Travel to the bustling cosmopolitan oriental city and enjoy a 4-day trip to Shanghai. Unlike Beijing, Shanghai is the modern version of China that is boasting with many towering building, wide roads filled with cars, and curbs traversed by young professionals. It somehow has the spirit of New York intertwined with the classic taste of Peking. This densest city of China attracts more and more tourists every year because of its modern image yet its accessibility to its heritage and culture. Spending five days in this lively city will surely open your eyes to what the future holds for this sleeping giant known as Shanghai City.
Want to travel to Shanghai, China? Then you need to familiarize yourself to the important documents needed to secure a Chinese tourist visa. At present, there are about 126 countries with existing mutual visa exemption agreement with China. Although most of these agreements only allow visa exemptions to foreign diplomats, it is still helpful to see the list of countries with this mutual agreement. If you are a passport holder of country with no special arrangements, then you will need to apply for a tourist (L) Chinese visa. Here are the requirements to secure one:
- Valid passport
- Photocopy of the first and last pages of passport
- Application form
- A colored passport photo with light background
- Flight Itinerary
- Itinerary in China
- Hotel Booking
- Certification of Employment (if working)
- Certification of Education (if studying)
- Letter of Invitation (if invited by a Chinese local)
A 4-Day Trip to Shanghai:
This 4-day trip will take you around the modern part of Shanghai as well as the old-fashioned part of the city. Prepare to see the ins and outs of the city and have fun while doing so.
Day 1: The City’s Outskirts:
Start your tour of Shanghai by going to the city’s outskirts and visiting the heritage sites that will tell you stories of the city’s past. Zhujiajiao is an old water town, somewhat like the eastern Venice, that has a rich history that dates back to 1st century AD.
Since the town is surrounded by canals and streams, the small town is filled with many interesting bridges that were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. One of the bridges that you need to see is Fangsheng Bridge. Built almost 500 years ago, this Stonebridge is the largest and tallest in Shanghai. The bridge itself has 5 arches that create gate-like entryway accessed by ancient boats long ago.
Another interesting area in Zhujiajiao is North Street. This ancient road is like a time capsule which can take tourists to the Ming Dynasty days because the structures along the road are constructed during this golden age. Stroll along this kilometer-long road and you will see Kezha Garden. This centuries-old garden is made interesting by sculptures and buildings built during Ming and Qing Dynasties. Before leaving Zhujiajiao, make sure to walk along the narrow paths that lead you deeper to Shanghai’s history.
Day 2: The Affluent Part of the City:
After spending an entire day in Shanghai’s ancient town, it is time to see the modern, affluent part of the city. Xi Tian Di is a new-age part of Shanghai that had been under the Kingdom of France in the mid-1800s.
During this colonial time, this district was turned into a residential area that was protected by stone gates known as the shikumen. At the turn of the century, the government has decided to convert this district into a modern, commercial district yet still preserving the ancient walls and gates. This creates an old-new feel to the entire district, making it a place that attracts expats, tourists, and influential locals.
As you journey around the district, make sure you visit the pedestrian shopping area located at the South Block. South Block is the area that boasts of many shopping areas, restaurants, cafés, art shops, and many more.
Day 3: Time to Shop:
If you were tempted to buy some items in Xi Tian Di but found the price a little too dear, then you can now let your shopping guards down and spend a little pocket money at East Nanjing Road.
This 3-mile long road is a pedestrian street market that is filled with local and foreign boutiques that sell just about anything under the sun. This area used to be a British concession which is why some buildings have a European feel to it. And because the ambience exudes class and elegance, the government decided to keep the old structures yet marry it with the modern oriental style. Here, you will see upscale foreign stores like Tiffany yet also see local classy shops that see premiere silk fabric or expensive jade.
After shopping, do walk towards Nanjing West and visit the People’s Park.
Day 4: A Trip down Memory Lane:
Your 4-day trip to Shanghai is made complete by visiting an off-beaten path known as Duolun Road.
It is quite a shame that many tourists do not include this area in their itineraries but this area is actually the thriving part of Shanghai in the 19th century. Many famous locals moved to Duolun which proved that the area has reached the A-list status. Now, this area is filled with old concrete or bricked structures that show its colonial past. When you do visit this place, make sure you stop by Hongde Temple. This Chinese-style church is made from grey bricks accented by red-colored wood panels. Inside the temple are wooden pews and paintings of the Stations of the Cross. The main attraction of this temple is the Chinese-style bell tower that can be seen from outside of the church.
4-Day Trip to Shanghai – Travel Now:
Fulfill your Shanghai adventure by preparing the necessary documents needed to secure a Chinese tourist visa. Make sure you have secured a Chinese Tourist Visa before setting foot in China. Should you have any questions or need any assistance is getting a visa or getting an itinerary for the visa application, you may contact us through our website or Facebook page.
Time to travel to the east and create oriental memories as you enjoy your 4-day trip to Shanghai.
