Things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern cosmopolitan metropolis, and transportation hub that seamlessly blends Western and Chinese cultures. It is an ancient city with all of the modern amenities a visitor could want. This city has some unique cultural aspects that cannot be found in other parts of China and visitors to Shanghai should not leave without experiencing at least a few of them.

Acrobatics:
Acrobatics is a traditional Chinese performance art with a long history. The acrobatic performances are breathtaking, often humorous, and always unforgettable. Shanghai has many acrobatic troupes, the most famous being the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, which has performed throughout China, and across the world, and has received numerous international awards for their breathtaking feats. Visitors interested in Shanghai's acrobatics can purchase tickets, with their travel agency's help. There are many venue's offering these spectacular acrobatics, and visitors to Shanghai should not miss seeing at least one.

Shanghai Opera:
The local opera of Shanghai originated from Shange, a type of popular folk song from the Jiangnan area, the area south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. With its sweet music, and the gentle Shanghai dialect, the Shange style of singing is extremely popular with people in the Shanghai and Zhejiang Province areas. Visitors who are interested in Shanghai Opera can see it at the Yi Fu Theatre, and the Tian Chan Peking Opera Art Center located on Fuzhou Road. This center is the only traditional opera performance theatre in Shanghai. It was built in 1925, and is famous for its Peking and Shanghai Opera performances. It is said that a Peking Opera actor or actress who has not performed at the Tian Chan Peking Opera Art Center cannot rise to fame.

Ping tan:
Originating in Shanghai and Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, Ping tan, a form of storytelling and ballad singing, has become very popular with locals and visitors alike. Ping tan performances have one to three performers. There are many popular traditional pieces of Ping tan. Many are love tales, and many tell of the daring exploits of legendary Chinese figures. The only props used, are a fan, a handkerchief, a table, and a piece of wood. They are used to help emphasize certain parts of the performance. The piece of wood is used to hit the table, to attract attention, and emphasize certain actions. This performance art is popular with all walks of life in Shanghai. There are many venues which feature Ping tan performances. The Tian Chan Peking Opera Art Centre and the Lyceum Theatre are the most popular. In some traditional style tea houses, visitors can see Ping tan performances. One of the best locations is the mid-lake pavilion located in the Yu Garden. The best way to experience Ping tan is by sitting on the bank of lake, while sipping Longjing Tea and munching on local snacks.

Xin Tian Di:
A newly built scenic spot, Xin Tian Di is large complex built with a European feel. During the day thousands of sightseers can be seen visiting Xin Tian Di taking photos. In the evening, the area has a romantic European flavor. The Cafes are extremely popular with locals and visitors. The restaurants offer wonderful food in a romantic atmosphere. There are several exhibition halls which exhibit local arts and crafts, and Xin Tian Di also has many art galleries, and distinctive shops.

Huangpu River Cruise:
Cruising down Huangpu River, Shanghai's mother river, is a wonderful experience. The cruise begins at the Bund, which is known as a "museum of architecture" and slowly cruises toward the Nanpu Bridge. At the bridge, the ship makes a u-turn and passes under the Yangpu Bridge. The ship then cruises to the Wusong Kou before returning to the bund. Wusong Kou is the confluence of the Huangpu and Yangtze Rivers, and the East China Sea. During flood season, the yellow water of the Yangtze River meets the Green water of the East China Sea and since the two waters are so distinct, you can watch the two colors flow side by side. The best time to take a cruise on the Huangpu River is at night. The buildings along the river are lit up and the Western styled buildings of the bund looks extremely majestic. It is a wonderfully romantic experience for visitors to Shanghai.

Bars:
Shanghai's nightlife is legendary. The city has innumerable bars and nightclubs in an unlimited variety of themes. There are bars to cater to every type of person. It is said that any visitor to Shanghai can find their perfect bar. Shanghai has a long history of jazz clubs, which have been popular since the 1930's. Although the old venues are long gone, their modern counterparts have kept the tradition alive, and live jazz can be found throughout the city. The most recommended bar streets in Shanghai are the Julu Road, Xintiandi, Henshan Road, South Maoming Road, and the Duolun Road. Shanghai is home to the highest bar in the world according to the Guinness Book of World's Records. Located in the Jinmao Tower, but its prices are almost as high as its elevation.