Exciting and entertaining, Shanghai offers something for everyone. There are plenty of things to do in Shanghai to keep busy. Attractions include the zoo, museums, amusement parks, sightseeing, and an excellent diverse nightlife with bars, pubs, operas, restaurants and clubs. There are also plenty of sporting activities to pursue such as golfing, bowling, tai chi and go-karting (which are very common in Shanghai).

One interesting thing to do in Shanghai is to take the Huangpu River Cruise. The cruise offers visitors a fabulous view of the Bund and the busy Shanghai harbor. Trips last between 30 minutes and three hours and the prices for each trip vary according to duration. To take a river cruise, boats sail from Shiliupu Pier in the south end of the Bund. An alternative tour can also be taken by taking a ferry to Pudong. Providing a great view of the Bund with its old buildings and great architecture, these river cruises give visitors in-depth insight into this city’s colorful past.

No visit to Shanghai would be complete without a trip to Nanjing Road, perhaps the most famous road in the city. Nanjing Road is China’s leading shopping street attracting local and foreign shoppers. It is 3.4 miles long and stretches from east of the Bund to west of Jingan Temple and Yan'an West Street. Formerly a British Concession, Nanjing Road has undergone many significant changes over time. From a small local street it is now a long pedestrian zone. There are no longer any traditional Chinese stores here, instead many modern shopping complexes, specialty stores, theatres and international hotels line this road. There are over 600 businesses on Nanjing Road that offer countless famous brands. KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and chic stores like Tiffany’s, Mont Blanc, and Dunhill are found here. Additionally, approximately 100 shops on this road sell silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool and clocks. The street also boasts libraries, art galleries, martial arts clubs, sports clubs, acrobatics arenas and movie theaters.

An acrobatic performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe is another must see in Shanghai. Having performed around the world, this acrobatic presentation provides a wonderful night out for anyone and gives people the chance to soak in Shanghai’s rich culture. Performing at the Shanghai Center Theatre in Nanjing Xi Lu 7 nights a week this troupe is great fun for those who prefer quality entertainment. (CHECK). For sports enthusiasts, Shanghai has a range of sporting facilities. From golfing to Formula 1 Racing, Tai Chi to rock climbing this city has it all. The Tomson Golf Club in Pudong is an 18-hole golf course of international standard. You can also play golf at the Shanghai Golf Country Club in Zhujiajiao Town. This championship golf course is a 15 minute drive from downtown and is the perfect getaway for the tired businessperson.

From 5 am to 8 am, locals practice the art of Tai Chi all over the city. Xuhui Park, Zhongshan Park and Fuxing Park are all places where many older residents of Shanghai gather and exercise their bodies and their minds. Many hotels in the city also offer Tai Chi classes. Rock climbing can be done at the Hongkou Football Stadium. Here there are six walls of different levels to climb and conquer. The club also rents climbing gear.
Jogging and walking are popular sporting activities in the city as well. Take a pleasant, long walk around the former French Concession and enjoy its natural beauty or go for a nice short walk around the Bund. Most jogging in Shanghai is done in Century Park or Xiangyang Park.

If you prefer to have a less stimulating vacation, you can have a spa treatment or Chinese massage offered by most high-class hotels and health clubs around the city. Reflexology, acupuncture and aromatherapy all have their origins in China and can be found all over Shanghai. Fitness First at Plaza 66 and Total Fitness Club are great places to work out and have a relaxing rub down to calm the body.

You can go to Aquaria 21 Water Park with the whole family. Featuring a South American-styled underwater world with sharks, sting rays and sea turtles, kids of all ages can learn how to scuba dive here. The Zhongshan Park and the Shanghai Zoo are two more fun family attractions. There are many amusement park rides and an indoor playground at the park; while at the zoo, you can enjoy the company of giant pandas and beautiful tigers. The Shanghai Science Museum and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium are also prefect places to take the entire family for a day trip. You should also check out the Children’s Palace, where gifted children from all across China come to stay and hone their crafts. From music to calligraphy, these tiny tots provide a flawless display of their incredible skills.