Shanghai’s Newest Summer Hotspots: Stay Cool and Have Fun – Tourists Say It’s a Trip Worth Taking

About this trip: Since I graduated from university in 2014, I've been working at a hospital in Shanghai, a diligent office worker. The pressure of living and working in the 'Magic City'—I don't need to explain, everyone knows, especially at a hospital. Most of the time, my life is just home and the hospital, a simple two-point line, and eight years have flown by.

So after working so long, whenever I have some free time, I naturally want to go out and have fun.

Finally, my best friend from Suzhou had some time off. She wanted to visit me in Shanghai, and I happened to have two days off too—so this trip was born!

Day 1: Shanghai Songcheng

Day 2: Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

When traveling, preparation is important.

① ID card—this is number one and the most important, because you'll need it for hotels and transportation.

② Photography gear: Canon 6D, iPhone 12 Pro

③ Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, skincare products, makeup, etc.

⑤ Some cash: have a little cash on hand, just in case.

Recently, I kept hearing from my bestie and colleagues that Shanghai Songcheng Performing Kingdom · World Expo Grand Stage is really great. Taking advantage of a weekend when we both were free, I specially invited my Suzhou friend, and the two of us girls went to explore the area.

Shanghai Songcheng consists of a 7-story building and part of an outdoor area, with a total touring length of up to 3 kilometers, so there are really plenty of fun things to do. Dear readers, please be patient, and let me tell you all about it~

After entering the park, we checked the schedule and found that 'Miracle' at the outdoor Forest Theater on the 1st floor was about to start, so my friend and I went straight there. 'Miracle' is a fantastic magic show. The experienced magician performed many brilliant tricks with his superb skills, and my friend and I clapped so hard our hands hurt.

The second show we watched was 'Crystal Ball' in the Sky Market on the 6th floor. The performer was a handsome young man, skillfully maneuvering the crystal ball on his arm and palm with incredible difficult moves—truly amazing!

After lunch at a restaurant in the park, we went to the 6th-floor Magic Lamp Plaza to enjoy the 'Magic Lamp Flash Mob'. Performers dressed in all kinds of outfits put on a spectacular flash mob show, and I couldn't help but join in with my friend, dancing joyfully to the music.

'Hello, Chaplin' was at the outdoor Music Square on the 1st floor. An actor dressed much like the silent film comedy master Chaplin performed various tricks in the square, occasionally inviting children on stage for interaction. Watching the kids' cheerful smiling faces, you could tell how much fun it was.

Soon it was time for the main event, 'Shanghai Eternal Love', about to begin. We checked in at Theater No.1 on the 2nd floor, found our seats, and got ready for the grand show. Like other Eternal Love shows elsewhere, 'Shanghai Eternal Love' is deeply rooted in Shanghai, illustrating the city's past from various angles.

The first act, 'Tracing the Origins of Shen and Hu', explored Shanghai's origins, explaining the reasons behind the city's two abbreviations, 'Shen' and 'Hu'. Interestingly, even though I've lived in Shanghai for years, I only just learned that Shanghai was once the fief of Lord Chunshen, Huang Xie, one of the Four Lords of the Warring States period!

The second act, '1921', told how Shanghai gradually became a prosperous metropolis as times changed. Behind this bustling city, there were also the joys and sorrows of ordinary people. This act followed a young girl named Qiaoqiao coming to Shanghai to find her childhood sweetheart, Aqiang, and through their story showcased this turbulent era.

Next came the third act, 'Modern Years'. It has to be said, behind the seemingly peaceful and prosperous scenes, undercurrents were stirring, and the bustling atmosphere was soon shattered by the Battle of Songhu.

The fourth act, 'Shanghai Family', depicted the arrival of peace after the war ended. Through the story of an ordinary Shanghai family, it showed the common experiences of Shanghai households in the 1950s.

The final act, 'Wind from the Sea', showed Shanghai's rapid development in the 21st century, changing daily, drawing on all strengths, embracing diversity, and gradually becoming an international metropolis!

