Karen. You’ve traveled everywhere and done it all. We are visiting Shanghai in May. What are the “must see” attractions and “must do” day trips?
A very good day tour is to Suzhou, a little commercial but still lovely village with tree lined canals with boat tours and traditional architecture. I heard Zhujiajiao water town is worth the visit, but I didn’t go there. For day trips, I heartily recommend Newman Tours French Concession tour; Untour Shanghai food tour (street food); Shopping Tours Shanghai. Be sure to go to the Bund in the early morning to see everything from groups doing taichi and young people flying kites (a favorite Chinese pastime) to bronze statues of revered figures from recent Chinese history. Plus, you get a view of the iconic Shanghai skyline. The Peninsula Shanghai has the Peninsula Academy that offers experiences. I did the excellent art tour. You might check out Xintiandi fashion mall. They have shops from emerging local designers. There are several others including Shanghai chic, an afternoon with a local fashion designer. Wish I were going with you…it’s one of my favorite places!