How to Spend Time in Shanghai During your Business Trip

With a plethora of sightseeing opportunities, China's largest city, Shanghai, draws travellers from across the globe. All over the city are historic sites, parks, museums, restaurants, boutiques and galleries that keep tourists entertained. Thanks to its location at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is one of the most important port cities in the world; it has now become a famous business destination too.

1. Shanghai as a business destination

With consistent development and financial growth, Shanghai has established itself as an excellent business destination where entrepreneurs can grow their businesses. The city also offers fun and excitement to businesspeople on business trips that would otherwise be rife with only work. Accommodation options are aplenty. From hotels to resorts to Pudong apartments, Shanghai offers a slew of choices, including the likes of Citadines Jinxiu Shanghai. In a city like Shanghai, investors and entrepreneurs can achieve their business goals while having fun.

2. The architectural allure of the Bund

Shanghai's promenade, more commonly known as the Bund, runs along the Huangpujiang River. The area is particularly liked by tourists due to its European feel – this was the focus of Shanghai's international settlement. The promenade is lined by a number of French and English buildings, and they have been converted into hotels, offices, stores and galleries. Always busy, the Bund is where you can go for a stroll, be it day or night. This area of Shanghai is also where you can see a spectacular collection of art deco architecture.

3. The city's oldest green expanse

Laid out centuries ago, Yu Garden is the oldest garden in Shanghai. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometres, Yu Garden is also known as the garden of happiness. The garden has two sections: The Outer Garden and the Inner Garden. The most prominent feature of the Outer Garden is the Hall of Spring, the only preserved work of Zhang Nanyang, who was a master designer. The Inner Garden is also worth a visit; it contains typical Chinese garden features like decorative walls, pavilions, small ponds and miniature mountain ranges.

4. Shanghai Museum

Housing a collection of Chinese art, Shanghai Museum stands to be the most important museum in China. Established in 1952, the museum is an artful creation in itself. With four floors containing impressive collections of art, Shanghai Museum draws coinsurers of art. The collection of ceramics and bronzes is a gift of prehistoric cultures. Among other highlights of the museum are seals, calligraphy and ink drawings. Shanghai Museum is also home to a huge collection of furnishings, coins and jade.

5. The Oriental Peral Tower

Found in Pudong Park, the Oriental Peral Tower is one of the best viewpoints in Shanghai. The tower stands on the bank of the Huangpu River, making it one of the most scenic spots in the city. The tower has been a place of interest since 1991, the year it was built. The most loved feature of the tower is the glass-floored observation deck that offers sweeping views of the city. In addition, the tower has a few other viewing areas, including Space City and the Sightseeing Floor. The shopping mall found here is another tourist highlight.

6. The French connection

Tianzifang was once the city's French Concession, and now it is the arts and crafts spot of Shanghai. Many of the older homes have been transformed into modern buildings, but much of the retro French feel has been preserved. There are numerous small alleys and laneways that await to be explored. Tianzifang offers many shopping opportunities, and besides that, you also get several craft shops and small galleries. Fuxing Park is another place with a French feel. Built in 1909, the park offers numerous attractions, including pavilions, gardens and fountains.