How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Puxi, China

1. Temple of Heaven

A historic complex used for imperial rituals. Avoid peak hours to dodge crowds and long lines.

Timing: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon
Guides: Opt for self-guided tour instead of paid guides
Local Eateries: Avoid street food stalls near the temple, explore surrounding areas for authentic dining options

Famous waterfront area with beautiful architecture. Beat the crowds by exploring nearby lanes and alleys.

Alleyways: Explore Tianzifang and Feng Huang Miao for unique shops and local art
Time of Day: Visit in the evening to see the buildings illuminated
Photography Spots: Find lesser-known vantage points for stunning views and fewer tourists

Classic Chinese garden with beautiful architecture. Avoid the main entrance to find quieter areas.

Upscale shopping and dining district. Beat the crowds by exploring off-hours or lesser-known streets.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during the day instead of evenings for a quieter experience
Local Eateries: Explore hidden alleys for local street food options
Alternative Attractions: Consider nearby attractions like Tianzifang or Fuxing Park

One of the largest aquariums in the world. Avoid peak hours by visiting early or late.

Timing: Visit during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to avoid crowds
Fast Pass: Consider purchasing a fast pass to skip the lines
Local Restaurants: Explore surrounding areas for authentic dining options

Tallest building in China. Avoid lines by booking tickets online.

Tranquil temple with jade statues. Avoid the crowd by visiting early in the day.

Busy shopping street with big brands. Beat the crowds by exploring side streets.

Side Streets: Explore hidden alleys for local shops and street food
Time of Day: Visit during the day instead of evenings for a quieter experience
Alternative Attractions: Consider nearby attractions like The Bund or People's Square

Spacious park in the heart of the city. Avoid crowds by visiting during off-peak hours.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to avoid crowds
Local Eateries: Explore surrounding areas for local street food options
Alternative Attractions: Consider nearby attractions like Shanghai Art Museum or Nanjing Road

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Avoid the crowd by visiting during off-peak hours.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to avoid crowds
Local Eateries: Explore surrounding areas for local street food options
Guides: Opt for a self-guided tour to explore at your own pace

Major museum showcasing ancient Chinese art. Avoid the crowd by visiting during off-peak hours.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to avoid crowds
Fast Pass: Consider purchasing a fast pass to skip the lines
Local Eateries: Explore surrounding areas for local street food options

Large market selling antiques and collectibles. Avoid the crowd by visiting during off-peak hours.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to avoid crowds
Bargaining: Be prepared to bargain for the best price
Local Eateries: Explore surrounding areas for local street food options

Artsy neighborhood with shops and restaurants. Avoid the crowd by visiting during off-peak hours.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to avoid crowds
Alleyways: Explore hidden alleyways for unique shops and local art
Local Eateries: Explore the neighborhood for local street food options

Large park with gardens and statues. Avoid the crowd by visiting during off-peak hours.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to avoid crowds
Local Eateries: Explore surrounding areas for local street food options
Alternative Attractions: Consider nearby attractions like Xintiandi or Shanghai Museum

Colorful complex of shops and restaurants. Avoid the crowd by exploring off-hours.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during the day instead of evenings for a quieter experience
Alleyways: Explore hidden alleyways for unique shops and local art
Local Eateries: Explore the complex for local street food options