Here are five detailed one-day itineraries in Shanghai that are suitable for senior citizens:
Itinerary 1: Historic Shanghai Tour
- Start the day with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
- Head over to the Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
- Visit the nearby City God Temple, a popular Taoist temple that is over 600 years old.
- Take a stroll along the Bund, a waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of Shanghai’s iconic skyline.
- End the day with a cruise on the Huangpu River, where you can see the city’s famous colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers.
Itinerary 2: Traditional Chinese Culture Tour
- Begin with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, a popular Buddhist temple that houses two jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar.
- Visit the nearby Longhua Temple, one of the oldest and largest temples in Shanghai that has a history of over 1,700 years.
- Take a Tai Chi class in the peaceful surroundings of Fuxing Park.
- Head over to the Confucius Temple, a peaceful oasis in the bustling city that showcases Chinese Confucian culture.
- End the day with a Chinese calligraphy class, where you can learn the art of writing Chinese characters.
Itinerary 3: Art and Architecture Tour
- Start the day with a visit to the Power Station of Art, which is housed in a former power station and showcases contemporary art exhibitions.
- Visit the nearby Shanghai Museum of Glass, which showcases the history and art of glassmaking.
- Take a tour of the Shanghai French Concession, a historic area of the city that is known for its architecture and charm.
- Visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, for stunning views of the city.
- End the day with a visit to the Shanghai World Financial Center, which offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Itinerary 4: Food and Market Tour
- Start the day with a visit to the Dongtai Road Antique Market, where you can find antique and vintage items.
- Head over to the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively market that sells souvenirs, handicrafts, and local snacks.
- Visit the nearby Chenghuangmiao Market, a traditional Chinese market that sells a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, and electronics.
- Take a break at a traditional tea house and sample some local teas.
- End the day with a visit to a local restaurant to try some traditional Shanghainese cuisine, such as xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) or shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings).
Itinerary 5: Nature and Parks Tour
- Start the day with a visit to the Shanghai Botanical Garden, which features over 6,000 species of plants and flowers.
- Visit the nearby Zhujiajiao Water Town, a picturesque town with winding canals and ancient buildings.
- Take a stroll in the Jing’an Sculpture Park, which features a collection of modern sculptures and art installations.
- Visit the nearby Jing’an Temple, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the 3rd century.
- End the day with a visit to the Shanghai Wildlife Park, where you can see a wide variety of animals, including giant pandas and Siberian tigers.