Shanghai 2010 is going to attract the world’s attention, as the World Expo is going to be held here. Is Shanghai travel on your schedule yet? Have you plan what to do in this highly cosmopolitan financial city of China? As a native Chinese who travels to Shanghai frequently, here is my suggested list of top 10 things to do in Shanghai.

‘Shanghai At Night’ is famous in China and worldwide. The Bund is the most famous and attractive sight here. The best time to admire the Bund is after dark when all the buildings are lit up creating an extremely colourful and breathtaking scene. There are 52 blocks of buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance – comprising banks, hotels, MNC headquarters etc. The stunning views here do not only attract visitors but film producers. There are two ways to admire the Bund.

1. Admire the Bund by Cruise

There are lots of sightseeing cruises to let you view the beautiful Bund every night. Make sure to go on one of these cruises.

2. Admire the Bund on the west bank of Huangpu River

Take a relax walk on the walking corridor along the Bund. However as of December 2009, the corridor was under renovation in preparation for the 2010 Expo. Even so, you can drive along the Huangpu river bank and stop by the end of the Bund nearby Russian Consulate where you can oversee the Pearl TV Tower at the opposite bank. While you are not able to take good photos on board a cruise, this is the best photogenic spot for you to take plenty of beautiful photos of Shanghai.

3. Xin Tian Di

Enjoy a cup of high tea at Shanghai Xin Tian Di at Puxi. It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture style. It retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai. On the other hand, its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants, accompanied by a central fountain.

4. City God Temple

This is one of the most remarkable landmarks of Shanghai. You must come here to taste the most authentic world-famous Shanghai Nanxiang Juicy Bun (Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao). There are also plenty of traditional Chinese restaurants and souvenior shops along with Starbucks. But don’t expect to find a temple here, though the place is called City God Temple.

5. Nanjing Road

Even if you are not a shopperholic, please do spare an hour to visit this premier shopping street in Shanghai – Nanjing Road. Upscale department stores within buildings of 1920s style along with world-famous brands and restaurants. This place is also ideal to shop for authentic Shanghainese snacks and souveniors. If you don’t want to walk, a trackless sightseeing train would only cost 3 yuan. After dark, flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and make the Nanjing Road an extremely shinning place in Shanghai.

6. Maglev Train

Take the Shanghai Maglev Train from Pudong International Airport to the Lujiazui financial district. The Maglev has a regular service speed of 430 km/h and is the fastest railway system in commercial operation in the world. This point-to-point 30-km ride takes about eight minutes and 50 yuan only for one way and 80 yuan for a round trip.

7. Jin Mao Tower

Take a good aerial view of Shanghai from the observation deck on the 88/F of Jin Mao Tower. Being the fourth tallest building of the world and the second tallest building in China, Jin Mao Tower is located in the centre of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Districts in Pudong. This building includes modern offices, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, exhibition halls and banquet halls.

8. Hairy Crabs (seasonal at Autumn)

Go do a crab feast. Food hunting is important for most travellers. Shanghai cuisine is famous and hairy crabs are what you must eat here. However hairy crabs are seasonal. If you come between September and November, it is the best time to not only enjoy hairy crabs, but a crab feast.

9. World Expo 2010 (May to Oct, 2010)

Attend The Expo 2010 in Shanghai. This international event will provide a platform for participants to share their experiences and discuss advanced ideas on cities, and explore new approaches to eco-friendly lifestyles under the theme of 'Better City, Better Life'. By June, 2009, 239 countries, cities and international organisations have confirmed to take part in Expo 2010. Don’t miss the Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

10. Rowing Boat - Water Village Tours

Take a rowing boat trip at one of the water villages nearby Shanghai. These Venice-like villages are namely Wu Zhen, Zhujiajiao, and Zhuo Zhuang - featuring river bank village houses and beautiful bridges – very picturesque.

To visit Shanghai, don’t forget a China visa, as all visitors would need one. Click the link below for guidelines to apply for a China visa.