A Local’s Guide to Fun in Shanghai (Attractions Edition 2) 🏙️

🥳 First off, a disclaimer: Everything listed here is based on my personal preferences for what’s fun and delicious. It’s all subjective, so if you disagree, no hard feelings! 😉

❓ Are those popular attractions worth visiting? (Part 2)

  1. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (上海科技馆): It might feel a bit childish for kids, but for a 30-year-old like me, it’s just right 😄. Despite visiting countless times during school trips, the museum is still a lot of fun with many exhibits to explore. It’s a place you can easily spend a whole day. It’s also very close to Century Park (世纪公园), so if the weather’s nice, you can take the kids for a stroll afterward. (Note: The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen on December 31, 2025, so check out other spots in the meantime!)

  2. Suzhou Creek (苏州河): This is Shanghai’s mother river. Ten years ago, it was just a dirty waterway, but now it’s been completely transformed. The surrounding area is full of great dining, entertainment, and homestays. It’s incredibly relaxing to have a drink by the creek on a sunny afternoon. The newly opened Suzhou Bay MixC (苏河湾万象城) nearby is pet-friendly with plenty of food options. And that giant white fox sculpture is there too 🦊!

  3. Xiangsheng New Place (上生新所): This is a hub for outdoor and trendy brands, brunch spots, and Western restaurants. The famous pool that appears on social media is here, and Li Jiaqi’s studio is located here as well. Xiaohongshu (小红书) often holds exhibitions here, so you can check in advance to see if there are any upcoming events. (The croissants at Lenbach are delicious!! 🥐 Carb lovers, rejoice! But go early—they’re gone after 4 PM.)

  4. Korean Street (韩国街): If you’re into Korean food, this is the place to be. I highly recommend Cheongwongak (青鹤谷), where the side dishes are abundant and delicious, though you might have to queue, so go early. There are also plenty of Korean supermarkets, snack shops, ice cream parlors, and clothing stores to explore, so plan for an entire afternoon. Additionally, there are many great Taiwanese restaurants near Longbai. The ones I’ve tried have all been fantastic, with no misses and plenty of return visits! Check out Wu Ji Fresh Flavors (吴记鲜定味), July Taiwanese Bistro (柒月台菜小酒馆), and Goose Village Taiwanese Cuisine (鹅庄台湾美食).

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  5. Songjiang (松江) (Guangfulin Relics Park (广富林遗址) + Chenshan Botanical Garden (辰山植物园) + Happy Valley (欢乐谷) + Maya Water Park (玛雅水世界)): Guangfulin and Chenshan are great for taking photos on a nice day. I haven’t been to Happy Valley yet, but it’s supposed to be bigger and more fun than Jinjiang Action Park, though theme parks are all pretty similar. Maya Water Park is only open in summer. And how could you visit Songjiang without trying Farmhouse Cuisine Lao Da (农家菜老大)? If you have time, you can also visit the university town to reminisce about college days—there are plenty of street food options on Wenhui Road. Songjiang is so much fun, one day isn’t enough to explore it all! 😄

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  6. Disneyland (迪士尼): This is definitely one of Shanghai’s landmarks. If you haven’t been, I recommend going, as it’s one of only two Disney parks in China. After all, as our beloved Zhilin said, “Oh my God, I’ve come to Disneyland! I’m so happy, so happy, so happy! The most beautiful castle! 🏰”

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