The Best of Summer in Shanghai

A bit of nature (beaches, parks, and day trips!), and a little bit of culture... If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai in the summer, you won’t want to miss these highlights.

1388 Lujiazui Ring Rd, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200031
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a window into underwater environments around the world. Unlike other aquariums, their glass-topped tunnel takes you underwater and into the exhibit so you can walk along surrounded by fish, sharks and other marine life. Divided based on ecosystems, their space is large and home to a variety of species. Make sure you see the jellyfish display!
Century Park, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 201203
Covering 140 hectares (about one-half square mile), this is no small green space. Pack a picnic, grab a kite, and head over to Century Park for some space to run around, or simply to chill out and watch life go by. Open daily from 7am-6pm. 10 RMB entrance fee.
For a surreal China experience, head out to Sun Island resorts just outside of the city. A pristine 18 hole course awaits you on this river island. And if you have kids, they’ll love the water park here. You might want to pack a bag to spend the night here so you’ll have enough time to ride the go-karts, get a massage or sign up for a session of laughter yoga.
Chongming Island, Chongming, China
A two-hour trek from downtown will bring you to China’s third-largest island, Chongming. Considered a “national geological park,” the island is a known nature escape for city residents. While you’re there, check out the Chongming Museum, stroll through Dongping National Forest Park (they have hammocks and BBQ pits if you want to camp out for a while here as well as bikes to cruise around on), hike up Jinao Mountain to the Shouan Temple, or go crabbing for some of China’s most famous hairy crabs at the at Dongtan National Nature Reserve. How to get there: Ferries depart daily from Baoyang Port or take bus Shen Chong (申崇一线) from Shanghai North Long Distance Bus Station. *Photo Source Bert van Dijk (Creative Commons)
1-3 Maojiayuan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200010
Right around the corner from the Waterhouse Hotel and the Cool Docks, you’ll find Sunny Beach, a slice of sand bordering the river. With only a couple dozen chairs available, you might want to get here early to grab your space. While there isn’t much in the way of snack stalls and cocktail bars, they do have a pretty liberal policy on bringing your own food and drink, so pack up a bag with some of your favorites, grab your towel and badminton racquet and come out for a day in the sand. Open 10am-10pm Admission: 20 RMB *Picture from People’s Daily http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90783/91300/7337741.html
160号 Xinhua Rd
Every June since 1993, Shanghai has held an International Film Festival. One of the largest in East Asia, it’s a great event for movie lovers.
More from AFAR
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
AFAR Journeys
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: United States
Journeys: Sports + Adventure