People's Square & East Nanjing Road

Although the subway station has 20 exits and is more than confusing for a foreigner, once you find People's Square and Park, there are many things to do. Enjoy the greenery that most of the city is missing and make your way over to the conveniently air-conditioned Shanghai Museum. You can't miss the museum; it is shaped like a ding, a Chinese food vessel, and has a massive fountain near the entrance. Entrance to the museum is free, and the exhibits are laid out efficiently on four stories so that you can easily see every exhibit hall in a couple of hours. These spectacular exhibits include masks, jade artifacts, seals, calligraphy, painting, ceramics and more. Once you have had your fill of Chinese history, walk a short way to East Nanjing Road. This vast pedestrian mall is packed at all hours of the day. Find an intimate Chinese place to eat, or treat your nostalgia to Western food. Shopping here is expensive but "the real deal" if you are looking for jewelry, sportswear or any kind of fashion.

Tibetan masks are one of many interesting artifacts on display at the Shanghai Museum. [Daniel Byrnes/China.org.cn]