About this English self-guided 1h:45m walking tour in Shanghai
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of the vibrant city of Shanghai, where past and present seamlessly intertwine, creating a captivating tapestry of history and modernity. My name is Dave, and I am pleased to be your guide today. As we embark on this walking tour, we will greet you with the stunning architecture, including the towering skyscrapers of Pudong's Lujiazui district, a testament to Shanghai's rapid economic growth, and we’ll immerse ourselves in the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Marvel at the iconic Bund, where the historic waterfront meets a dazzling display of contemporary structures across the Huangpu River. Explore the bustling markets of Yuyuan Garden, where traditional Chinese architecture and serene ponds offer a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Each step in Shanghai unveils a new layer of its rich heritage and dynamic spirit, making it a city of contrasts and cultural convergence that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
We begin today on Xinchang Road next to the Chong Hing Finance Center. There is a large parking lot if you drove in today, and there is public transportation nearby, including subway trains and bus stops. Follow your navigation and we will begin shortly.
China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, People's Square, 南京西路288号 邮政编码: 200003
Tomorrow Square
Our tour opens up with a stunning view of Tomorrow Square, a prominent skyscraper located here in the heart of Shanghai. Standing at 285 meters (932 feet) tall, this distinctive building is known for its unique design, featuring a cylindrical shape at the base that gradually transforms into a square as it ascends, symbolizing the harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements in Shanghai's urban landscape. Completed in 2003, Tomorrow Square houses a mix of commercial and residential spaces, including a luxury hotel, offices, and apartments.
The building's most distinctive feature is the crown-like structure at its pinnacle, which is illuminated at night, adding a striking element to Shanghai's skyline. Tomorrow Square is strategically situated in close proximity to People's Square, making it a central landmark in the city. The building not only serves a functional purpose but also stands as a symbol of Shanghai's rapid development and forward-looking aspirations. Visitors to Tomorrow Square can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape from its observation deck, providing a unique perspective on the dynamic and ever-evolving metropolis of Shanghai.
Let’s continue on and into the grounds of People’s Park, as we explore the next Place on our tour today, The Shanghai Museum of Natural History.
231 Nanjing Rd (W), People's Square, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200003
Shanghai Natural History Museum
The museum was established in 1956 and was initially housed in the Shanghai Cotton Exchange Building, a classical British structure built in 1923. However, due to urban development, the museum found a new home in the Jing’an Sculpture Park in 2015. The new building, covering 44,517 square meters, is a purpose-built space designed to resemble a nautilus shell. The original location near the intersection of South Henan Road and East Yan’an Road was designated a Heritage Building by the Shanghai Municipal Government in 19941.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 240,000 samples, including 62,000 animal
specimens, 135,000 plant specimens, 700 Stone Age artifacts and 1,700 mineral specimens. The museum features a wide range of exhibits covering various aspects of natural history, including paleontology, anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Visitors can explore displays of fossils, dinosaur skeletons, taxidermy animals, and interactive exhibits.
The star attraction is a 140-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton of Mamenchisaurus, hochuanensis, (say that 3 times fast), Young et Zhao from Sichuan Province. This colossal dinosaur stands over four stories high! Additionally, the museum houses two mummies and several human embryos.
Visitors can explore a world of natural wonders, from dino-bots and taxidermy to live bugs, amphibians, and fossils. Don’t miss the 4D cinema, where short nature documentaries and children’s films come to life.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Tomorrow Square
Place 2Shanghai Natural History Museum
Place 3Shanghai Grand Theater
Place 4Shanghai Center
Place 5Shanghai Museum
Place 6People's Square
Place 7People's Park
Place 8Shimao International Plaza
Place 9Nanjing Road
Place 10Chen Yi Square
Place 11The Bund
Place 12Shanghai Grandmother and Cuisine
Place 13Shanghai Tower
Place 14Shopping Malls
Place 15Yuyuan Old Street
Place 16Yu Garden
Place 17City God Temple
Place 18Shanghai Old Street
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How to take a UCPlaces tour
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* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).