It is possible to see many major sites in Shanghai for free. Join me as I visit several locations in and around People's Square in the middle of Shanghai. I visit the Shanghai Museum, the Marriott Hotel (as an observation deck), The Race Club / History Museum, The Grand Theatre, Park Hotel and People's Park, all for free.
The Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art, situated on the People's Square in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, China. Rebuilt at its current location in 1996, it is considered one of China's first world-class modern museums and famous for its large collection of rare cultural pieces. The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, minority art and foreign art. The Shanghai Museum houses several items of national importance, including one of three extant specimens of a "transparent" bronze mirror from the Han Dynasty.
Park Hotel (simplified Chinese: 国际饭店; traditional Chinese: 國際飯店; pinyin: Guójì Fàndìan; lit. 'International Hotel'), historically the Shanghai Joint Savings Society Building, is an Art Deco hotel on Nanjing Road West, Shanghai, China. It was the tallest building in Asia from its completion in 1934 to 1963.
It was built as a competitor for the Cathay Hotel. The building was designed by the Hungarian-Slovakian architect László Hudec in March 1931 and construction was completed in December 1934. The building is 83.8 metres tall and contains 22 stories above ground and another 2 stories underground. Built by Voh Kee Construction Company, the piling project was finished by a Danish Company established by Corrit.
Strongly inspired by the American Radiator Building, it is among the well known building from Hudec in Shanghai. It remained the tallest building in China until 1966, and in Shanghai until 1983.
The Shanghai Race Club was a horse racing club located in Shanghai, China.
Tim Chambers explores Shanghai's People's Square, visiting museums and iconic buildings for free, creating an unforgettable budget-friendly adventure.
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Tim Chambers explores the heart of Shanghai, uncovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks without spending a dime. From the Shanghai Museum's ancient treasures to the breathtaking views from the JW Marriott Hotel, Tim's journey is filled with surprising discoveries and cultural immersion. He navigates bustling streets, interacts with locals, and reveals the magic of Shanghai's free attractions. This is a must-watch for budget travelers seeking an authentic Shanghai experience.
Tim Chambers explores Shanghai's People's Square, visiting museums, parks and iconic hotels for free, proving that budget travel can be luxurious.
Shanghai Exploration: Free People's Square & Museum Visit
Explore Shanghai's iconic People's Square without spending a dime! Tim Chambers takes you on a free tour, showcasing the Shanghai Museum's ancient Chinese art collection, offering stunning views from the Marriott Hotel, and delving into history at the Shanghai Race Club. He also visits the architectural marvel, Park Hotel, and the serene People's Park. This budget-friendly adventure reveals Shanghai's hidden gems, proving that luxury doesn't always mean breaking the bank.
Attractions in this video: Shanghai Museum, Peoples Square, Peoples Park, Marriott Hotel, Park Hotel, Shanghai History Museum, Grand Theatre, Nanjing Road
Shanghai Random Bus; Line 178 to Botanical Gardens and Longhua Pagoda
More about the current video:(Published on 2023-03-21)
This video by Tim Chambers showcases a budget-friendly exploration of Shanghai, focusing on free attractions around People's Square. He begins at People's Square itself, highlighting its pristine condition as the center of Shanghai's government. Tim details how to access free museums and government buildings using QR codes, a process he demonstrates at the Shanghai Museum.
He then explores the museum's extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, including ceramics, jades, and traditional clothing. While a special exhibition featuring masterpieces from the National Gallery in London was ticketed, Tim's focus remains on the free aspects of the museum. He emphasizes the ease of access and the relatively low hassle factor involved.
Next, Tim visits the JW Marriott Hotel, using its observation deck for stunning views of People's Square, People's Park, the Shanghai Race Club building, the Park Hotel, Nanjing Road, and other landmarks. He provides insightful commentary on the city's architecture and urban planning, showcasing the unique blend of old and new.
The Shanghai History Museum, housed in the former Shanghai racetrack headquarters, is another free destination. Tim explores its five floors, highlighting the preserved horsehead motifs and a classic rickshaw, a testament to Shanghai's history. The rooftop offers yet another perspective of People's Square, adding to the overall experience.
Tim then visits the Park Hotel, an Art Deco masterpiece designed by László Hudec. He explores the lobby, admiring its original Art Deco style and briefly mentioning the afternoon tea and lobby bar. He notes the hotel's historical significance as the tallest building in Shanghai until 1982.
The video concludes with a visit to People's Park, contrasting its less formal atmosphere with People's Square. Tim observes the unique phenomenon of parents displaying information about their children for dating purposes, a cultural aspect that adds a unique layer to his exploration. He finishes his journey on Nanjing Road, considering a short land train ride towards the Bund for the next episode. Throughout the video, Tim emphasizes the affordability of his Shanghai experience, showcasing that a rich cultural immersion is achievable on a limited budget.
