Last Minute Things to Make the Most of Summer!

By Anouska Panda 2021-08-16 16:38:38

With the sun-filled, cheery chapter of Shanghai’s 2021 summer soon coming to an end (I can hear the sighs and groans from here), it’s time to garner all the memories that we have cherished. However, if you haven’t been able to tick off the last few things on your summer bucket list, or have simply not managed to make the most of summer; there is no room for regrets! Here is a list of last-minute things to do to help you end the summer season with a blast.

 

Have a Picnic

 

 

Imagine sitting on a perfectly pitched mat, with the summer breeze gently tickling your ears and the aroma of cut fruits, sandwiches, cakes, and juice laying there in front of you. Except you won’t have to imagine anymore. Picnics are one of the best activities for the summertime and Shanghai has some great parks to offer. If you’re looking for a lake view, lush greenery, boating rides, and go-karting, Changfeng Park is an excellent place to start. It is a family favorite and its picturesque sites will call for a few selfies to be taken! The park also consists of a man-made hill known as Tiebi Hill and is home to Changfeng Ocean World, also known as Sea life Shanghai, which is a marine aquarium full of various marine creatures.

 

 

Address: Changfeng Ocean World, 451 Daduhe Road, Putuo District

 

 

Hit the Swimming Pools

 

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Photo courtesy: Dianping

 

There is nothing like getting in a cool pool in the blazing Shanghai summer! Oriental Springs, located in Minhang District, is a favourite of many. However, this place is a little different from many of the outdoor pools in Shanghai. The three-floor water resort has 15 pools of hot spring water and five indoor saunas. Furthermore, the area offers a variety of restaurants, massages, and activities for entertainment such as arcades, kid-friendly areas, and a bookstore. Currently, Oriental Springs opens every day from 11 a.m. to midnight. 

 

Address: No.1, Lane 2088 Wuzhong Road, near Hangzhong Road

 

 

Visit the Tintin Exhibit

 

 

Admit it or not, we all read The Adventures of Tintin as young readers and would get excited to accompany Tintin on his fantastic adventures. Being one of the most popular European cartoon series to ever exist, it might surprise you to know that Tintin is here, in Shanghai. Tintin and Hergé, the world’s largest Tintin theme exhibition has opened at Shanghai Power Station of Art. The exhibition consists of the different versions of Hergé’s original drawings of Tintin, the artwork he surrounded himself with whilst writing, and photographs. Some interviews and references explain his choices, thoughts, and path to becoming the artist he has become today, adding a personal touch to the exhibit. Astoundingly, the deep friendship between the Shanghai-born sculptor, Zhang Chongren and Hergé is also expressed at the exhibit as Tintin’s fifth volume, The Blue Lotus, was heavily influenced by Chongren. Make sure to check out this remarkable and nostalgic exhibition! 

 

Address: Powerstation of Art, 678 Miaojiang Road, Huangpu District

 

 

Explore the M50 Creative Park

Photo courtesy: triptoshanghai.com

 

The M50 creative park is an artistic part of the city worth visiting. Found on Moganshan Road, the area is full of art shops, exhibitions, cafes, and graffiti wall displays. The park is home to China’s local artists and their work. Moreover, the artists are known to explain their work and perspective to customers and visitors.

 

Address: 50 Moganshan Road, near Aomen Road

 

 

Zhujiajiao Water Town

 

 

Located on the outskirts (Qingpu District) of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is a water town. It was established about 1700 years ago. It has often been given the title: “The Venice of Shanghai” due to its scenic beauty. The ancient town is home to waterways, 36 well-preserved bridges, and traditional Chinese houses and buildings. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops to explore as well. Their local Chinese snacks are a must-try! You can also take the Zhujiajiao Cruise, in which you can ride small gondolas to get a closer look at the picturesque town and all the remarkable scenery it has to offer. Zhujiajiao water town will take your breath away and leave you wanting for more.

 

Metro: Line 17, Zhujiajiao station

 

 

Huangpu River Night Cruise

 

 

If you truly want to see all that Shanghai has to offer, take the Huangpu River Night Cruise. The spectacular night views, riverside attractions and a panoramic view of the city will definitely ‘wow’ you. On one side of the river, you’ll see the historic buildings (of Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, and other architecture styles) on the Bund, and on the other side, you’ll encounter the modern Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai Tower.

 

 

Yu Garden

 

 

Built in 1559, Yu Garden served as a private garden for the Pan family during the Ming Dynasty. Today, the area consists of six significant sites, which include: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden. The place is stunning with a bustling Yuyuan bazaar, ancient Chinese architecture as well as impressive sculptures. One of the most renowned areas of the garden is the Exquisite Jade Rock, which is a five ton rock that towers over the visitors. If you’re wanting to delve deeper into China’s history, this one’s for you.

 

 

Shanghai Circus World

 

Photo courtesy: Dianping

Looking for an adventure? Catch the next show at Shanghai Circus World. As of now, ERA2-Spirit of Shanghai and Happy Circus are playing. ERA2-Spirit of Shanghai is the sequel to ERA-Intersection of Time, which showed the story of China’s evolution through a jaw-dropping acrobatics show consisting of mesmerizing martial arts, trapeze artists, special effects, visuals, lights, and striking costumes. On the other hand, Happy Circus features live animals such as rare white tigers, sea lions, dogs, and many more. It is definitely a winner among the kids.

 

Address: 2266 Gonghe Xin Road, near Guangzhong Road

 

Happy Summer!

 

 

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