If you go to Shanghai you should definitely take a tour of the old town, Nanshi. From the Bund it is about 1km on foot but can also be easily reached by metro by getting off at the stop YuYuan Garden.
There are four "pagoda doors" that allow access to the neighborhood which is largely rebuilt and structured "for tourists" but, not for this, it loses its charm. If you enter, you will immediately find yourself inside the YuYuan Bazaar, it is a flea market where you can find all kinds of junk, jewelry and cute accessories made of jade, pearl necklaces, as well as many shops and boutiques that will offer you silk and cashmere scarves. Bargaining in this area is a must (propose a tenth of the price and proceed by raising a little until you reach the desired price) and, if you have the doubt that in some boutiques it is not possible, try to go out thanking but saying (with gestures) that the proposed price is too high, they will stop you to make you a special discount "just for you". Turning on the Lao Jie you will also find the five-storey market of Cang Bao Lou, less frequented by tourists and decidedly less inviting, but maybe you can find some gems.
In this area there are also many strange temples, beautiful and interesting. On average, access to them costs 10RMB (about € 1,20). Immediately next to the YuYuan Bazaar is the Temple of the town God, Buddhist and Taoist, the most beautiful of the temples I have visited. On the Dajing Lu you will find the Baiyun Temple, Taoist, and a little further on the Dajing Tower which is the only original remnant of the old city walls. Returning then to Wenmiao Rd here is the homonymous Wen Miao Temple, Confucian. Finally, on Jiujxiaochang Jie you can visit the Englewood Nunnery, a Buddhist temple that houses particular Buddha figures. The particularity of this area, in addition to the much wider distances than expected, lies in its contrasts. In fact, apparently ultra-urban and modern streets alternate with suggestive temples, bazaars, and very poor alleys.
Near the Renmin Lu there are also the Antiques Market and immediately next to the Wangshang Bird & Flower Market which, as you will imagine, hosts exotic animals and flowers.
Returning then to the heart of the old city, you will find theHuxinting Chashi, the Pavilion of tea house on the lake. The lake is artificial and filled with wallowing golden carp. To get to the house you have to cross a curious path of rectangular stones placed in a zigzag (it seems they are placed like this to confuse the evil spirits who, as is well known, only go straight). Here you can observe the tea ceremony and have a tasting during which they will also offer you some strange Chinese snacks.
Next to this splendid house is one of the entrances to the beautiful Yu Gardens. I remind you that to access most of the attractions it is necessary present your passport so make sure you always have it with you.