After the show, we continued to the 6th-floor Sky Market for 'Symphony'. Three lovely young ladies were playing symphony music there. Even if you're not musically gifted, sitting down to listen was very pleasant.

Then my friend and I went to the 7th floor, where we could not only see the Huangpu River but also the Lupu Bridge from the glass observation deck. Next to it was a Cliff Theater where 'Cliff Symphony' was just starting, and we enjoyed it for a while. Compared with the 'Symphony' at the 6th-floor Sky Market, each has its own charm—don't miss either.

After playing on the 7th floor for a while, we headed straight to Theater No. 2 on the 1st floor to see 'The Great Earthquake', a large-scale live show that was free with admission tickets. This performance told the story of the '5.12' Wenchuan earthquake. The most interesting part was that audience members were invited to participate in the performance, and after it ended, they received a participation certificate. Those interested shouldn't miss it.

【Park Tips】

Address: No.1750 Shibo Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

How to get there: Drive or take Metro Line 13 to Shibo Avenue Station, then walk.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00–22:00; holidays: 9:30–22:00

10:00-21:00

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

After visiting Shanghai Songcheng on Saturday, we felt we hadn't had enough, so that evening my friend didn't rush back to Suzhou but planned to play another day. So she asked me to go with her to Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park on Sunday.

Indeed, Haichang has been quite famous since it opened, so we both aimed to check out the park's internet-famous attraction—the Underwater World—to take some beautiful photos.

Upon arriving at Haichang Park, we found it was super large, with five themed zones: Mermaid Bay, Polar Town, Ice Kingdom, Undersea Wonderland, and Ocean Tribe. In these areas, there are many opportunities to interact with marine animals.

What I found best was the many little science facts here. If you bring your children, you can combine education with fun and broaden their horizons—it's a real two-in-one win. Next time, I must bring my daughter.

As a very large ocean park, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when entering because there's so much to see and do. There were also many visitors. During the pandemic, be sure to stay safe, wear a mask, and protect yourself.

Following the crowd, we soon came to the Walrus Theater, which became my favorite. The sea lion performance there was really amazing. Guided by the trainer, the sea lion performed all sorts of fun and interesting tricks.

Besides that, if you visit the Volcano Theater, don't miss a fairy tale show between humans and fish—the mysterious ocean is just that fascinating~

The best part was that the nighttime program was equally stunning. I never expected the night activities to be so rich and diverse.

After experiencing the daytime itinerary, we had a hearty dinner inside the park in the evening.

When night fell, every show rocked the venue. In Ocean Tribe, we watched a spectacular 'Shanhai "Whale" Night Glow Float Parade', with everyone singing and dancing along with the floats, their faces beaming with joy—it was so delightful.

At Antarctic Bridge, we enjoyed the 'Sea and Sky Whale Show' water screen light show. Watching a fleet of small aircraft perform cool maneuvers, the only word to describe it was 'thrilling'!

Finally, we stayed overnight in the elegant tents at the Volcano Shark Aquarium and Underwater World, as if embarking on a wonderful underwater journey. Sleeping alongside marine creatures—I think such an experience must be truly interesting.

Beyond what I've recommended, there are many more delicious foods and fun things in the park. You should find a weekend and experience it yourself. So wonderful, rich, and enjoyable—spending a whole day of excitement is not too much, don't you think?

This homestay in Shanghai was a standard apartment-style hotel. The space wasn't large, but upon opening the door, you saw an open kitchen and a bathroom with a separate wet and dry area. Then came the main part, a bedroom combined with a simple living room. Though the room was not big, it was fully equipped—something I really appreciated. For example, a washing machine, refrigerator, drying rack, and other amenities that even five-star hotels don't have are common in homestays, giving a sense of home. I was very satisfied with that.

The most thoughtful touch: the washing machine came with two packs of laundry liquid, making laundry incredibly convenient.

Alright, that's all for now. Girls who like this, you can give it a try~