, enjoying panoramic views of the skyline.

Day 2: Ride the Shanghai Maglev Train

Gear up for an exhilarating ride on the Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT), the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. Start your journey at Longyang Road Metro Station, easily accessible via Metro Line 2 or 7. Purchase your tickets on the spot; single trips cost around 50 RMB, with a round trip at about 80 RMB — discounts are available if you show a same-day airline ticket.

Board the train and brace yourself for the breathtaking acceleration to 431 km/h (268 mph). The 30 km journey to Shanghai Pudong International Airport takes less than 8 minutes, making it an electrifying experience! As you zip through the landscape, learn about the maglev technology that reduces friction and allows such high speeds, showcased by onboard displays.

Day 3: Explore the Technology Behind the Train

Post-adrenaline rush, dive deeper into the science of maglev by visiting the Maglev Museum located at Longyang Road station. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the technological marvels and engineering feats behind magnetic levitation. Entry is free with your train ticket.

Afterwards, consider a visit to the nearby Shanghai Science and Technology Museum to explore more Chinese advances in various fields, from space exploration to robotics.

Day 4: Departure

As your adventure concludes, take one more maglev ride to the airport, reflecting on the astonishing blend of speed, technology, and innovation you"ve experienced in Shanghai. This journey not only showcases the thrill of modern transport but also marks the beginning of future travel innovations.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Zhujiajiao

Why Visit?

Zhujiajiao Water Town Adventure Itinerary

Morning: Arrival & Ancient Gondola Experience

Start your adventure by heading to Zhujiajiao, known as Shanghai"s Venice, early in the morning to beat the crowds. This ancient water town, with a history spanning over 1,700 years, is easily accessible by bus from Shanghai’s Pu’an Road station; the journey takes about an hour. Upon arrival, weave through the narrow alleys and find your way to the boat docks. Hop onto a traditional Chinese gondola and glide under the town’s iconic bridges like Fangsheng and Yongfeng. These waterways are the lifeblood of the town and offer a serene way to explore while learning about local myths, such as the legendary “fish freeing” bridge, Fangsheng.

Midday: Explore Kezhi Garden and Local Cuisine

Post your serene boat ride, wander towards the Kezhi Garden. Located in the heart of Zhujiajiao, this garden showcases traditional Suzhou-style landscaping. Explore its beautiful pavilions and the unique blend of flowers and rockeries. After wandering the gardens, refuel with some local delicacies at a nearby street vendor. Try the famous Ah Po’s stinky tofu, renowned throughout the area for its pungent aroma and delicious taste.

Afternoon: Adventure Activities & Qing Dynasty Post Office

In the afternoon, gear up for some paddleboarding on Dianpu Lake. This larger body of water offers splendid views of the town from a different perspective and a refreshing physical challenge. After working up an appetite, head to the Qing Dynasty Post Office, one of the oldest in China, where you can delve into the ancient communication methods and even send a postcard using the traditional system.

Late Afternoon: Leisurely Walk & Departure

To wrap up your day, take a leisurely walk along the North Street, a lively area brimming with craft shops and tea houses, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. As the sun sets, catch a bus back to Shanghai, filled with memorable experiences from a bygone era.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Exploring the Depths of History at Shanghai Museum

Morning Arrival: Kickstart your adventure in the heart of Shanghai, a city where the past meets futuristic innovation. Make your way to the Shanghai Museum, located centrally in People"s Square. Easily accessible, the museum is just a short walk from People’s Square Station which you can reach using Metro Lines 1, 2, or 8. Embark on your journey early to avoid the crowds; the museum opens at 9 AM.

Exploring Shanghai Museum: Renowned for its architectural resemblance to a Chinese cooking pot, the Shanghai Museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Chinese art. Adventure lovers will appreciate not just the artifacts, but the stories of exploration and discovery behind them. Dive into China’s rich tapestry through four floors of bronze artifacts, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Make sure not to miss the exquisite jade gallery and the ancient Chinese currency exhibit, explaining the evolution of trade and economy that shaped ancient explorations and conflicts.

Interactive Experience: Enhance your visit by downloading the Shanghai Museum"s official app for an in-depth guide through the artefacts, complete with audio descriptions that bring ancient stories to life. This museum isn"t just about passive observation; it"s about engaging with history.

