Shanghai, China

Shanghai interns and international volunteers will gain invaluable, lifelong cultural experiences through the many different sides of Shanghai—either through the business, culinary, or nightlife scenes. Not to mention the practical, real world knowledge and skills gained from Connect-123’s international internships and volunteer programs.

Fast Facts

Population: 20 million (largest city in China)

Climate: Mediterranean

Languages: Shanghainese, Mandarin

Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam.

Country Capital: Beijing

Time Zone: GMT +B

Currency: Renminbi (RMB) – also known as yuan or kuai

Fun Facts: The following unusual dishes can be sampled in Shanghai - live drunken shrimp, scorpions, congealed lamb blood and bull penis.

History & Culture

Founded as a center of trade during the Qing dynasty, Shanghai has since become China’s most populous city and a major financial center. Areas of British, French, and American settlements could be found in the city up until the second world war and this influence is still seen in the architecture – contrasting with the most modern of skyscrapers! Shanghai is well known for its flashy, diversified and high-energy night life, and for its fascinating culinary scene, featuring street snacks, Malatang (create your own soup) shops and modern Chinese style fare. Further afield the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, the Potala Palace in Tibet and of course the Great Wall in Beijing await!

Feel Shanghai's Pulse

What's happening in Shanghai

Night Life

Vue Bar

Vue Bar features stunning views, a hot tub on the terrace, day beds for lounging and special cocktail nights!
Restaurants

Blue Frog

Hop down to Blue Frog Bar & Grill on a Monday - burgers are half price and Happy Hour runs until 8.
Museums

Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum

Shanghai was one of the only cities to accept Jewish refugees during World War II; this recently renovated museum tells the story.
Gardens

Yu Gardens

Why not visit these scenic Chinese style gardens to experience a traditional tea ceremony, or explore the markets for Chinese knick-knacks, fancy tea pots and everything silk.
Festivals

The Shanghai International Film Festival

See indie and mainstream films from all over the world AND meet the people who made them! Every June in participating theaters all around the city.
Night Life

Glamour Bar & M on the Bund

Be prepared for breathtaking views while dining and lounging among a sophisticated crowd of expats and Shanghainese.
Lazy Saturdays

Taikung Lu/Tianzifang

Traditional, local Shanghainese housing is disappearing fast. Grab the chance to experience it here - along with galleries, boutiques and handmade jewelry shops.
Festivals

China Shanghai International Arts Festival

Talented and passionate performers, local and international, unite for this festival.
Shanghai Icons

People's Square (Ren Min Guang Chang)

This large, well-manicured city center park witnesses Saturday afternoon matchmaking as Shanghainese parents discuss their childrens' suitability for marriage.
Tea Houses

Yaqu Elegance Teahouse

One of the oldest of Shanghai's thousands of tea houses - spend a chilled afternoon sipping exotic teas with friends or a good book for company.
Restaurants

New Heights

Dine in style and enjoy indescribable views of the Bund.
Lazy Saturdays

Xintiandi

Cobbled walkways are lined with coffee shops, trendy boutiques and restaurants, often housed in refurbished colonial buildings. Great specials, live music and happy hours tempt visitors during the week.
Shanghai Icons

The Pearl Tower

The observatory deck offers panoramic city views; a wonderful museum in the basement depicts Shanghai's history. Expect long lines during holidays and weekends!
Temples

Jingan Temple

Don't miss this large temple in the heart of the city - reconstructed several times during its history.
Shanghai Icons

The Bund (Wai Tan)

A newly extended pedestrian walkway, views of colonial architecture AND flashy new sky scrapers and residential lofts across the Huangpu River - no wonder this is a tourist favorite!
Skyscrapers

Jinmao Tower

Worth visiting to see one of the tallest atriums in the world - absolutely breathtaking!
Museums

Shanghai Propoganda Poster Art Center

Displays a collection of fascinating propaganda posters from the cultural revolution.
Night Life

Salsa Nights

Salsa nights take place at different venues every night of the week. Not a dancer? Just listen to live Latino bands play and witness the energetic scene!
Restaurants

Di Shui Dong

A fun place to dine on very reasonably priced spicy Chinese food - ideally with a big group of friends!
Parks

Century Park

The largest park in Shanghai, boasting beautiful gardens and walkways. Hire a bike for two or watch locals practicing martial arts and traditional dance.
Temples

Jade Buddha Temple

When visiting one of Shanghai's few Buddhist temples, tick off The Hall of Heavenly Kings, Great Treasure Hall, 10,000 Buddhas Hall and both the Jade and the Reclining Buddha!
Festivals

The Shanghai Literary Festival

Dozens of seminars given by influential speakers and authors from all over the world. Also a great way to expand your library here in Shanghai is to buy from their make shift shop.
'To Do' Classics

ERA - intersection of time

How about a multi-million dollar show where motorcycle stunts, acrobats and aerial dance meet ceramic pot tossing - expect Chinese symbolism with modern flair!
Museums

The Urban Planning Museum

Shanghai's 5 year city plans on show - including a display of every single building planned to be standing twenty years into the future.
Night Life

Cloud 9 Bar

You must make your way to the highest bar in the world for a delicious cocktail in an intimate and chic environment.
Parks

Zhongshan Park

We recommend this spot for a stroll on a breezy, summer evening - if enjoying the lush gardens isn't relaxing enough why not try boating?
Shanghai Icons

The Pedestrian Street (Nanjing Dong Lu)

Best experienced at night, the shops and restaurants draw the crowds to this high energy street!
'To Do' Classics

Huangpu River Cruise

Dine on the Huangpu River in style, on a triple decker dragon boat.
Lazy Saturdays

The French Concession

Winding, leafy European style streets lead to boutiques, parks and historically significant residences and cafes.
'To Do' Classics

Chinese Opera

Check out one of the most popular Chinese performing art forms live at theaters throughout the city.
Skyscrapers

Shanghai World Financial Center

Want to visit the highest observation deck and hotel in the world? You're in luck!
Restaurants

Element Fresh

If it's detox time then join the other expats here for a weekend brunch - or one of their fantastic salads!