1. Shikumen Museum. Step back in time and experience what life in Shanghai was like during the 1920s. The highlight of the museum is a renovated Shikumen home filled with genuine memorabilia and artifacts from the 1920s and '30s. More than 70 percent of Shanghai residents were born in Shikumen houses, but today they are quickly disappearing. After touring this museum, you will have a greater appreciation for how much Shanghai has modernized within the past century.
2. Shanghai Postal Service Museum. The Shanghai Postal Services Museum offers more than just a history lesson on the Chinese postal system. (Whew!) The architecture of this grand 1930s building is quite impressive; especially the newly renovated atrium. But the real highlight of your visit will be the rooftop garden. This 75-year-old rooftop features one of the coolest clock towers in Shanghai and some of the most remarkable views of the city. You can see both sides of the Huangpu River: Suzhou Creek, Pudong, and the Bund.
3. Nanxiang Town. With a rich 1,500-year history, this tucked away gem offers the sparkle of a Ming Dynasty Garden and a reconstructed Buddhist Temple. Don’t leave without trying a tasty steamed dumpling!
4. Moganshan St. Art Galleries. This street was once lined with old factory workshops and warehouses, but today it is home to beautiful art galleries, exhibition rooms, and even theaters. It's an ideal place to meet modern, independent freelance artists and browse their work.
5. Qipu Road Market. Not sure what to bring home from your travels? This is the place to shop for souvenirs for all your friends and family! Everything is negotiable, giving this market the nickname, “Cheap Roead.” With dozens of small shops and stands to browse, you are sure to find something your friends will ooh and ah over for years to come. Read more from our study abroad in Shanghai newsletter, All Abroad.