How to Explore Shanghai on the Cheap
One of China’s most-visited destinations and one of the Far East’s mega cities, Shanghai is often high on travellers’ bucket lists. But contrary to popular belief, visiting Shanghai doesn’t need to be an expensive affair. Several top attractions in Shanghai are actually free to visit and there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy around the huge city. A Shanghai tour guide can even help you save money by taking you to cheaper attractions and by giving you recommendations for cheap places to eat. They can also reveal hidden gems that you may not otherwise have found if exploring under your own steam.Explore Shanghai on the cheap with these handy recommendations.
The Bund
One of Shanghai’s most famous streets, the Bund offers a quintessential view into the modern city with its soaring skyscrapers that lie alongside the Huangpu River. Whilst you’ll need to pay more to go inside many of the buildings, and to experience a bird’s eye view from the high observation decks, marvelling at the architectural gems from the outside is totally free. Highlights include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Jinmao Tower.
East Nanjing Road
Closed to vehicles and one of the busiest streets in the whole of the city, East Nanjing Road is a haven for shopaholics. However, you don’t actually need to be buying anything to enjoy a walk along this effervescent street. The bustling crowds, neon lights and frenetic activity make this a good place to absorb some of Shanghai’s energy.
Shanghai Natural History Museum
Free to enter, the Shanghai Natural History Museum is an especially great place for families with kids. A huge museum, it shows you the development of animals, plants and people over the years. The explanations are clear and detailed, with displays of fossils, ancient artefacts, mummies and more. The design of the museum itself is impressive, based on the structure of a snail’s shell, a layer of greenery spirals upwards. Note that the museum doesn’t open on Mondays.
Shanghai Art Palace
Art aficionados can enjoy the varied works in Shanghai Art Palace, which is situated within the China Pavilion that was used for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. It doesn’t cost a cent to go inside, offering a great few hours or longer for art-loving budget travellers. You can see how art has developed in China throughout history, with numerous eye-catching sculptures, oil paintings, prints and other pieces – there’s certainly plenty to see.
