Shanghai Old City

Why Shanghai Old City is special
Shanghai Old City is visually charming despite its touristy character on weekends. Unlike in central Shanghai where many old buildings were demolished to make room for modern skyscrapers, those in Shanghai Old City were preserved or reconstructed.

Top 4 must-sees in Shanghai Old City

• Main square
  Walk through the picturesque main square (see photo).
  
• Huxington Tea House
  Have tea inside it (see left side of photo). This two story pavilion sits over a large goldfish pond and is reached via zigzag bridges. Go upstairs - it has a better ambiance.
  
• Yuyuan Garden
  It's a reconstructed classical Chinese garden that was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It has attractive Chinese pavilions, ponds, bridges and outdoor corridors.
  
• Bazaar
  This is touristy but well worth exploring. Its tightly packed shops line a narrow street near the Old City's main square. What makes this bazaar appealing is that each shop specializes. For instance, one sells only chopsticks.

When to come
Visit Shanghai Old City on workdays to avoid the weekend pedestrian traffic jams. If you can only go on a weekend, go early in the morning.

Description
Perhaps the best way to describe Shanghai Old City in a single sentence is to quote a Western photographer who told me, "It resembles a Chinatown back home, but a lot more authentic and photogenic."

Dining
Lu Bo Lang is the most authentic and one of the best restaurants in Shanghai Old City. It serves traditional Shanghai dishes, including hairy crab (seasonal) and soup dumplings. For the best dining atmosphere, eat in one of the small rooms on the second floor.

Antiques
You might wish to visit a couple of interesting antique markets that are conveniently located near Shanghai Old City.