Zhabei Travel Guide

Discover all the must-see attractions, exciting activities, and cultural experiences in Zhabei with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip now!


Introduction to Zhabei

Zhabei is one of the 18 districts in Shanghai, located in the northern part of the city. The district boasts a rich cultural history, beautiful natural landscapes and a thriving urban atmosphere. From historical landmarks to modern attractions, Zhabei has something for everyone to enjoy.

List of Places to Visit in Zhabei

Here’s a list of the top places to visit during your trip to Zhabei:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Shanghai Natural History Museum: Explore a vast collection of over 290,000 specimens from the natural world, including ancient fossils.
  2. Wusong Military Fort: Located at the mouth of the Wusong River, this fortress has a rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
  3. Hongkou Park: A scenic public park that contains beautiful gardens, a lake, and historical monuments.

Natural Attractions of Zhabei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Gongqing Forest Park: The largest park in the district, Gongqing Forest Park covers an area of 400 hectares and is home to beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and rare plants.
  2. Jing’an Sculpture Park: An open-air park that features more than 70 sculptures by famous Chinese and international artists.
  3. Suzhou Creek: A scenic waterway that runs through the city and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zhabei

  1. Changbai Mountain Hiking Trail: A popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the district’s natural beauty.
  2. Moganshan Road Bicycle Path: A scenic bike trail that runs along the river and through picturesque neighborhoods.

Best Things to Do in Zhabei: Activities and Tours

  1. Huangpu River Night Cruise: Enjoy the stunning city skyline as you cruise down the Huangpu River at night.
  2. Shanghai Circus World: Experience a thrilling acrobatic performance that showcases the skills and culture of China.
  3. Zhabei Stadium: Home to the Shanghai Shenhua football team, this stadium is a great place to catch a game and experience the local sports culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zhabei

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Zhabei:

Day Activities
1 Visit Shanghai Natural History Museum and Jing’an Sculpture Park
2 Explore Wusong Military Fort and Hongkou Park
3 Enjoy a Huangpu River Night Cruise and explore the city’s nightlife
4 Take a day trip to Moganshan Road Bicycle Path
5 Visit Gongqing Forest Park and Suzhou Creek
6 Experience a thrilling acrobatic performance at Shanghai Circus World
7 Catch a game at Zhabei Stadium and explore the local sports culture

Food and Drink Scene of Zhabei

No trip to Zhabei is complete without trying the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Xiaolongbao: A steamed bun filled with hot soup and meat.
  2. Cong You Bing: A savory pancake made with scallions and sesame oil.
  3. Da Zha Xie: Steamed hairy crab from nearby Yangcheng Lake.

Local Beverages

  1. Soy Milk: An iconic breakfast drink in Shanghai made with soybeans.
  2. Baijiu: A traditional Chinese alcohol made from grains.

Where to Stay in Zhabei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options available in Zhabei. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area:

  1. Crowne Plaza Shanghai: A luxurious hotel with modern amenities.
  2. Renaissance Shanghai Zhabei Hotel: A stylish hotel with a fitness center and spa.
  3. Captain Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of the city.

What to Buy in Zhabei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Silk Products: China is known for its silk, and Zhabei offers plenty of opportunities to purchase silk garments and products.
  2. Tea: Shanghai is famous for its tea, and Zhabei has several markets that sell high-quality tea leaves.
  3. Snacks: Zhabei has many street vendors selling delicious snacks like Sheng Jian Bao and Jian Bing.

Local Culture and Customs of Zhabei

The locals in Zhabei are warm and friendly. Chinese culture is rich and diverse, so it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Zhabei

The best time to visit Zhabei is in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zhabei

Do:

  1. Learn a few key phrases in Chinese.
  2. Dress appropriately for the weather and cultural norms.
  3. Try local cuisine and participate in cultural activities.

Don’t:

  1. Speak too loudly or rudely in public.
  2. Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  3. Touch historical artifacts or climb on monuments.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zhabei

Zhabei is a safe district to explore, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in Zhabei

It’s recommended that travelers to China receive a set of vaccinations before arrival. The tap water in China is not safe to drink, so it’s important to only drink bottled water or boiled water.

Getting to Zhabei: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Zhabei, including:

Airports Near Zhabei

  1. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport: Located about 13.5 km away from Zhabei.
  2. Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Located about 43.7 km away from Zhabei.

Bus Stations Near Zhabei

  1. Shanghai Railway Station: Located in Zhabei.
  2. Shanghai South Railway Station: Located about 10 km away from Zhabei.

Other Options

  1. Subway: There are several subway lines that run through Zhabei, making it easy to get around.
  2. Taxi: Taxis are plentiful in Shanghai, but it’s important to only use licensed taxis.

How to Get Around in Zhabei

There are several ways to get around Zhabei, including:

  1. Subway: There are several subway lines that run through Zhabei, making it easy to get around.
  2. Bus: There are many bus routes that pass through Zhabei.
  3. Taxi: Taxis are plentiful in Zhabei and are an affordable way to get around.

Where to Go Next from Zhabei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. The Bund: Located in the center of Shanghai, The Bund is a popular tourist destination with stunning views of the skyline.
  2. Yuyuan Garden: A traditional Chinese garden located in the Old City of Shanghai.
  3. Zhujiajiao Water Town: A picturesque water town located about 50 km away from Shanghai.

Conclusion

Zhabei is a district in Shanghai that offers a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With plenty of attractions, activities, and cuisine options, Zhabei is a great place to explore and experience the best of China.

Position in Shanghai Position in Shanghai Locomotive outside Railway Museum Locomotive outside Railway Museum Oriental Pearl Tower Oriental Pearl Tower