10 Things You MUST Do 2015 In Shanghai
Just about half way into January, so the New Year Resolutions mood is still going strong in most of us - eat less, exercise more, stop wallowing in bed and get out of the house!
Quick before it fades, mark these events down in your calender. When the laziness sets in in a bit, hopefully seeing these little notes will guilt-trip us into doing something more small talk-worthy with our lives.
Entertainment & Recreational
12015 Disneyland Shanghai Opening
Address: Chuansha New Town, Pudong New District
The Shanghai Disneyland Resort is set to finish construction on Jan 30, and will chug full-speed into the second phase of development, consisting of trial runs and maintenance work. The earliest expected date of their grand opening is predicted to fall some time around the October holidays, which really can be good or bad news, depending on how you feel about tourists and crowds.
2Hello Kitty Park Officially Opened
Address: 1 Tianshi Da Dao, Anji County, Zhejiang
If you're into the popular Sanrio character, then hurrah for you. The Hello Kitty Resort just recently opened to the public during the first week of January, and has so far been drawing massive crowds. It's divided into 6 main areas, including a magical forest and musical village. If you haven't been, it's worth planning a weekend trip out just to drown yourself in all the pink fluffy kawaii-ness.
35 Parks Free To Public
Address: Qingpu District, Songjiang District, Minhang District, Chongming District, Jiading District
The Shanghai City Planning Bureau has been scouting out 21 locations as possible sites for the construction of suburban parks. Amongst those, the Qingpu, Songjiang, Minhang, Chongming, and Jiading districts have been selected as initial trial runs for this program. Work is expected to be completed in the year 2015, and the public will be able to enter for free then.
Culture & Arts
4“Van Gogh Alive" Hitting Shanghai
Address: Taipinghu Park, Xintiandi, Huangpu District
Van Gogh Alive, a multi-sensory travelling exhibition is set to reach Shanghai's shore this coming April, staying for a total of four months. The show will feature more than 3 000 images, a dedication to the life and work of the renowned Dutch artist, promising to "immerse visitors in his world". It will run from April 28 – August 30, and will coincide with the Shanghai International Arts Festival.
5Shanghai Museum Of Natural History Re-Opens
Address: 128 Shimen Er Lu, Jing'an District
The second quarter of 2015 sees the Shanghai Museum of Natural History officially re-opened to the public. It will display up to 11 000 specimens, a large majority of which will be moved over from the old annex. For those that have visited the old museum, this will be a good opportunity to relive some childhood memories.
6Eslite Bookstore - Shanghai's Highest Bookstore
Address: 52-53/F + B1/F Shanghai Center
Taiwan's famed bookstore chain Eslite Bookstore is finally reaching Shanghai, taking up three levels of the Shanghai Center – the B1 level plus the 52nd - 53rd floors. It's large and spacious, allocating dedicated reading areas, service zones and more. Covering roughly 6 500 sqm in area, it will be Shanghai's highest bookstore.
Shopping
7Shaun The Sheep At THE PLACE
Address: 100 Zunyi Lu, Changning District
The UK's beloved lamb personality, Shaun the Sheep is appearing in Changning District's THE PLACE. Families should take the opportunity to bring their kids over for a meet and photo-op. There will also be a range of other activities like cupcakes DIY sessions, farm-style sports meet, Shaun the Sheep musicals, and more.
836 New Malls Gearing Up For Openings
Address: Pudong New Area, Jiading District, Baoshan District, Qingpu District
Shanghai city is looking to see 36 new mall openings this year, among which the Pudong New Area will see a grand total of 10 (the most out of any other districts). A large part is due to the opening of the Disney resort, which is paving the way for other commercial businesses in immediate vicinities. Always room for more shopping hey?
9Shanghai Center In Operation
Address: Z4-1 Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone
Mid of 2015 will see China's tallest (and the world's second tallest) building officially in operation. The viewing decks on the 118th - 119th floors directly overlook the peaks of the Oriental Pearl and the Shanghai World Financial Center. The building is also housing an 18m/second elevator that will see guests shooting up to the 118th floor in as little as a minute.
10China's Largest Outlet Opening
Address: Jiangzhenhuachau Lu, Pudong New Area
China's largest outlet mall is opening on Jan 22, located in between the Pudong International Airport and the soon-to-be-opened Disneyland Resort. Built with a firm nod towards the styles of an Italian village, it will see over 200 well-known international brands dotted throughout the area, and will be situated within walking distance from metro line 2 Yuandong Avenue station. Retail prices will drop as low as 70% off, shopaholics take note!