Lunch and Leisure: After a morning of historical exploration, stroll down to the People"s Park, just a few minutes away, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local café. Reflect on your morning or enjoy people watching in one of Shanghai’s bustling public spaces.

Afternoon Adventure: Post-lunch, take a quick metro ride to the Bund. Here, juxtaposed against the historical museum experience, you"ll see the modern architectural marvels that define the Shanghai skyline. Walk along the waterfront, or for the more adventurous, take a helicopter tour for a breathtaking aerial view of the city.

Evening Wind Down: End your day back at People’s Square with a visit to a traditional tea house. Sample some authentic Chinese tea, a perfect closure to a day steeped in history and adventure.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Jin Mao Tower

Why Visit?

Adventure Lover"s Day at Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai

Morning

Start your journey early to beat the crowds and capture the morning light over the cityscape. Jin Mao Tower, located in the bustling Lujiazui area in Pudong, Shanghai, is easily accessible via the Shanghai Metro. Take Line 2 and alight at Lujiazui Station, from which the tower is a short 5-minute walk. As you approach, marvel at the tower’s art-deco inspired architecture, standing as a symbol of China’s economic boom.

At the Tower

Purchase the ticket for the Skywalk experience, which is not for the faint-hearted but a must for adventure lovers. Ride the high-speed elevator up to the 88th floor, where at 340 meters above ground, the Jin Mao Tower Skywalk awaits. This is one of the tallest outdoor observation decks in the world, offering a thrilling 360-degree view of Shanghai. The glass walkway, thrillingly devoid of handrails, allows the bravest visitors to feel the wind at dizzying heights, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience combined with unparalleled photo opportunities.

Lunch

After your sky-high adventure, head to the tower’s 56th floor. Here, the Cloud 9 Bar notches another thrill, combining breathtaking views with delicious cuisine. Indulging in a lunch here isn’t just about food; it’s about dining with the city’s landscape sprawling beneath you.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding Pudong area. Visit the nearby Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, featuring a long underwater tunnel where adventure continues with exotic marine life swimming overhead.

Evening

Conclude your day back at the base of Jin Mao Tower with a visit to the Grand Hyatt Shanghai’s Piano Bar. Reflect on the day’s adventures over a signature cocktail, while the city lights begin to twinkle below, a perfect blend of luxury and thrill.

Did You Know?

Jin Mao Tower was China"s tallest building until 2007 and is designed to withstand earthquakes of up to 7 on the Richter scale and typhoon winds.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden)

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the bustling city of Shanghai, with a special focus on the historical and mesmerizing Yuyuan Garden. Start your day early to beat the crowds and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this 16th-century garden located in the heart of Shanghai’s Old City.

Getting there: The easiest way to reach Yuyuan Garden is by taking the Shanghai Metro. Hop on Line 10 and disembark at Yuyuan Garden Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the garden’s entrance.

Exploring Yuyuan Garden: As you step through the ornate dragon-guarded gates, you"re transported to an era of imperial grandeur. The garden covers an area of about five acres, with each corner revealing meticulously maintained pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. Adventure lovers will appreciate the ‘Exquisite Jade Rock’, a porous 3.3-meter, 5-ton boulder rumored to have been salvaged from the wreck of a ship destined for the imperial court in Beijing.

Highlights and Activities

- The Grand Rockery: Climb the heights of this 14-meter tall rockery to get a panoramic view of the garden. It’s a mini adventure navigating the narrow pathways and admiring the vistas.

- Pavilions and Halls: Explore the halls such as the Hall of Heralding Spring, renowned for their intricate carvings and historical artifacts. Each structure tells a story of the garden’s past.

- Zigzag Bridges and Ponds: Traverse the zigzagging bridges that are said to protect against evil spirits. Stop by the ponds to watch the koi fish and maybe even spot a turtle.

Culinary Stop: Post exploration, treat yourself to some local delicacies at the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar. Try some xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) or sip on some traditional Chinese tea, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Interesting Fact: Yuyuan Garden was once considered the most prestigious city garden in all of Shanghai, a symbol of influence and affluence.

This adventure through Yuyuan Garden not only offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese culture but also presents an engaging escape from the modern world, right in the center of a bustling metropolis.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.